WOW Trail 1st Phase Dedication Set

[fatlazyless]

Originally Posted by flyguy

I don't think the major problems will only be trash, or swimming, or trespassing, or even crime. How 'bout having a half dozen loud motorcycles go through your back yard?

The Laconia Police seem to be very vigilant in enforcing the driving speed limits and driving laws such as the recently lowered 30-mph zone on Rt 3 just south of Weirs Beach out front of the Naswa. They have no problem stopping driving violators. As you may not know, the Laconia P.D. has officers on bicycles who patrol the WOW Trail and driving a motorcycle on a bicycle path is some type of a violation. For driving a motorcycle onto a 'no motorized vehicle' trail in the White Mt National Forest, one gets a $250 fine, first offense, according to the small print on the signs.

Here's something to ponder. There's supposedly a federal law, passed in 2002, that says that electric battery powered bicycles up to 750 watts, and 20 mph, are legally considered bicycles. And, for about $398, the Plymouth Wal-Mart sells both a pink & black-woman's, and a red & black-men's, e-zip electric bicycle. It's a steel frame, mountain bike style, hybrid, with the rider seated in an upright position and should attract older, and less athletically inclined peddlers. They look exactly like a bicycle and one has to look pretty close to notice the electric motor, and battery. So, what's the official, un-official status for riding electric bicycles like this on the WOW Trail? Anybody know?

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Here's something to ponder. There's supposedly a federal law, passed in 2002, that says that electric battery powered bicycles up to 750 watts, and 20 mph, are legally considered bicycles. It's a steel frame, mountain bike style, hybrid, with the rider seated in an upright position and should attract older, and less athletically inclined peddlers. They look exactly like a bicycle and one has to look pretty close to notice the electric motor, and battery. So, what's the official, un-official status for riding electric bicycles like this on the WOW Trail? Anybody know?

I'm guessing it's a no go, but you can e-mail them here. Please let us know what they say.

The WOW Trail will be a 4-season trail opened to non-motorized uses such as walking, running/jogging, bicycle riding and cross country skiing.

[DJS-Laconia]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

Here's something to ponder. There's supposedly a federal law, passed in 2002, that says that electric battery powered bicycles up to 750 watts, and 20 mph, are legally considered bicycles. And, for about $398, the Plymouth Wal-Mart sells both a pink & black-woman's, and a red & black-men's, e-zip electric bicycle. It's a steel frame, mountain bike style, hybrid, with the rider seated in an upright position and should attract older, and less athletically inclined peddlers. They look exactly like a bicycle and one has to look pretty close to notice the electric motor, and battery. So, what's the official, un-official status for riding electric bicycles like this on the WOW Trail? Anybody know?

fatlazyless.... Honestly. How many times do you see yourself using this bike path? You are already pondering electric bikes to shuttle your fatlazyless a** back and forth to Lobster Pound. You just like to hear yourself!!! Are you an Ex committee member of someone thrown off of a board. You love to stir the pot.
The state doesn't benefit from these paths. The town doesn't benefit from the path. It is a headache waiting to happen. There is already graffiti on some of the walls they installed and the fences are already broken in some spots.

Waste of Money...

[trfour]

For or Against, it's happen'in. http://citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art...651/-1/CITIZEN



Terry
__________________________

[fatlazyless]

It's known as the Federal Electric Bicycle Law - HR 727, and it's an amendment to the U.S. Consumer Protection Act and here's a link http://www.x-tremescooters.com/techd...regulation.pdf If you google 'Federal Electric Bicycle Law - HR 727' and go to Wikipedia it has a lot of info. It was passed in 2002, from what I read, and for the law to apply, the bicycle must have fully operational peddles, which means peddles that can be peddled, which would definatley seem to exclude electric scooters, because the scooters do not have any peddles. Okey-dokey!

How will it make any difference to the WOW Trail? Could be it will encourage some older peddlers to go bicycling as an electric bike can be either peddled or motored or both, depending on the hills and terrain. Could be that electric bikes are somewhat similar to training wheels for young kids just learning to peddle, except it's more for older folks or slightly physically challenged riders. An electric bike can be thought to be a normal bicycle that has a little helper motor just in case the hill is too steep, or the ride is too long. It's not a high powered, super-duper fast bicycle.....not at all.....more like your 99-year old great granny & great grandpa's gentle ride.

[trfour]

Getting our youth involved in a more healthful lifestyle that includes exercise. It's a Win Win for Winni!
Read about it; http://citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art...934/-1/CITIZEN

There will be entertainment and healthy refreshments as well as informational displays presented by several groups, including the WOW Trail, Healthy and Active Living-NH, New Beginnings and the federal Women, Infants and Children program

Then get off the couch and help, instead of bellyaching about it!



Terry
_____________________________

[trfour]

From the Citizen; http://citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art...927/-1/CITIZEN



Terry
_____________________________

[trfour]

From the Citizen, July 27 2010.

http://citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art...917/-1/CITIZEN



Terry
___________________________________

[fatlazyless]

Here's looking forward to seeing Laconia City Councillor Armand Bolduc out peddling his bicycle on the WOW Trail. Three cheers for Armand....he's finally done seen that glowing, sun-shiney light down at the end of the Laconia WOW trail....and he must like what he sees because he just changed his opinion and VOTED YES to Laconia's latest WOW TRAIL voting decision.

Thankyou ARMAND!

[SAMIAM]

We walked the WOW trail recently. It was a beautiful day in the low 80's and we only passed 8 or ten people.....mostly walking, saw two people on bikes. We noticed that all of the people on the Lakeport side of the trail have lost access to the lake because of the fence.
I'd be in favor of the trail if it were not for the fence. Dosen't seem right to deny lake access to all of the people in Lakeport and Southdown residents who bought their retirement home without knowing that the trail and fence were coming.
Seems like a lot of money for the few people who will be biking the trail.

[no-engine]

NOW All, if a buyer's legal advisor (attorney researching title &...) failed to learn that there exists a right of way (if I have the correct phrase) along the railroad bed and adjacent sewer line, shame on she/he, as they represent the buyer!

I find it hard to believe that the legality of the right of way was not discussed and known, by the buyers. They do not have exclusive rights.

For at least 25 years, I have used the "trail" from about Meredith Rail Road Station to the Weirs at all times of year: bicycling, walking, x-c skiing, snow shoeing, walking dog in winter, and so on. I was never asked or troubled (people said HI) by residences at Lake Shore Road, Neal Shore Road, Grouse Point (I was there before any development began), Needle Eye Roads, Meredith, and Scenic Drive, to Lakeside Ave., Laconia, and even minimal times parking on Elm Street to x-c ski on Laconia Country Club and proceeding along the tracks within SouthDown Shores. I was never approached and told I could not be there. All users had respect for another, even the snow machine people on the Meredith sections, when encountered!
Therefore, I ask, why can't people just live with it? "JUST DO IT!" Nike.

[trfour]

Originally Posted by no-engine

NOW All, if a buyer's legal advisor (attorney researching title &...) failed to learn that there exists a right of way (if I have the correct phrase) along the railroad bed and adjacent sewer line, shame on she/he, as they represent the buyer!

I find it hard to believe that the legality of the right of way was not discussed and known, by the buyers. They do not have exclusive rights.

For at least 25 years, I have used the "trail" from about Meredith Rail Road Station to the Weirs at all times of year: bicycling, walking, x-c skiing, snow shoeing, walking dog in winter, and so on. I was never asked or troubled (people said HI) by residences at Lake Shore Road, Neal Shore Road, Grouse Point (I was there before any development began), Needle Eye Roads, Meredith, and Scenic Drive, to Lakeside Ave., Laconia, and even minimal times parking on Elm Street to x-c ski on Laconia Country Club and proceeding along the tracks within SouthDown Shores. I was never approached and told I could not be there. All users had respect for another, even the snow machine people on the Meredith sections, when encountered!
Therefore, I ask, why can't people just live with it? "JUST DO IT!" Nike.

Absolutely, no-engine!!

Get some great exercise along the way. This is one of the best ventures that Laconia and the surrounding towns could ever get involved with.

Some of us are left, what survived the early days of ' Flash Gordon ', when Radio an TV would glue us to our couches!

We are more responsible today, ' I would hope ', to take the weight off from the couch, and put it up write back onto our feet to give us in sort of a get'along that was more intended for us, in the first place!

Short story, I think that the WOW TRAIL is going in the right direction..

Keeps one, young... And it will help you too!
______________________________________________

[jkjoshuatree]

Originally Posted by trfour

Absolutely, no-engine!!

Get some great exercise along the way. This is one of the best ventures that Laconia and the surrounding towns could ever get involved with.

Some of us are left, what survived the early days of ' Flash Gordon ', when Radio an TV would glue us to our couches!

We are more responsible today, ' I would hope ', to take the weight off from the couch, and put it up write back onto our feet to give us in sort of a get'along that was more intended for us, in the first place!

Short story, I think that the WOW TRAIL is going in the right direction..

Keeps one, young... And it will help you too!
______________________________________________

Just a quick little statistic for everyone; this is the first time in the HISTORY of mankind that our children have shorter life expectancies than their parents due to the obesity epidemic in our country.

Ten years ago, 1 in 11 kids was overweight. Today that figure is 1 in 3!

I personally think anytime a town/community does something to promote health/fitness it's a good thing.

Getting off my soapbox now.

[Shore Driver]

I ran the WOW as part of a 6+ mile loop recently. Added greatly to the enjoyment of the run and it kept me away from would have been an annoyingly traffic-filled portion of town.

Really looking forward to Phase II as it will include a nice scenic portion alongside Winnisquam towards the Mosquito Bridge.

[joey2665]

You can try to make this into and obesity and exercise issue all you want (I think that is a ridiculous argument) it is just a mascarade. The real issue here is that for anyone that lives along the trail and Rail Road will now have a cyclone fence between themselves and the lake especially if phase three is completed as this is where most of the homes impacted by the trail are located (how estetically pleasing can it be to have a fence obstructing a view of the lake whether public or private property).

Right now phase one is hiden behind mostly commercial building wait until phase to and three when many more passers by will be able to see the fence from the street. I think the trail will actually become a deterant and by they way reduce home values on the lake which will then result in lower assessed values and lower real estate taxes to the city.

Also, I dont think it is right to deny people that have lake access to cut it off in the name of an exercise trail. Many people walk and run beside the tracks and lake the way it exists now there is no need for a change.

In full disclosure I have a house in Long Bay and it will effect my lake access and no one from my broker, attorney or title company informed me that someday this might be a issue as I expect with most people (old and new) that have lake access.

I also beleive that over time the fence will become an eye soar as it rusts and deteriorates because as we all know as goverment funds get tight these types of projects are the first to have funds pulled.

Arent ther more pressing issue related to the lake that fund should be used for than a trail. How about the ever increasing Millfoil issue for one thing?

[fatlazyless]

Here's a thought; there are fences and then again, there are other fences, with some fences allowing a greater degree of "see through" than others. Hopefully, the engineer who designs the five foot high fence will be mindfull that the abutter homeowner wants to keep their waterfront view and can plan for a fence with a lot of transparancy.

Hey, if the U.S. could send a man to the moon in July of 1969, then maybe the WOW Trail can find a mostly transparent fence that is attractive and acceptable to opposing factions on both sides of the fence.

Here's my two cents.....how about an all clear plastic-translucent & almost totally transparent chain link, constructed from recyled, clear, ground-up old shower curtains and water bottles and refabricated into a see-through chain link. Just picture that.....W.O.W. ....what a view!

How about that ski area, snow fencing, that's usually orange.....could be that's available in clear-see-through? Not such a hot idea....ok...how about planting tomato vines to pretty up the fence and just get used to it? It's only five feet high, or four feet high or something....besides by planting tomato vines, the fence will grow on you over time! Besides, having a five foot high chain link fence all covered with tomato vines would increase the privacy from the prying eyes of bicyclers and pedestrians out using the trail. Who knows....maybe after the trail gets all built out, you'll be very happy to have a fence...and you'll wish for an even taller fence with that barbed wire on top?

[jetskier]

Fundamentally, the fence is an issue both from the standpoint of marring the frontage and intefereing with access to the shorefront. There are a number of busy cross points including marinas. To top things off, the fence will preclude some of the current recreational use...in the winter the tracks are part of the snowmobile trail system. That is going to be untenable with fencing. As a snowmobiler, I find that problematic.

So, the suggestion... Decide the use for the property without fences. Either there is a trail or a train. Not both. Without the train, the trail can be built along the current right of way without fencing. I don't think that most folks disapprove of the use, it is the fence that is a huge issue. Even a clear fence is going to be problematic (not to mention, extremely costly).

Alternatively, the trail could go around this portion of the bay. This is going to be extremely expensive to build along the shorefront as it will involve construction of bridges etc...

Jetskier

[fatlazyless]

Hey, how about an invisible fence just like for Barney the Basset Hound! Get too close to the invisible line and you get a good sharp electric jolt in your neck. Trail users would need to poney up twenty bucks or so to pay for their invisible fence-personal people collars.........ZAP!

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by jetskier

Fundamentally, the fence is an issue both from the standpoint of marring the frontage and intefereing with access to the shorefront. There are a number of busy cross points including marinas. To top things off, the fence will preclude some of the current recreational use...in the winter the tracks are part of the snowmobile trail system. That is going to be untenable with fencing. As a snowmobiler, I find that problematic.

So, the suggestion... Decide the use for the property without fences. Either there is a trail or a train. Not both. Without the train, the trail can be built along the current right of way without fencing. I don't think that most folks disapprove of the use, it is the fence that is a huge issue. Even a clear fence is going to be problematic (not to mention, extremely costly).

Alternatively, the trail could go around this portion of the bay. This is going to be extremely expensive to build along the shorefront as it will involve construction of bridges etc...

Jetskier

Jetskier I probably would have agreed with you three month ago but I do not know. I am in Long Bay and I opose anything that brings more traffic into our comminity.

My house was one of the homes burglarized recently and I had losses and damages exceeding 5000.00 and after speaking to the detective they stated that the criminals came in from and left via the rail road tracks.

A public trail that goes through our beautiful community although on the surface sounds great would only invite more ciminal activity especially during the off season.

[summersux]

Originally Posted by trfour

We are more responsible today, ' I would hope ', to take the weight off from the couch, and put it up write back onto our feet to give us in sort of a get'along that was more intended for us, in the first place!

Short story, I think that the WOW TRAIL is going in the right direction..

Keeps one, young... And it will help you too!
______________________________________________

Unfortunately not a lot of people will get what you are saying. The average American is fat, dumb and like it that way.

The WOW is going in the right direction every other touristy area I have lived in has a bike trail, some very extensive. When I lived in Colorado the bike trail was how I got to work as did many others. On the weekends family's were all over the trail riding to and from local businesses spending all kinds of money and I'm sure the local business owners are happy with that.

[windham17]

As a South Down resident I have no issue with the trail coming thruogh with the exception of any fence that would be created. There must be hunderds of homes with in South Down that all are paying high property taxes to Laconia. Thus, if the Wow trail isnt considerate of the needs of all the property owners I dont think there is any choice but to fight it. Hopefully a mutual solution can be worked out.

[jetskier]

As I have previously stated...if you want the trail, then suspend the operation of the train. The mixed use is the primary problem as safety is dictating that a fence separate the trail and the train. In addition, this portion of the trail will be exceedingly expensive as bridges will have to be built (ex: Pickerel Cove). The alternative is to just go through the woods...the exercise value is the same as along the shore.

I don't see a legal battle as being in the interest of the community (perhaps the lawyers) and a number of properties in SDS & Long Bay are taxed as though they are waterfront. With a fence, there is going to be significant abatement filings. Not good in this economy.

Just my 2 cents.

Jetskier

[summersux]

Originally Posted by jetskier

properties in SDS & Long Bay are taxed as though they are waterfront. With a fence, there is going to be significant abatement filings. Not good in this economy.

Just my 2 cents.

Jetskier

I can't find them, maybe because I'm slow. Could you give me map and lot number or name of a home owner in SDS that owns waterfront.

[jetskier]

If a property has a view of the water and access direct line of sight, Laconia has been taxing that property at a higher rate. That does not mean that the property actually is waterfront, it is just Laconia's way of increasing their taxes.
I used to have a condo with a distanced water view (and line of sight access) and my taxes were 50% higher than my neighbor that did not have the view.

Right now my lot is taxed at about 30% of smaller lots across the street with a water view and line of sight access.

Jetskier

[summersux]

Originally Posted by jetskier

That does not mean that the property actually is waterfront, it is just Laconia's way of increasing their taxes.
I used to have a condo with a distanced water view (and line of sight access) and my taxes were 50% higher than my neighbor that did not have the view.

Originally Posted by Shaq_d

Real cute, summersux. You pulled in the quote, but did you read it? It says 'taxed AS THOUGH they are waterfront.' No one is claiming to own the waterfront.

Got it thanks. Now we can compare values of houses of the same size but that own waterfront and see if they are taxed the same.

[Shaq_d]

Originally Posted by jetskier

properties in SDS & Long Bay are taxed as though they are waterfront. With a fence, there is going to be significant abatement filings. Not good in this economy.

Just my 2 cents.

Jetskier

Originally Posted by summersux

I can't find them, maybe because I'm slow. Could you give me map and lot number or name of a home owner in SDS that owns waterfront.

Real cute, summersux. You pulled in the quote, but did you read it? It says 'taxed AS THOUGH they are waterfront.' No one is claiming to own the waterfront.

[SAMIAM]

It's too bad that a little yankee common sense can't prevail.That train creeps along at 2 or 3 mph and presents no danger to anything......there is absolutely no reason for that fence except that somebody's lawyer wants it.
I don't think anyone objects to the bike path and most welcome it.There is something ugly and unnatural about a chain link fence

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by no-engine

NOW All, if a buyer's legal advisor (attorney researching title &...) failed to learn that there exists a right of way (if I have the correct phrase) along the railroad bed and adjacent sewer line, shame on she/he, as they represent the buyer!

I find it hard to believe that the legality of the right of way was not discussed and known, by the buyers. They do not have exclusive rights.

For at least 25 years, I have used the "trail" from about Meredith Rail Road Station to the Weirs at all times of year: bicycling, walking, x-c skiing, snow shoeing, walking dog in winter, and so on. I was never asked or troubled (people said HI) by residences at Lake Shore Road, Neal Shore Road, Grouse Point (I was there before any development began), Needle Eye Roads, Meredith, and Scenic Drive, to Lakeside Ave., Laconia, and even minimal times parking on Elm Street to x-c ski on Laconia Country Club and proceeding along the tracks within SouthDown Shores. I was never approached and told I could not be there. All users had respect for another, even the snow machine people on the Meredith sections, when encountered!
Therefore, I ask, why can't people just live with it? "JUST DO IT!" Nike.

It's the ugly fence that cuts off the lakeshore and WILL fall into total disrepair in a couple of years that most people are opposed to.

[fatlazyless]

Originally Posted by no-engine

For at least 25 years, I have used the "trail" from about Meredith Rail Road Station to the Weirs at all times of year:

Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems like this Meredith to Laconia section of railroad & existing gravel access road that parallels the single track would have a seasonal view out to the lake. With the trees all leafy, the views would be very limited. With the winter view, it would be a good wide-open view out to the lake.

Also, the Meredith Bay vacation home development, formerly Akwa Soliel has waterfront condos for sale right on the water and existing railroad track just north of the Weirs. Who knows, it's up to the individual Meredith Bay condo owner, as to whether they are happy, or not happy, with a 10' wide, asphalt WOW Trail crossiing directly in front of their as yet to be constructed $600,000 proposed condo townhouses. It is located in the City of Laconia.

The WOW Trail seems to have picked up a lot of support in the last year including the federal government, state government, local city & local towns, local newspaper editorials, local hospital, local banks, and local residents. Everyone is lining up behind it.....maybe the U.S. Marines want to get on-board too and sound up the Marine Corps Band!

[MAXUM]

You've got to be kidding me, an annual "estimated" cost of $3500 bucks to maintain a 7000' long trail? Sorry that is a totally insane figure, no doubt representing 1/2 the actual cost to the tax payers. Leave it to the government to waste money on a frivioulous trail.

[trfour]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

You've got to be kidding me, an annual "estimated" cost of $3500 bucks to maintain a 7000' long trail? Sorry that is a totally insane figure, no doubt representing 1/2 the actual cost to the tax payers. Leave it to the government to waste money on a frivioulous trail.

It ain't over yet, stay tuned! However, it's a good thing, as you may find out... RELAX brother!