Quote:
|
Originally Posted by ghfromaltonbay
We were in Alton this past weekend and got the scoop that McGrath's indeed is supposed to be turned into a 5 & 10 (including a craft dept.) once the Hannaford's opens. This info came from people who socialize with Mrs. McGrath. I wish they could move the laundromat as well to that or some other location. Backing out onto Main St. is a real traffic hazard, especially when you're parked between higher vehicles like PU trucks, vans or SUV's.
|
That would be a nice spot for the laundrymat, I agree with the problems of backing onto Main, especially in the weekend summer traffic. Same problem with Reuban's Hardware Store... And usually I'm backing out there with a trailer or lumber hanging out the back.
I think on the overall scheme of things Alton has done a good job of managing growth. I remember working at Shibley's back in the mid 90's when McDonalds and Dunkin Donuts moved in, and everyone was worried that they would put the locals out of business, etc. Everything seems to have coexisted just fine. As for the Hannaford... I think the only store that really looses is McGraths. Busy corners and the various gas variety marts are not really competing with it... they'll still have their walk-in/drive-in business, although some might want to cut back their grocery selection a bit and move toward other conveniences. The problem with McGraths is partly their own. For years that store has remain unchanged and unimproved, seemingly comfortable with their position as the areas only grocer. Had McGraths ever committed to improving its selection and services, perhaps the area would not be so desperate for the Hannafords.
As most people are now wasting gas traveling to Rochester, Gilford, or Tilton (for us on the Gilmanton side especially), I am happy to see a place go in that will allow some of that money to come back to Alton. It's the right kind of progress.