Weirs Beach Project Ribbon Cutting

SBC · 07-17-2017, 07:56 PM

It's a little more than two cents worth but worthy of ranting a bit:

Recently we joined with friends for a cruise on the Mt. Washington on NH’s great lake. We arrived early and secured a boardwalk parking space. I went to the nearest parking kiosk which was not so near, only to be told by other folks that it was out of order. Fortunately there was another just a short 20 feet away however, there was a growing line of folks attempting to use it and some gave up. When my turn came I realized I needed to know the space number where I had parked. I had failed to notice the sign that says you need to know your parking space number (my bad on that one). Back down the boardwalk a few hundred feet then back in line.

When my turn came, I tried three different credit cards multiple times but the machine would not accept any. I even read and re-read directions but to no avail. Now, more than anxious and with a growing audience I took a break and went to my vehicle to retrieve my bag of laundromat quarters. Back in line I was hearing the same frustrations I had experienced being voiced by other honest folk seeking to avoid scrutiny by some parking enforcement person who was sure to arrive after our cruise left the wharf. I deposited many quarters to assure my parking place. Ahh, time to take in the beauty of the lake on a perfect day for this voyage.

Before boarding I inquired at the ticket office regarding anyone who could assist others with the frustrating machine(s) and was told that the city of Laconia was in charge of that. I called the PD and asked for the department or persons for parking. The officer with whom I spoke did not know who the supervisor was for that division or even which department was actually in charge of the parking at Weirs beach. I offered some suggestions to the officer such as providing an attendant to assist during these important times. If someone was there prior to boarding I said, not only could the city realize the revenue from this system but they would have more happy tourists that would return to make NH even greener. The officer said he would pass the message (hope he learns who it is that might listen) but not before he mentioned that he had heard that ‘that new system up there had experienced some problems’.

Much as we may not like to pay for parking that is what helps to maintain certain aspects of the city right of ways. But Laconia, come on now, take a page from others who have instituted this kiosk thing; Dover, Concord, etc. They don’t number their spaces, they set a time limit (think three hour cruise), actually accept credit cards without problems or cash and place the kiosks conveniently (think elderly, special assistance) all to MAKE IT EASY FOR THE CUSTOMER to spend their money, be happy and maybe return to do it again. I would be surprised if the cruise company has not poked the city on this to get them to correct the situation as they will lose money otherwise.

jetskier · 07-17-2017, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SBC

It's a little more than two cents worth but worthy of ranting a bit:

Recently we joined with friends for a cruise on the Mt. Washington on NH’s great lake. We arrived early and secured a boardwalk parking space. I went to the nearest parking kiosk which was not so near, only to be told by other folks that it was out of order. Fortunately there was another just a short 20 feet away however, there was a growing line of folks attempting to use it and some gave up. When my turn came I realized I needed to know the space number where I had parked. I had failed to notice the sign that says you need to know your parking space number (my bad on that one). Back down the boardwalk a few hundred feet then back in line.

When my turn came, I tried three different credit cards multiple times but the machine would not accept any. I even read and re-read directions but to no avail. Now, more than anxious and with a growing audience I took a break and went to my vehicle to retrieve my bag of laundromat quarters. Back in line I was hearing the same frustrations I had experienced being voiced by other honest folk seeking to avoid scrutiny by some parking enforcement person who was sure to arrive after our cruise left the wharf. I deposited many quarters to assure my parking place. Ahh, time to take in the beauty of the lake on a perfect day for this voyage.

Before boarding I inquired at the ticket office regarding anyone who could assist others with the frustrating machine(s) and was told that the city of Laconia was in charge of that. I called the PD and asked for the department or persons for parking. The officer with whom I spoke did not know who the supervisor was for that division or even which department was actually in charge of the parking at Weirs beach. I offered some suggestions to the officer such as providing an attendant to assist during these important times. If someone was there prior to boarding I said, not only could the city realize the revenue from this system but they would have more happy tourists that would return to make NH even greener. The officer said he would pass the message (hope he learns who it is that might listen) but not before he mentioned that he had heard that ‘that new system up there had experienced some problems’.

Much as we may not like to pay for parking that is what helps to maintain certain aspects of the city right of ways. But Laconia, come on now, take a page from others who have instituted this kiosk thing; Dover, Concord, etc. They don’t number their spaces, they set a time limit (think three hour cruise), actually accept credit cards without problems or cash and place the kiosks conveniently (think elderly, special assistance) all to MAKE IT EASY FOR THE CUSTOMER to spend their money, be happy and maybe return to do it again. I would be surprised if the cruise company has not poked the city on this to get them to correct the situation as they will lose money otherwise.

We parked there a couple of weeks back and echo some of your frustrations.

The machines should take bills, in addition to coins. Most parking machines do and it would ameliorate the issue of carrying around a pile of change.
Other systems use a printed ticket that is placed on the dash of the car. This avoids the issue of needing to have numbered spots and correlating payment with a numbered spot.
The credit card system would not work when we were there either.
Given that the numbers are there, why not allow people to pay through an app on their phones...that avoids lines all together.

Jetskier

Descant · 07-17-2017, 09:58 PM

Can't wait 'til they put this system on the docks.
Based only on what I see on this forum, the City Council of Laconia, compared to other cities where I do frequent (Concord and Manchester) is a group of meatheads. hey spend money paving and lighting th e WSeirs and then make it difficult/unfriendly to park. No offense to NB, but they are a bunch of Bozos. (Yes, I've been in city government as an elected official. Nothing that stupid.)

Taz · 07-18-2017, 09:03 AM

Yes its nice that improvements were made. Sidewalks are nice, no wires to look at, when the kiosks work its nice not to have to use change to feed the meters. I don't see how this will change much of anything. You still have the same old restaurants and arcades across the street from the water. The docks have not changed which is one of the bigger complaints about Weirs. while its nice that East Coast Flight Craft put new siding on the pier building there is still the same old fried dough and pizza takeout windows, what has really changed? Previous posts on this subject always seemed to point out how nice Meredith is. Well folks this isn't going to do it. Meredith has nothing to worry about as far as taking business away from them.

Patofnaud · 07-18-2017, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taz

there is still the same old fried dough and pizza takeout windows, what has really changed?

Actually, that part did change a lot.

Crappy old unused min-golf gone and employee parking lot to take away from them having to use side roads.

Pizza replaced by Sal's which is MUCH better pie and they now deliver to the Gas Docks.

Smokehouse place sells nice food, good brisket sandwich on the boat while watching fireworks is always a winner.

Arcade has been cleaned, floors sanded and refinished and all the broken crap removed.

Anthony's has been cleaned up, new lighting and decent drink prices.

What they do need though are dock hands all along the docks to fit boats in better. Manually slide the jet skis and small boats up in front of the bays to let larger boats take the outer pilings. Letting Joe Dickweed tie up his 10ft skiff on the outermost pilings and Ralph Jetski across from him.

(Hint, go watch NASWA on a busy day to see how to do it right)

Taz · 07-19-2017, 08:22 AM

Sorry but I must respectfully disagree. Cleaning up arcade, sanding some floors, changing some lightning, changing vendors at the take out windows is not change. Its still the same old concept that has not been working for some time. Tried Sals Pizza and it was very average. I would not go out of my way to get to Weirs for Sals. And when the end of August arrives it will still be a ghost town. The only way to change the Weirs is to level it and start over. We all know that will not happen at least not in the near future.

Mr. V · 07-19-2017, 11:08 AM

Well, the die has been cast, let's just see how the roll ends.

Biggd · 07-19-2017, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taz

Yes its nice that improvements were made. Sidewalks are nice, no wires to look at, when the kiosks work its nice not to have to use change to feed the meters. I don't see how this will change much of anything. You still have the same old restaurants and arcades across the street from the water. The docks have not changed which is one of the bigger complaints about Weirs. while its nice that East Coast Flight Craft put new siding on the pier building there is still the same old fried dough and pizza takeout windows, what has really changed? Previous posts on this subject always seemed to point out how nice Meredith is. Well folks this isn't going to do it. Meredith has nothing to worry about as far as taking business away from them.

They just purchased the place, give it some time before you come down on them. It's more than has been done in years past. They did quite a bit in the short amount of time they've owned it. I'm sure they will get back at it during the off season.

Taz · 07-19-2017, 02:28 PM

Did you see my last post? Cleaning up some without changing the whole dynamic in Weirs will not change anything. Its still the same concept. Whats that saying? Trying the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. That area needs a major complete tear down and overhaul with new ideas.

Biggd · 07-19-2017, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taz

Did you see my last post? Cleaning up some without changing the whole dynamic in Weirs will not change anything. Its still the same concept. Whats that saying? Trying the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. That area needs a major complete tear down and overhaul with new ideas.

Well why don't you buy it and tear it down! Let's see if you can change the dynamic.

From what I've read East Coast Flight Craft is planning on spending 5 mil on the place. That's no small chunk of change! As they say, " Rome wasn't built in a day". I'm happy they have found someone to invest in the place instead of just letting it fall apart.

Taz · 07-20-2017, 07:24 AM

If I was a real estate developer with unlimited resources and the investment would pay off I would buy up everything in the whole strip and start over. I guess I was not clear. Its not just the pier that East Coast Flight craft purchased, its the whole strip, its the docks. Unless the docks are reconfigured Weirs will NEVER attract boat traffic, look at Meredith, look at Wolfboro. The side of the street opposite the water with arcades etc needs to be changed. There is a reason why Meredith and Wolfboro have boats waiting to dock and Weirs in its present form will never have that no matter how much money East Coast Flight Craft invests in the pier. Unless there are major changes besides sprucing up the existing structures we will be having the same discussion about what can be done to attract more visitors to Weirs.

Biggd · 07-20-2017, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taz

If I was a real estate developer with unlimited resources and the investment would pay off I would buy up everything in the whole strip and start over. I guess I was not clear. Its not just the pier that East Coast Flight craft purchased, its the whole strip, its the docks. Unless the docks are reconfigured Weirs will NEVER attract boat traffic, look at Meredith, look at Wolfboro. The side of the street opposite the water with arcades etc needs to be changed. There is a reason why Meredith and Wolfboro have boats waiting to dock and Weirs in its present form will never have that no matter how much money East Coast Flight Craft invests in the pier. Unless there are major changes besides sprucing up the existing structures we will be having the same discussion about what can be done to attract more visitors to Weirs.

I would imagine historical issues come into play with a property like this so demolition and starting over is probably not an option.

joey2665 · 07-20-2017, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggd

I would imagine historical issues come into play with a property like this so demolition and starting over is probably not an option.

Give East Coast a chance to continue with their improvement plan, yes something better can be done with the arcade but you will never be able to develop the homes owned by the NH Veterans, they are designated historical homes.

Cobalt 25 · 07-19-2017, 02:48 PM

I've been coming to Weirs Beach since the Fifties and I am really happy with the changes. Is it perfect? Of course not, nothing is. But I find it difficult to understand how some can criticize the outstanding efforts that have been done.

This weekend marked the fourth generation of our family enjoying the lake and all it has to offer. Weirs Beach is great and I hope my grandkids and their grandkids will be enjoying it for a long time to come.

Thanks to the moderator for the pics and the update!

Biggd · 07-19-2017, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cobalt 25

I've been coming to Weirs Beach since the Fifties and I am really happy with the changes. Is it perfect? Of course not, nothing is. But I find it difficult to understand how some can criticize the outstanding efforts that have been done.

This weekend marked the fourth generation of our family enjoying the lake and all it has to offer. Weirs Beach is great and I hope my grandkids and their grandkids will be enjoying it for a long time to come.

Thanks to the moderator for the pics and the update!

More needs to be done but I agree with you.

SIKSUKR · 07-18-2017, 09:04 AM

I dont understand the number thing. What difference does it make. I remember doing the same dance at Hampton by the wall. I could be mistaken but I thought you dont need the space number any more. Is this because those kiosks dont print a ticket? Here in Manchester a ticket is printed and the expired time clearly shown. I still dont like these if I want to run in quick to a sandwich shop and throw a coin in right at my car.

07-17-2017, 07:56 PM	#1
SBC Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: NH fresh waters and forests Posts: 72 Thanks: 12 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	They wasted paint numbering those parking spaces It's a little more than two cents worth but worthy of ranting a bit: Recently we joined with friends for a cruise on the Mt. Washington on NH’s great lake. We arrived early and secured a boardwalk parking space. I went to the nearest parking kiosk which was not so near, only to be told by other folks that it was out of order. Fortunately there was another just a short 20 feet away however, there was a growing line of folks attempting to use it and some gave up. When my turn came I realized I needed to know the space number where I had parked. I had failed to notice the sign that says you need to know your parking space number (my bad on that one). Back down the boardwalk a few hundred feet then back in line. When my turn came, I tried three different credit cards multiple times but the machine would not accept any. I even read and re-read directions but to no avail. Now, more than anxious and with a growing audience I took a break and went to my vehicle to retrieve my bag of laundromat quarters. Back in line I was hearing the same frustrations I had experienced being voiced by other honest folk seeking to avoid scrutiny by some parking enforcement person who was sure to arrive after our cruise left the wharf. I deposited many quarters to assure my parking place. Ahh, time to take in the beauty of the lake on a perfect day for this voyage. Before boarding I inquired at the ticket office regarding anyone who could assist others with the frustrating machine(s) and was told that the city of Laconia was in charge of that. I called the PD and asked for the department or persons for parking. The officer with whom I spoke did not know who the supervisor was for that division or even which department was actually in charge of the parking at Weirs beach. I offered some suggestions to the officer such as providing an attendant to assist during these important times. If someone was there prior to boarding I said, not only could the city realize the revenue from this system but they would have more happy tourists that would return to make NH even greener. The officer said he would pass the message (hope he learns who it is that might listen) but not before he mentioned that he had heard that ‘that new system up there had experienced some problems’. Much as we may not like to pay for parking that is what helps to maintain certain aspects of the city right of ways. But Laconia, come on now, take a page from others who have instituted this kiosk thing; Dover, Concord, etc. They don’t number their spaces, they set a time limit (think three hour cruise), actually accept credit cards without problems or cash and place the kiosks conveniently (think elderly, special assistance) all to MAKE IT EASY FOR THE CUSTOMER to spend their money, be happy and maybe return to do it again. I would be surprised if the cruise company has not poked the city on this to get them to correct the situation as they will lose money otherwise.

07-18-2017, 09:03 AM	#4
Taz Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 347 Thanks: 3 Thanked 70 Times in 47 Posts	Weirs Yes its nice that improvements were made. Sidewalks are nice, no wires to look at, when the kiosks work its nice not to have to use change to feed the meters. I don't see how this will change much of anything. You still have the same old restaurants and arcades across the street from the water. The docks have not changed which is one of the bigger complaints about Weirs. while its nice that East Coast Flight Craft put new siding on the pier building there is still the same old fried dough and pizza takeout windows, what has really changed? Previous posts on this subject always seemed to point out how nice Meredith is. Well folks this isn't going to do it. Meredith has nothing to worry about as far as taking business away from them.

07-19-2017, 08:22 AM	#6
Taz Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 347 Thanks: 3 Thanked 70 Times in 47 Posts	Patofnaud Sorry but I must respectfully disagree. Cleaning up arcade, sanding some floors, changing some lightning, changing vendors at the take out windows is not change. Its still the same old concept that has not been working for some time. Tried Sals Pizza and it was very average. I would not go out of my way to get to Weirs for Sals. And when the end of August arrives it will still be a ghost town. The only way to change the Weirs is to level it and start over. We all know that will not happen at least not in the near future.

07-19-2017, 02:28 PM	#9
Taz Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 347 Thanks: 3 Thanked 70 Times in 47 Posts	Biggd Did you see my last post? Cleaning up some without changing the whole dynamic in Weirs will not change anything. Its still the same concept. Whats that saying? Trying the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. That area needs a major complete tear down and overhaul with new ideas.

07-20-2017, 07:24 AM	#11
Taz Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 347 Thanks: 3 Thanked 70 Times in 47 Posts	biggd If I was a real estate developer with unlimited resources and the investment would pay off I would buy up everything in the whole strip and start over. I guess I was not clear. Its not just the pier that East Coast Flight craft purchased, its the whole strip, its the docks. Unless the docks are reconfigured Weirs will NEVER attract boat traffic, look at Meredith, look at Wolfboro. The side of the street opposite the water with arcades etc needs to be changed. There is a reason why Meredith and Wolfboro have boats waiting to dock and Weirs in its present form will never have that no matter how much money East Coast Flight Craft invests in the pier. Unless there are major changes besides sprucing up the existing structures we will be having the same discussion about what can be done to attract more visitors to Weirs.

07-17-2017, 09:58 PM	#3
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,355 Thanks: 1,343 Thanked 1,623 Times in 1,055 Posts	Can't wait 'til they put this system on the docks. Based only on what I see on this forum, the City Council of Laconia, compared to other cities where I do frequent (Concord and Manchester) is a group of meatheads. hey spend money paving and lighting th e WSeirs and then make it difficult/unfriendly to park. No offense to NB, but they are a bunch of Bozos. (Yes, I've been in city government as an elected official. Nothing that stupid.)

07-19-2017, 11:08 AM	#7
Mr. V Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: the left coast (Portland)and West Alton Posts: 1,394 Thanks: 63 Thanked 256 Times in 174 Posts	Well, the die has been cast, let's just see how the roll ends.

07-19-2017, 02:48 PM	#14
Cobalt 25 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Cape Cod Posts: 217 Thanks: 227 Thanked 36 Times in 20 Posts	I've been coming to Weirs Beach since the Fifties and I am really happy with the changes. Is it perfect? Of course not, nothing is. But I find it difficult to understand how some can criticize the outstanding efforts that have been done. This weekend marked the fourth generation of our family enjoying the lake and all it has to offer. Weirs Beach is great and I hope my grandkids and their grandkids will be enjoying it for a long time to come. Thanks to the moderator for the pics and the update!

07-18-2017, 09:04 AM	#16
SIKSUKR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,075 Thanks: 215 Thanked 903 Times in 509 Posts	I dont understand the number thing. What difference does it make. I remember doing the same dance at Hampton by the wall. I could be mistaken but I thought you dont need the space number any more. Is this because those kiosks dont print a ticket? Here in Manchester a ticket is printed and the expired time clearly shown. I still dont like these if I want to run in quick to a sandwich shop and throw a coin in right at my car. __________________ SIKSUKR