What are/aren't we short of in the Lakes Region area?

[AltonGuy]

Hello Forum! Not sure if this message will be met with conflict, but wanted to ask a general question to all regarding their thoughts on business in the area. Specifically, what are we missing for businesses (i.e. Pet Stores, Auto Parts Stores, etc.) or what do we have too much of? Thought this would be a good way for people from far and near to voice their concerns about the topic. This could help pave the way for some entrepreneurs out there!

[jrc]

I'd like to see a chain boat supply store like West Marine, or Boaters World. Those places are far from perfect but it might keep the marina store prices a little more reasonable and they might actually stock stuff. Right now all we have are the marinas and Parafunalia. I love Parafunalia but they don't have everything.

[Island Life]

Gilford needs a really good coffee shop.

[wifi]

Moultonboro/Center Harbor/Meredith needs a old fashioned bakery shop (that is open during the day, and has products to sell all day).

There used to be one about 15 years back on Rt25 in the Pine Hill Plaza area, did a land office business, especially in the summer and every weekend. Went OOB due to personal problems, not lack of customers.

My mouth is starting to water just thinking about it ...

[Irish mist]

There needs to be some serious soul-searching in this area about growth.......in some areas it's starting to look like I'm in southern NH. Nothing against southern NH, I just don't want to see central NH look like southern NH.
________
W125 REKORDWAGEN

[wifi]

Originally Posted by Irish mist

There needs to be some serious soul-searching in this area about growth.......in some areas it's starting to look like I'm in southern NH. Nothing against southern NH, I just don't want to see central NH look like southern NH.

I can't agree more with you IM. Stop the endless subdivisions... wait, this thread will start looking like the outdoor wood furnace one if I continue.

My bakery suggestion needs to take the place of something we don't need.

[Zee]

I agree, we don't "need" anymore commercial growth. I live in Tuftonboro, the least commercial town on the lake and I hope it stays that way. Six miles down the road is Wolfeboro with its great full service adequate-sized IGA, plenty of good restaurants, shops, bookstore, meat markets, and all the commercial and financial services you'd want. The one thing I have noticed is the multitude of insurance agencies. I think I have counted seven in a one mile radius. Please spare us the big box stores, supermarkets, fast food and multiplexes. A small theater would be good especially if it would also be used as a stage venue, not just a movie theater. I am sure some of you remember when movie theaters were not just movie theaters.

I do occasionally have to go to Wal-Mart or Home Depot. BUT, I'd rather go to them then have them move closer to me.

[GTO]

Originally Posted by wifi

Moultonboro/Center Harbor/Meredith needs a old fashioned bakery shop (that is open during the day, and has products to sell all day).

There used to be one about 15 years back on Rt25 in the Pine Hill Plaza area, did a land office business, especially in the summer and every weekend. Went OOB due to personal problems, not lack of customers.

My mouth is starting to water just thinking about it ...

Moulton Farms cooks fresh bread. Very good

[Sal]

Originally Posted by wifi

Moultonboro/Center Harbor/Meredith needs a old fashioned bakery shop (that is open during the day, and has products to sell all day).

There used to be one about 15 years back on Rt25 in the Pine Hill Plaza area, did a land office business, especially in the summer and every weekend. Went OOB due to personal problems, not lack of customers.

My mouth is starting to water just thinking about it ...

Remember Andersen's Bakery, in Center Harbor? (where the canoe/kayak place is, now) The best jelly donuts I ever had !

[wifi]

Originally Posted by Sal

Remember Andersen's Bakery, in Center Harbor? (where the canoe/kayak place is, now) The best jelly donuts I ever had !

I do! Andersen also simultaneously had a place in Meredith. This other bakery was up the road in Pine Hill and opened after Andersen closed. I'm not slighting Love Bites, they are yummy.

Why am I thinking food at Thanksgiving time?

[AC2717]

Originally Posted by jrc

I'd like to see a chain boat supply store like West Marine, or Boaters World. Those places are far from perfect but it might keep the marina store prices a little more reasonable and they might actually stock stuff. Right now all we have are the marinas and Parafunalia. I love Parafunalia but they don't have everything.

I am extremly surprised especially because of the area ,that there is not one here already. Maybe since Hannaford's is moving across the street, one of them will move into the old Hannaford's. This would be great! ABove all this is what I would want in the area.

I have never been to parafunalia. I will have to check it out.

[Peter]

We need a movie theater and bowling alley back in Wolfeboro again!

[Paugus Bay Resident]

Definitely a book store. Closest one is Borders in Concord.

[phoenix]

market basket

[Sunset Bob]

Originally Posted by Paugus Bay Resident

Definitely a book store. Closest one is Borders in Concord.

What about Innisfree bookshop in Meredith? I haven't been there recently but they are in Mill Falls Marketplace.

[TomC]

Originally Posted by Sunset Bob

What about Innisfree bookshop in Meredith? I haven't been there recently but they are in Mill Falls Marketplace.

Bayswater Book Co. Not a Borders by any stretch, but eclectic and a unique store that adds interest/charm to the area.

[Paugus Bay Resident]

What about Innisfree bookshop in Meredith?

Kind of a small selection, especially on the periodical side. Not complaining though. Between Amazon and trips to Concord, its not too bad.

[ghfromaltonbay]

Although it's great having the new Hannafords, we certainly didn't need a 3rd bank in town. The downtown also seems to have a lot of florists/gift shops for such a small town. What's really needed is a better laundromat. The present one is not very well maintained and the parking situation is a definite safety hazard. Too bad they didn't put a new laundromat with safer parking next to the Hannafords instead of another bank. With the price of gas and groceries going up, who has money to put in the bank anyway.

[jrc]

Originally Posted by Paugus Bay Resident

Definitely a book store. Closest one is Borders in Concord.

Maybe kill two birds with one stone, a book store with a coffee shop inside.

IM, Wifi, modern new amenities don't have to synonymous with growth. Hanaford didn't bring people to the area, Hanaford came because the people were here. Let's not mix up cause and effect.

[LIforrelaxin]

I see a lot of worry here about the area growing.... well I hate to say it but it is going to happen no matter what. As more and more people put up year around homes and spend more and more time in the lakes regions the growth is going to happen. There isn't much that can be done about it.

Now as for what we need.... A movie theatre on the northern side of the lake would be nice.... some nice pubs in the Centre Harbor, Moultonborough area would be a welcome addition too. Way to many places like Canoe, Lago, etc around.... other then that there is no need for a West Marine, order it online and have it shipped....and as for Home Depot and Lowes they are close enough for me right where they are at. But I know in reality sooner or later someone is going to put a big shoping plaza in one of the towns on the northern side of the lake....

[secondcurve]

But I know in reality sooner or later someone is going to put a big shoping plaza in one of the towns on the northern side of the lake....[/QUOTE]

I think there is one going in on RTE 16 in Ossipee, so once that happens, the Northern side of the Lake will be taken care of. At least I hope they won't get any closer!

[Paugus Bay Resident]

I think a lot of the perspective on "growth" depends on whether you're a year-round resident or seasonal one. There are a lot of conveniences I could live without if I were only here on weekends and vacations. Different groups have different needs, but I wholeheartedly agree that their needs to be a balance.

[nj2nh]

There IS a book store with a coffee shop in Wolfeboro. It used to be across from Black's, but it moved to a larger location near that rubber stamp store/gift shop - into the space where the big candy store used to be.

nj2nh

[Paugus Bay Resident]

Sure, its where Lee's Candies used to be. I miss that place.

[rrr]

How about a farm stand on the southern side?

[mcdude]

Originally Posted by rrr

How about a farm stand on the southern side?

rrr: What about the (seasonal) farm stand between McDonalds and Hannaford's at the Alton traffic circle?...and you can't beat Beans and Green's in Gilford.

[Weekend Pundit]

Originally Posted by rrr

How about a farm stand on the southern side?

There are two that I know of on the south side of the lake: Moulton's Farm Stand on Rte 3 in Meredith (not to be confused with the actual farm on Rte 25) and Beans & Greens on Rte 11B in Gilford.

I know Beans and Greens is very popular. My teenage son works there during summer so we usually know what will be picked on what days and when certain vegetables will be available. They usually have a good selection. They also have an on-site bakery.

[LIforrelaxin]

Originally Posted by secondcurve

I think there is one going in on RTE 16 in Ossipee, so once that happens, the Northern side of the Lake will be taken care of. At least I hope they won't get any closer!

Ossipee... yep I agree that would be close enough.... can get there easily... but yet far enough away to be out of mind....

[SteveA]

Originally Posted by Paugus Bay Resident

Definitely a book store. Closest one is Borders in Concord.

PBR and JRC are right on the money... a Borders/Barnes and Noble type place. Innisfree is more of a "Card Shop' than a book store. Very limited selection. Nice place, but not a real book store with a large selection.

[fatlazyless]

The return of the Lakes Region Summer Theatre would be nice. After a run of something like 60 years their last show was in September 2006. For 2007, the show was out of business due to something like the high cost of insurance, or something, at its' Interlakes High School auditorium home.

Gone with barely a whimper, and all but forgotten.....say goodbye to that 60 year tradition, the Lakes Region Summer Theatre, a victim to the pricey insurance premium.

[Mr. V]

Speaking strictly as the occasional tourist / visitor, Laconia needs:

Starbucks. Tilton is too far.

A real Army - Navy store. I miss the old one.

Cheap, decent quality Asian food: teriyaki / bento / yakisoba in an informal setting, with take out.

[Irish mist]

We know there is going to be growth at the lake Llforrelaxin.......but we don't have to sit back and let it run wild, that's why we have zoning laws. And it's past time they were put into better use to keep the area as rural as possible IMO.
________
Vapor Genie

[ApS]

You're right: The Market will determine what's here and what's gone away.
IMHO, "less is more" in the Lakes Region, anyway.

That said, I'd like to see a boat anchored in Wolfeboro Bay with the name "Starbucks" on its transom.

Drive-through fashion, it would sell boutique coffees and Shane's (of Maine) ice cream by the pint. Transactions would be conducted by means of a basket passed by boathook.

[Island Life]

Originally Posted by Acres per Second

I'd like to see a boat anchored in Wolfeboro Bay with the name "Starbucks" on its transom.

Drive-through fashion, it would sell boutique coffees and Shane's (of Maine) ice cream by the pint. Transactions would be conducted by means of a basket passed by boathook.

Anchored???? I'd like to see it delivering that boutique coffee and ice cream right to my dock.

[Weekend Pundit]

Originally Posted by Acres per Second

That said, I'd like to see a boat anchored in Wolfeboro Bay with the name "Starbucks" on its transom.

Drive-through fashion, it would sell boutique coffees and Shane's (of Maine) ice cream by the pint. Transactions would be conducted by means of a basket passed by boathook.

So, when do you plan to open your "Starbucks Afloat"? I'll be one of the first ones in queue!

[Weirs guy]

Originally Posted by Weekend Pundit

So, when do you plan to open your "Starbucks Afloat"? I'll be one of the first ones in queue!

I'll be 2nd, right after Weirs Gal makes me buy a boat! The Mount Washington ticket office at the Weirs sells Starbucks coffee, but just the basic black with sugar and cream, no tripple sow cow half latte black sheep tripple zingger in a foam glass cup!

[Island Life]

I've offered my kids $5 for the first one who finds me a Starbucks when we're on shore doing errands (but not the one in Tilton, that one's too far and way too crowded). They've tried to argue for the "we proudly brew Starbucks coffee" places like the Weirs ticket office but that doesn't cut it. I'm sure asking for a Peet's is completely out of the question.

[Argie's Wife]

~slightly off topic~
Island Life - I'm not a Starbucks gal (no offense - if you like 'em, I'll gladly buy you a cup when we're out shopping... too bitter for me) but I love, love, love Cafe Kelim in Portsmouth. It's a Turkish-owned place - very ethnic vibe to the place. But the coffee will rock your world, bay-bee! It's right next to Celebrity Sandwich.

One of those up here and we're in big trouble - I'd go nuts in that place!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

McDude - I can honestly say now that I've seen the inside of JP China. Whoot-whoot. Karaoke isn't my thing and so I've never darkened their door but have heard the karaoke-ing of the buzzed patrons when I've stopped to get my "TOGO" order...

[Island Life]

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

~slightly off topic~
Island Life - I'm not a Starbucks gal (no offense - if you like 'em, I'll gladly buy you a cup when we're out shopping... too bitter for me) but I love, love, love Cafe Kelim in Portsmouth. It's a Turkish-owned place - very ethnic vibe to the place. But the coffee will rock your world, bay-bee! It's right next to Celebrity Sandwich.

AW, I'm up for the road trip to Portsmouth, when are we going??? Cafe Kelim sounds perfect and I'd spend waaaayyyy too much time there if we had one around the lake.

I suggested Starbucks because it's the most common higher-end chain that might possibly find it's way into the Region. The quality of the lattes and other specialy drinks depends not only on the beans, but also on the skills of the person making the drink, so good training is important. Peets would be better but I don't see them doing well up there. The coffe is a very strong - some might think bitter - for many people. Sorry folks but Dunkin Donuts, McDonalds and Burger King don't compare. Ideally, I'd like an independent coffee shop that sold great coffee, played good music and was an interesting and comfortable place to hang out for 45 minutes with a friend or alone, reading the paper.

[Weirs guy]

Island Life may be onto something, we need more of the coffee huts like they have out Seattle way (we don't need one every 10 feet like them though) where you can get a fresh brewed cup of whatever you want made by someone who likes to make good coffee. Should be a reasonably inexpensive start up for someone with the guts to do so.

Not me of course.

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by Island Life

Sorry folks but Dunkin Donuts, McDonalds and Burger King don't compare.

I'm with you on that! I never understand the lineup of cars outside any DD in the AM. People waiting in line to get a lousy cup of coffee served in a Styrofoam cup.

There is a place by my "weekday" house, that is local, independent, and has a coffee roaster right in the lobby. The brew is always fresh and tasty, plus they make good espresso drinks as well. AND a large there is 4 shots of espresso by default. As much as I like Starbucks, it seems kind of lame to have to order Grande's and Ventis with 1 or 2 extra shots because the default is too weak.

[Argie's Wife]

Call me "Old Fashioned" but... other than "hot coffee" and "regular"... I don't get the lingo of the Starbucks cult. Double? Grande? Latte? It's Greek - no, make that French - to me. It's too much work - what if I mispronounce something? What if I'm asked a question I don't understand? What if there's ten people behind me and my order is a pain-in-the-arse type order that's a ton of trouble for the person behind the counter?

OH, WHERE'S THE HUMANITY IN IT ALL?!

I want hot water that's passed over excellent coffee beans. In a cup. Hot. With cream and sugar.

Simpleton, I am.

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by Island Life

I've offered my kids $5 for the first one who finds me a Starbucks when we're on shore doing errands (but not the one in Tilton, that one's too far and way too crowded). They've tried to argue for the "we proudly brew Starbucks coffee" places like the Weirs ticket office but that doesn't cut it. I'm sure asking for a Peet's is completely out of the question.

Starbucks is making a big push into the New England area now, so it's probably only a matter of a year or two before they have more stores in the area.

[jrc]

Starbucks was a novelty, almost a necessity, when Dunkin Donuts was good but bland and everyone else was dishwater. Now it's just seems overpriced.

As soon as McDonalds starts selling the fancy coffee drinks, lattes and cappachinos, the end is near.

[Rose]

Originally Posted by jrc

As soon as McDonalds starts selling the fancy coffee drinks, lattes and cappachinos, the end is near.

I think you might be right. According to Consumer Reports, Mickey Dee's coffee was the winner over Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts and Burger King. Maybe they'll do the same if they get into the premium coffee drinks.

I'm a tea drinker myself...much easier on my stomach. The Starbucks brew at work was DEADLY.

http://www.foodfacts.info/blog/2007/...anks-high.html

[fatlazyless]

Coffee at McDonald's is free before 7am when a breakfast is purchased. After that, if you look like you are at least 55, the price is 70 cents as opposed to 1.50, "and don't forget my senior citizen discount, blondie.". It used to be 50 cents but they raised their discounted price. It is gooood coffee, way better than Dunkin and I nevah stepped inside a Starbucks .....and a good business plan as easily seen on the MCD 'turn-around' stock chart

The Meredith McDonalds is simply the BEST Mickey D's on the planet!

After 10:30am you can get what I think is a very healthy meal for just $3.24. Choice of a double-cheeseburger or McChicken sandwich, strawberry yogurt parfait w/ granola chips, and small side salad w/ choice four different dressings & croutons/bacon bits, and a freebie cup of ice water straight out of huge & picturesque Lake Waukewan that has been accurately floridated & chlorinated & inspected by the Meredith town waterworks. Plus, you can feel good because you just contributed 24 cents (8%) to the state of New Hampshire which 'sure as heck' needs the money for their roads, schools, and nursing homes.

[Mr. V]

Starbucks has been a fixture here out on the Left Coast for some time now.

In addition to providing a product which people want, it also provides a place to meet, congregate, use your laptop (hot spot): all in all, that ephemeral sense of "community" which is increasingly absent in modern America.

Coffee shops are places to meet and greet.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by Weekend Pundit

So, when do you plan to open your "Starbucks Afloat"? I'll be one of the first ones in queue!

...And likely the last in queue for a Wolfeboro Town dock slip!

No, not me: the idea is hanging out there for anybody.

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

"...After 10:30am you can get what I think is a very healthy meal for just $3.24. Choice of a double-cheeseburger or McChicken sandwich, strawberry yogurt parfait w/ granola chips, and small side salad w/ choice four different dressings & croutons/bacon bits, and a freebie cup of ice water..."

I'll have to give McDee's coffee a try. BK went with some other coffee that isn't half as good as their former excellent coffee. A manager told me proudly that the new coffee was "frozen".

That luncheon does sound healthy; however, I'll be waiting for a review by jeffk first. I've got three new McMansions next door and need to watch my pennies—after property taxes.

At this moment, the discussion in the new weather forum is titled "Something's Brewing". The power of suggestion?

[Alton Bay]

As a non coffee drinking resident of Alton, I'd love to hear more thoughts on what services people look for in the area. There are folks out there looking for ways to make a living and perhaps we can come up here with some ideas that might be good realistic business oppotunities.

[ghfromaltonbay]

I'd like to reiterate, we need a decent laundromat. The one in town has hazardous parking, too many machines out of order, and most times filthy conditions. Now that only 1 person is running it, it can only get worse.

I don't know if this is a possibility, but now that Julie's is closing in Wolfeboro, there are no places in the area to buy boutique style clothing. Julie's filled a definite niche. When I was last in there at least 4 or 5 customers were lamenting that once the store closed there would be no place like it near the lake.

[kunamola]

I would like to say that there are too many Dunkin' Donuts in NH. Why does a town like Wolfeboro need one? I would rather see a small shop like "Pops" come back and sell homemade donuts, not ones made from a mix.

Wolfeboro has lost many of the places that made it a fun place to shop, little boutiques, clothing stores and interesting gift and craft shops that change their merchandise more often than every decade and sell something other than tourist sweatshirts.

How about a lobster pound back in Wolfeboro? And, I think everyone misses the Hatch Theater. Even the little mom and pop antique stores are going out of business on the north side of the lake.

I miss the little bowling alley in Melvin Village and the General Store. Who needs another antique car place? A gas and service station would be nice between Wolfeboro and Moultonboro. Melvin Village needs an ice cream joint too. Actually, it needs almost anything except an antique car place. Of course the store I miss the very most of all is the Hansel and Gretel Shop.

[Argie's Wife]

Alton Bay -

Non-coffee (decaf!) ideas -

Daycare! Good grief - I can't tell you what we've been through trying to find a good, affordable daycare. Especially in the summer!

Pet sitting services - ditto.

Thrift or re-sale stores - there's one in town but is open a couple of days a week. I'd love a good second hand store or consignment store.

One hour dry cleaners.

Ditto on the comments about the laundry mat.



Now, I don't know how it would float in this town but I've always wanted to open up a Children's Museum in this town. I'd love to get some grant money, find an old building that could be renovated (perhaps the Alton Town Hall - someday!) and make something for kids of all ages that focuses on learning and encourages social interaction.

There's a great museum in Portsmouth - I'd use that for my model - but there's a very nice little museum in Concord now. I've spoken with the owner of the one in Concord and she's told me that many people have asked them to branch into the Lakes Region. The museum in Concord is more for toddlers/pre-schoolers but the one in Portsmouth is for babies to pre-teens, I'd say.

I have a dream... don't know if it will ever be a reality, but that's what I'd love to do!

[ghfromaltonbay]

I haven't been inside since I don't have any children, but there is one in Meredith in a former elementary school. It's located between Main St. and Rte. 3 -- take a left off Rte. 3 just before the firehouse and make a left at the stop sign. This museum was formerly located at Senter's Market in Center Harbor where the knit shop presently sits. Don't know how much traffic they get since they're located off the beaten path. I don't know how much traffic Alton would have for another one. I would think Wolfeboro would have more possibilities for something like that.

[Argie's Wife]

Originally Posted by ghfromaltonbay

I haven't been inside since I don't have any children, but there is one in Meredith in a former elementary school. It's located between Main St. and Rte. 3 -- take a left off Rte. 3 just before the firehouse and make a left at the stop sign. This museum was formerly located at Senter's Market in Center Harbor where the knit shop presently sits. Don't know how much traffic they get since they're located off the beaten path. I don't know how much traffic Alton would have for another one. I would think Wolfeboro would have more possibilities for something like that.

You may be right about W'boro and that... but either way, I think it would be a plus to the area...

[AltonGuy]

Thanks everyone for your replies! This has been a good read and has lasted some time.

I will get started on my "Mom and Pop" owned strip mall in Alton ASAP. Thus far this includes a Coffee Shop, Dry Cleaner, Pet Sitting business and Movie Theater. I'll also leave some vacant space available for those future endeavors (Children's Museums, etc.) To fund this effort I will be placing an honesty contribution jar outside of Curry Realtors. I am sure Steve Gray won't mind!

BTW: I was kidding about the contribution jar!!

[Mashugana]

Originally Posted by AltonGuy

Thanks everyone for your replies! This has been a good read and has lasted some time.
I will get started on my "Mom and Pop" owned strip mall in Alton ASAP.

How many acres of trees will be sacrificed for your strip mall?

There must be others out there that have ideas and thoughts to add to this topic. Now the holidays are done I can work on my list. I know what I think we have to much of but what could we use more of. Everything I come up with is too seasonal. For instance rickshaws around a town would be great but not in winter.

[Mark]

Not enough = We don't have enough lobbyists.
Too many = rules, regulations and laws, and speed limits.

Too many laws because we don't have enough lobbyists.

[Ropetow]

Originally Posted by Mashugana

rickshaws around a town would be great but not in winter.

So just convert the rickshaws to horse-powered sleighs....

[nightrider]

Originally Posted by Mashugana

How many acres of trees will be sacrificed for your strip mall?

There must be others out there that have ideas and thoughts to add to this topic. Now the holidays are done I can work on my list. I know what I think we have to much of but what could we use more of. Everything I come up with is too seasonal. For instance rickshaws around a town would be great but not in winter.

How about a strip club?

[Weirs guy]

Originally Posted by nightrider

How about a strip club?

Seconded and moved for a vote.

The small town shops are tough, and I think of the new owners of the Weir General store when I think of this. They tried their darnedest to stay open year round, but with a new cumbies up the hill and very few of us at the bottom there just isn't the traffic they need. I even found myself driving up the hill because I needed something the General Store didn't have by cumbies did. Its tough, but at the end of the day my wallet dictates my shopping preferences more then my heart.

[wifi]

Originally Posted by Irish mist

We know there is going to be growth at the lake Llforrelaxin.......but we don't have to sit back and let it run wild, that's why we have zoning laws. And it's past time they were put into better use to keep the area as rural as possible IMO.

Well put

[secondcurve]

I think that Tuftonboro and Wolfeboro have done the best job of controlling growth of the towns around the lake. Alton Bay, the traffic circle aside, comes in third. The area doesn't feel all that different to me than it did in the 70s when I was a kid.

[The Big Kahuna]

Originally Posted by wifi

Well put

Get ready, a company I work with was just asked to quote on a 400 unit condo development. He would only say it was right on the water between Atlon and Gilford.

[LIforrelaxin]

Originally Posted by Irish mist

We know there is going to be growth at the lake Llforrelaxin.......but we don't have to sit back and let it run wild, that's why we have zoning laws. And it's past time they were put into better use to keep the area as rural as possible IMO.

The issue here is understood by all.... However an important lesson to be learned is this. As the cost of living around the lake continues to rise do to housing cost etc.... It will become increasingly harder on the locals to live in these areas with out good well paying jobs the only way to bring those good paying jobs is to allow growth. Remember it is the locals that afford us the ability to enjoy ourselves, as they staff and provide business to the area durring the off seasons. Am I advocating a Lowes at every corner no.... But should we expect to see a couple of more reasonable sized shopping plazas yes, it would also be nice to see some industrial development. Nothing like an IBM mind you but a couple of nice 100-300 employee manufacturing facilities would be a good idea....

I have lived in areas where they have tried to control growth. And you know what, it is the local people and business that ultimately pay the price when growth doesn't happen. What the lakes region needs to decided is how it wants the growth to happen. So that there is a job market strong enough to support the local population, which ultimately provides the work force for the tourism business. It is easy enough to accomplish these things while preserving the nice waterfront towns we have become use too, but people also can't fight it. Face it people the world is changing as people now work at home, commute longer and longer distances, the coveted once rural areas are going to develop....

[WINDinmySOCKIES]

we need more trees

[fatlazyless]

Maybe the small state prison on all that large sweeping hillside of empty land overlooking Paugus Bay could be turned into a much larger prison. It could house overflow prisoners from other states, or somewhere.

How about a country club style, luxury prison for the high rollers who can afford to do it and would appreciate that water view of Paugus. It's got to be a better business working with rich prisoners who have the bucks.

Up north in Berlin, construction on a new federal prison will soon be started and it will be a neighbor to the large State of NH prison recently built, way up there.

Mostly no town wants a prison but prisons employ lots of locals and once you build a prison, it's here to stay!

[idigtractors]

Originally Posted by WINDinmySOCKIES

we need more trees

What for, someone will just cut them down.

[KonaChick]

Contractors, electricians, plumbers, people in the industry basically who do not double or triple the usual cost of estimates the second they drive up to your lake house.

[idigtractors]

Originally Posted by KonaChick

Contractors, electricians, plumbers, people in the industry basically who do not double or triple the usual cost of estimates the second they drive up to your lake house.

I personally have found that not to be true. I have found them to be cheaper (same or better quality) and/or the same price as in other states.

[Irish mist]

My contention is that we need to control growth. And we can do it. We are not subject to "forces" that are beyond our control. Zoning laws are poweful tools that communties have to shape the environment the way the majority of the residents in a community want it to be shaped.

I'm going to use the state of Vermont as an example: I'm not a big fan of the leftist politics of Vermont, but the state of New Hampshire could learn a few lessons from the Green Mountain state concerning how to control "sprawl" & not lose its rural nature. In 20 years if you drive through Vermont I would venture to say that the state will look pretty much the sames as it does today......central NH on the other hand many very well look like "anyplace" USA if we do't get development under control.

As for jobs & development, you can bring some of it up here, but you don't need to change the nature of the whole region to do it. Make business & industry conform to what we want.
________
Chrysler slant-6 engine history

[jrc]

The big problem with zoning laws is that controlling growth and controlling sprawl conflict with each other.

Lets say you have a 1000 acees in town, and you use zoning to set a minimum lot size of 2 acres. You meet you goal of limiting growth to 500 houses, but you force those 500 houses to spread to every corner of the acerage, that's sprawl, no area is left undeveloped. It you could allot some area to much denser housing and leave a bunch of the are totally untouched you could accomodate 500 houses without destroying the open land we love. Plus the 500 families in those houses would be closer and more of a community rather than 500 families that never meet their neighbors.

[Irish mist]

I have no problem with "cluster development"jrc. It has its place. My concern is that people stop feeling like they can't do anything about the future space we, and our chidren are going to dwell in. The people in Vermont put their collective feet down over 30 years ago and said enough ! Enough sprawl, enough billboards, enough with the endless strip malls. They decided that they did not want to live in an "endless NJ cityscape", or have a southern NH crop up around them.

And so.....they stopped it. That's why Vermont & NH look less and less alike as the years go by.
________
Ducati mach 3

[jrc]

Given that we in NH still have a constitution that recognizes the right to private property what other tools beyond zoning do we have to shape how our communities grow?

Short of goverment control of population, you can't stop growth. As long as we have growth in this country, people will move to the nicest parts.

I don't think we should make NH a crappy place to live so people will move elsewhere.

[Joanna16]

The reason I love the lake is because of it as it is. "Don't go changing to try and please me."

But seriously - I went to Meredith to buy the new Harry Potter book this summer the day it came out - even got it at 20% off cover price. I bake the best blueberry muffins right in my own kitchen. Brew great coffee there too. I can rent any DVD from Netflicks and have it delivered.

The reason I come here is to just relax and enjoy lake life as is. What I could use less of . . . people. Stop telling everyone how great it is here - they keep showing up!

[Irish mist]

jrc.....zoning is enough, if used properly. I gave you the state of Vermont as an example. I suspect Vermont still has a constitution too. As for the population explosion.....if the goverment ended immigration, legal & illegal, that would go a long way in controling growth, but that's a political decision.

As for this statement by you: "I don't think we should make NH a crappy place to live so people will move elsewhere" Um, what are you getting at ? If we keep the rural nature of NH as it is now.....that's going to be a bad thing ? I'm not following you here ?

[Lakegeezer]

Something like a Staples or OfficeMax (or non-franchise equivalent) between Meredith and Moultonboro would be nice. The lakes region is becoming more than a tourist spot. As the year round home-office population rises, business services are needed, and its getting expensive to drive from Moultonboro to Gilford for stuff.

[ACutAbove]

Originally Posted by KonaChick

Contractors, electricians, plumbers, people in the industry basically who do not double or triple the usual cost of estimates the second they drive up to your lake house.

I do not believe that to be true, being a contractor myself. No matter where the house is located I know I treat everyone the same. I cannot speak for other contractors but if that is the way they operate hopefully people will realize it and not use that person or companys services. It sounds like you may have had a bad experience with a contractor,but please do not lump us all together.

As far as things we do or dont need here.
We need a better way to move traffic thru the rte 3 & 25 intersection in Meredith.

I dont want to go into what isnt needed here as the list would be to long...LOL

[KonaChick]

Originally Posted by ACutAbove

I do not believe that to be true, being a contractor myself. No matter where the house is located I know I treat everyone the same. I cannot speak for other contractors but if that is the way they operate hopefully people will realize it and not use that person or companys services. It sounds like you may have had a bad experience with a contractor,but please do not lump us all together.

As far as things we do or dont need here.
We need a better way to move traffic thru the rte 3 & 25 intersection in Meredith.

I dont want to go into what isnt needed here as the list would be to long...LOL

I'm not lumping you all together, just answering the forum question with my opinion. We've had extensive work done to our permanent residence and therefore have a good idea what is a reasonable price for services rendered. More often than not the quote we get for a service up at our lake home is typically much higher than what we've paid for the exact same service at our other home (which is smaller and less grandiose btw). These incidents aren't isolated to just us...it's a conversation that we've had with neighbors up at the lake and they've experienced the same thing. On the other hand it's nice to hear that not ALL people employed in the housing repair/service business are like that!!

[Argie's Wife]

We have too many...
-pizza places
-banks
-hair salons
-insurance companies
-used car dealerships
-garden centers

We don't have enough...
-walk-in health clinics ("doc in a box")
-adult day care facilities
-children/youth centers
-movie theaters
-bowling alleys/pool hall
-farmers markets & natural food stores
-museums (that are actually opened and maintained!)

[SteveA]

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

We have too many...
-pizza places
-banks
-hair salons
-insurance companies
-used car dealerships
-garden centers

We don't have enough...
-walk-in health clinics ("doc in a box")
-adult day care facilities
-children/youth centers
-movie theaters
-bowling alleys/pool hall
-farmers markets & natural food stores
-museums (that are actually opened and maintained!)

Fresh Fish Market.. Laconia area, the best around is at Marketbasket WAY out in Tilton

Check out this Google search for "Fresh Fish"

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q...=Google+Search

[LIforrelaxin]

Originally Posted by KonaChick

I'm not lumping you all together, just answering the forum question with my opinion. We've had extensive work done to our permanent residence and therefore have a good idea what is a reasonable price for services rendered. More often than not the quote we get for a service up at our lake home is typically much higher than what we've paid for the exact same service at our other home (which is smaller and less grandiose btw). These incidents aren't isolated to just us...it's a conversation that we've had with neighbors up at the lake and they've experienced the same thing. On the other hand it's nice to hear that not ALL people employed in the housing repair/service business are like that!!

I think what you maybe seeing is has less to do with a contractor showing up at a lake front retreat, and more to do with the scale and types of jobs you maybe trying to have done.

When we bought our camp and reworked it we where lucky enough to have the knowledge and skill to do most work ourselves... so we did. However one project we decided to look into contracting out was to update and move our electrical service panel. We had 3 contractor quote us prices and all where extremely high. The last contractor was a very matter of fact guy who told us, "we have more work up here then we can shake a stick at" and "there are many easier jobs then crawling under your camp to move all the wiring and routing it to the new pannel"..... moral of the story all three contractor where willing to do the work, but where going to make sure the where compansated for taking on a pain in the rear job, when they could be working in an easy to work on new construction project. So we of course dropped the contractors, found out what we had to do and did everything ourselves.....we just had to survive with out electricity a little longer then expected.....

In short Contractors in an area where there is a lot of construction going on don't like to get tied up with small or unusual projects that are going to be more aggrivation to them then anything...

Now this doesn't apply to all contractors..... but it is what I have noticed with electricians personally, and wouldn't be surprised to see the same attitude from plumbers, and construction contractors as well....

[wifi]

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

.... So we of course dropped the contractors, found out what we had to do and did everything ourselves.....we just had to survive with out electricity a little longer then expected.....
....

Really? I thought the Co-op 'required' a licensed electrician to install a new main panel and meter box and be present when the Co-op hooks it up to the pole? Maybe I can actually afford safe wiring in the house after all

[TomC]

Originally Posted by wifi

Really? I thought the Co-op 'required' a licensed electrician to install a new main panel and meter box and be present when the Co-op hooks it up to the pole? Maybe I can actually afford safe wiring in the house after all

A sticker from the code enforcement office with a signature from the town electrical inspector must be affixed to the meter box for the electric company to connect a system to the grid.

you could do the work yourself, but it will need to be inspected and signed off.

[jrc]

IM we're going off topic, so I'll be brief. You can follow up in a PM if you like. The lakes region is a beautiful place, people want to move here. It's hard to have zoning or other central planning laws that are strict enough to force an outcome without violating our rights as property owners.

[Fishy Cover]

The nearest dermatoligist is in Concord.

[LIforrelaxin]

Originally Posted by wifi

Really? I thought the Co-op 'required' a licensed electrician to install a new main panel and meter box and be present when the Co-op hooks it up to the pole? Maybe I can actually afford safe wiring in the house after all

Wifi,

Tom C has it correct at least back when we did the work. All the Coop required was that it was inspected and signed off on. So we scheduled the inspector and Electric Coop to come out at the same time, The Inspector signed off on it and the Electric Company hooked us up. The only reason we where with out power for a day or too, was because we had to move all the wiring. The panel has to be installed and all wiring complete.

Now if you try and do this kind of work yourself, make sure you meet or exceed code. The inspector was very hard on us, because in his estimation, it was a job that only a professional should handle. However after realizing that in most cases we exceeded code requirements, and making a couple of quick last minute changes that he felt where neccesary he signed away.
As for code requirements just talk with the town electrical inspector, he helped us out before hand as well, letting us know what the code requirements where.....

[Irish mist]

Yes.....the only dermatoligist in the lakes region retired this summer. You need to go to Concord or Plymouth. You woud think the Lakes Region hospital would be moving heaven & earth to have at least one dermatoligist on staff ? It's a very dangerous situation.
________
DODGE DAKOTA

[Argie's Wife]

Originally Posted by Irish mist

Yes.....the only dermatoligist in the lakes region retired this summer. You need to go to Concord or Plymouth. You woud think the Lakes Region hospital would be moving heaven & earth to have at least one dermatoligist on staff ? It's a very dangerous situation.

The list of medical specialists we're lacking up here is staggering. There's also very few pediatricians, gerentologists (sp), and only two neo-natal ICU's in the whole state, I believe.

Attracting new physicians to the area is difficult. This is considered a rural area. There are few physicians to share caseloads and many practices are struggling to meet the needs of the patients in the area. Also, the demographics for the patient base here is unusual because of the summer months when the population almost doubles for many towns. (Ever try to get care in the ER during Motorcycle Week?) Thus, my suggestion for more walk-in clinics.

========

Pet Shops...
As someone who used to be a vet tech assistant and who's parents worked in animal control, I'm not crazy about pet stores for many reasons. Although I'm sure your intentions are good intentions, there are some pet store owners who have no conscious about their trade but are only in it for the money.

I'd never buy a puppy from a pet store - or any other animal, really. Pet stores have a reputation for buying from puppy mills, keeping those mill-breeders in business. Anyone who's done their homework on getting a puppy won't go to a pet shop - they'll go to a reputable breeder.

Additionally, There's some excellent pet stores already, like Laconia Pet Center, who is already well established. I get my pets' foods at BJ's Wholesale Club and I buy their medicines online, usually. I'm sure there's other who do the same - my wallet tells me where to go, to be honest. I support local businesses when I can but sometimes local is way over priced.

However, I do think we've lost the dog groomer we had here in town or perhaps they moved (??). Personally, I'd love to see a good doggy-daycare and kennel come into the area, with grooming. That would be awesome!

Just my $0.02

[20mile]

Originally Posted by wifi

Really? I thought the Co-op 'required' a licensed electrician to install a new main panel and meter box and be present when the Co-op hooks it up to the pole? Maybe I can actually afford safe wiring in the house after all

I live in Tuftonboro and two years ago I installed a 200 amp service in my house. The coop came by and gave me a work book on how to install the from the weather head to the meter socket then to the distribution panel. They told me what types of meter sockets their meters would fit into. The code officer came by an put a sticker on the box and then the coop clamped on the conductors from the street.

Everyone was very helpful. I think I saved $2,500 by doing the work myself.

[fatlazyless]

The Lowe's Home Improvement in Gilford, which opened in February, is a welcome addition. It has a large selection of plumbing, electrical, lawn irrigation, masonry block, paint, concrete, lumber, power & hand tools, ceramic tile, lumber, plywood, roofing, how-to-do books, large kitchen appliance, bathroom & kitchen fixtures, storage, cleaning, yardwork, lumber and most importantly....FREE COFFEE!

Plus, they occaisionally have mark downs to dirt cheap prices on slow moving items like alkyd paint and certain ceramic tiles and stuff that just isn't selling too good. Mark it down to 90% off and move it out, they say Everything is indoors, in a heated and well-lit store. Plus, if I neglected to mention, it has free coffee in those crummy white plastic-foam cups!

...if they would just upgrade those crummy foam cups to some good quality, real paper cups, and then some Green Mountain Coffee like,,,,big business move....cannot underestimate the biz boost of quality free coffee...

...now, can I get my Lowe's baseball cap that comes w/ a pencil and a pencil holder?

[Skip]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

...now can I get my Lowe's baseball cap that comes w/ a pencil and a pencil holder?...

You sure can, all you have to do is sign up for a Lowe's commercial account. I went to the Lowe's grand opening in Rochester earlier this week and when I signed up for a commercial account I got the hat (with TWO pencils) and a bag full of extra goodies along with a handful of discount soupons. And what did they have in the first aisle near the concrete blocks? Why a whole table full of snacks and donuts and ALL the free coffee I could drink!

FLL, you would have been proud of me as I assaulted that table!!!

[hockeypuck]

If you go to this website's home page and click on "Lake Links" and then "Builders and Home Improvements", I would venture to guess that the owners and employees of the enterprises listed do not share your same enthusiasm with Lowes. In every town or city where the large chains have come in, small local competing businesses have suffered. Enjoy the coffee and donuts and save some money, but don't complain when local businesses go under and there are empty stores in town that don't pay taxes. I for one support the local owner that provides more personal service, lives in the community and pays taxes to my town. Call me stupid if you wish, but I just bought a new snowblower from my local, in town, lawnmower shop and paid $50 more than the same one at Home Depot. The same local owner who supports our town's youth programs, pays our taxes, and employees our locals both full and part time. He fully assembled the machine, provided instructions, helped load it into the truck, and said any problems just give HIM a call. To the fine people on this forum,be careful what you wish for, you may get your wish.

[idigtractors]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

...if they would just upgrade those crummy foam cups to some good quality, real paper cups, and then some Green Mountain Coffee like,,,,big business move....cannot underestimate the biz boost of quality free coffee...
...now, can I get my Lowe's baseball cap that comes w/ a pencil and a pencil holder?

Now for two (2) questions. Do they serve decaf and how often do they wash the coffee pots?

[secondcurve]

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

The issue here is understood by all.... However an important lesson to be learned is this. As the cost of living around the lake continues to rise do to housing cost etc.... It will become increasingly harder on the locals to live in these areas with out good well paying jobs the only way to bring those good paying jobs is to allow growth. Remember it is the locals that afford us the ability to enjoy ourselves, as they staff and provide business to the area durring the off seasons. Am I advocating a Lowes at every corner no.... But should we expect to see a couple of more reasonable sized shopping plazas yes, it would also be nice to see some industrial development. Nothing like an IBM mind you but a couple of nice 100-300 employee manufacturing facilities would be a good idea....

I have lived in areas where they have tried to control growth. And you know what, it is the local people and business that ultimately pay the price when growth doesn't happen. What the lakes region needs to decided is how it wants the growth to happen. So that there is a job market strong enough to support the local population, which ultimately provides the work force for the tourism business. It is easy enough to accomplish these things while preserving the nice waterfront towns we have become use too, but people also can't fight it. Face it people the world is changing as people now work at home, commute longer and longer distances, the coveted once rural areas are going to develop....

Don't forget that what the Lakes Region has going for it is tourism. If you pollute the area with endless sprawl it becomes less desirable as a tourist destination.

[phoenix]

agree with fatlazyless i do miss the Lakes Region theatre . But i did notice that during the last couple of years there were many empty seats on most weekday nights vs. a few years back when the place was filled so i suspect attendance was part of the problem

[mets3007]

Don't forget there is Moulton's Longridge farm on rt 3 going towards Meredith, but Hannaford has the best selection of fruit in the Laconia area. There are plenty of restaurants in the area so we do not need more of them, arcades check, they have alot of things that are needed, but they dont have a first med kinda doctor place where you can walk in without waiting 6 hours at the ER.

[fatlazyless]

hey Hockeypuck- I heard that Home Depot will soon be building a new store just yards from the Gilford Lowes, on what used to be an Irwin Marine boat storage lot. Lowes and Home Depot, side by side in Gilford, just inches from the Laconia town line.

Yeah, that's all true about 'buy local-it stays local' and smaller owner op store vs big box stores. It seems like most of the Lowe's customers are do-it-yourselfers, as opposed to contractors. So, maybe contractos are sticking with the Boulia Gourrels, Gilford Home Center, Ashland Lumbers w/ their better stock of lumber, and do-it-yourselfers go to Lowes' for some other reason. Lowe's don't really have all that much lumber..........I don't know?

Plus, Lowe's just got final approval to build on the big Tenney Mt Hgwy cornfield in Plymouth.

[dpg]

A fun place to drink and meet young people (well, O.K. girls Well I'm older now but the old Depot in Meredith still brings smiles to my face. I swear everytime I drive by there I get a flashback.

[AltonGuy]

A friend and I were thinking of business opportunities around the Alton area. Although the area could perhaps do with a few new "small town" businesses one in particular we came up with was a Pet Store? Figured there were only a few in the surrounding area so it may generate interest? Perhaps you folks could lend some input?

[dpg]

If a pet store makes it a Petco or Petsmart would soon follow.