The full text of the article is below. Pretty damn obvious that this is Nix spearheading this whole thing and geared towards Ames Farm. Sounds like the Town of Gilford does not agree with the proposed ordinance.
If the Ames read Winni.com; GO AFTER HIM. Get Nix's and and all the complaining abutters property documents from the town hall and jamb it down their throats. You can bet there is something they are doing that is not in compliance with one of your ordinances.
I would like to see us get a list of all the public ramps with public parking starting in let's say 1940 to the current day and let's plot the number over time. As it goes from 20 .. 19 .. 18 .. access to the lake is in jeopardy. It's the development of the dumpy (as in all) houses on the lake that are encroaching on everyone else. Not the otherway around.
Here's the article:
Non-money issues on warrant generate the most discussion
Gilford:
By HARRISON HAAS
hhaas@citizen.com
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Alan MacRae/for the Citizen MOST SEATS in the Gilford High School auditorium are empty for Wednesday's deliberative session.
During his 30-plus years as the moderator in the town of Gilford, Peter Millham said he has never presided over such a small audience as he did on Wednesday's deliberative session.
With fewer than 75 people in the auditorium seats at the Gilford High School, non-money warrant articles generated the most discussion.
There are 10 proposed amendments on the town warrant this year, three of which have been petitioned by residents. The petitioned article receiving the most attention from others in attendance was Article 9, which is seeking to protect and preserve the shore front of neighborhoods in the town.
Speaking on behalf of the article was Gilford resident Stephan Nix, who had motioned to place the article on the warrant. During his summary of the article, Nix explained how it is aimed to restrict public boat launching in the town.
"This proposal is in response to the shift of public launching to private areas," Nix said. "The town needs to take a step back to see where it wants to be in 10 years. It will not stop anyone from getting onto Lake Winnipesaukee."
Nix made note that there are 18 public boat launches that allow people to have access to the lake. Resident Skip Murphy came to the microphone after Nix had finished to ask whether the proposed amendment was a result of seeking to keep Ames Farm to its commercial uses.
"This is not geared to any one particular piece of property," Nix said. "It is to uphold the master plan of Gilford. This is a tool for the town to look forward to see where things will be in another 10 years."
Since the Planning Board did not support the petitioned article, Murphy asked Director of Planning and Land Use John Ayer if the article had an adverse effect on Ames Farm.
"In my personal opinion, yes," Ayer said.
Ayer said the Planning Board was against the article, because there wasn't enough time to research the direct effects of the amendment.
Non-resident of Gilford and fifth generation owner of Ames Farm, Peggy Ames, approached the microphone asking if she could speak. After being granted permission, Ames made note that the farm's 120th year anniversary is this year and said she was against the amendment.
"I believe this is directed toward us," Ames said. "I am here tonight to ask voters to not support this. There is zoning already in place that has restrictions."
Another petitioned article debated by Ames was Article 10, which is looking to increase regulations on wetlands in town. Ames said a majority of her property is wetlands and believes more input is needed as there are many unknowns.
Article 8 was the last petitioned article discussed, with only the petitioner, Barbara Aichinger, speaking on the article. With a page and a half of written notes, she explained her reasoning why the amendment is looking to eliminate the voluntary merging of lots in town. She claims that she, along with others in town, have fallen victim to zoning ordinance that automatically merged adjacent lots and this amendment would "protect property rights of land owners."
Before beginning the deliberative session, Millham announced that this year would be his last year as the town moderator, having served since 1971. In his time, he explained how he saw the town grow, not only in population but in being able to offer a way of life different from other communities.
"It's been an honor," Millham said. "It's been an enjoyable adventure and I want to thank you all."
The crowd gave him a standing ovation and throughout the night from there on, each person going to the microphone gave their respect to him for his service to the town.
All of the other articles on the 2010 Town Warrant were reviewed with little to no discussion. A copy of the Town Warrant is available on the town's website and at town hall by request. Voting will take place on March 9 in the Gilford Middle School gymnasium between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.