Quote:
Originally Posted by FLAG!
Lake Winnipesaukee has been destroyed by the one-upsmanship of the wealthy since the 1980's. I remember being blown away by the Black & Decker estate back around 1985? Since then the peaceful shoreline of traditional cottages nestled in the trees has been developed into shameless displays of wealth. So many of which are put up to be shown off for a year or two before a divorce or simple change of mind results in the property being sold off to the highest bidder. It's amazing to see how those with money to grease can get away with wetland abuse and zoning violations. Our own neighbor cleared acres of trees, put up a monstrous home, filled wetland and replaced an old 20 x 20 beach house with a 2 story guest house/boat house. For the record, it was understood he would only be allowed to rebuild where the beach house stood with a building with no larger a footprint. Within three years the property was sold and sold twice since then. Meanwhile, we have an old family property which many of us share having opportunity for 1 week in the summer and some random weekends the rest of the year(which we are grateful for) because zoning wont allow us to put another residence on our lot. We have over 20 acres of woodland, none of it wet, on a long private driveway shared by others but because the property isn't wide enough on Main Street we cannot build another residence. It sickens me what money can buy if you have an endless supply of it to grease the right people.
Oh by the way, we pay our taxes without complaint.
And how often do you see the mansion owners actually out enjoying the lake?
Sorry. I'll get off my soapbox. Had to vent. I feel better now.
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Flag: I too would like to see more traditional "camps" on Winnipesaukee but I don't think it is appropriate to blame the "wealthy". The state, towns, conservation committees, voters, etc. all have had a part to play in the negative (my opinion) changes to Lake Winnipesaukee. If you spend some time on the lakes in Maine it is totally different and yes there are "wealthy" people there. Finally, be grateful you have a nice "camp" on Winnipesaukee with 20-acres to get away to. Many in America would consider your family "wealthy". It is all relative.