On summer weekdays the island resident dock spaces are mostly full by about 7:30 am as many islanders head off to work or to take care of daily errands. We usually dock at about 7:00 am to be sure to get a spot. In the spring and fall there is less demand.
We have a modest camp on Welch Island and pay about $5,000 a year in taxes. The Glendale docks, parking and trash dumpsters are the total of the benefits we receive as there are no roads to maintain or kids in school from the islands. (Oh yes, there is the fire boat to put out the remaining embers should we have a fire at camp). The Glendale facility is important to us so that we and our guests can come and go to our residences just as the Town road that many others live on is important to them.
All Gilford residents are permitted to use the boat launch, auto parking and the 3 hour docking. While the mainlanders are all taxpayers as well, they don’t have the same need for all day docking as the island residents do. We have long appreciated that the Town of Gilford provides for the unique needs of Island residents.
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