Wide Open saloon Weirs beach

[RailroadJoe]

Where next? US Supreme Court. Already run out of local ones.

[Heaven]

Originally Posted by RailroadJoe

Where next? US Supreme Court. Already run out of local ones.

Oh? What was the last decision?

[RailroadJoe]

Last I read it was supposed to be torn down in seven days.

[Heaven]

Last I heard it was scheduled at New Hampshire Supreme Court, if it has been heard and a decision made please post a link to the info?

[no-engine]

News media has reported that New Hampshire State Fire Marshal is still in the "investigation" stage, apparently not releasing the property to owner (a member of the Baldi family, the drive-in & Colonial Theater owners) and thus the insurance carrier (Lloyd's) will not pay out.
Nothing but past readings from news print media.
We don't recall the reporting of courts, since a local judge did say tear down.

After recent rains or snows, it's easy to observe that upper parts continue to collapse! I drive by almost every day.

[Sunset View]

Originally Posted by no-engine

News media has reported that New Hampshire State Fire Marshal is still in the "investigation" stage, apparently not releasing the property to owner (a member of the Baldi family, the drive-in & Colonial Theater owners) and thus the insurance carrier (Lloyd's) will not pay out.
Nothing but past readings from news print media.
We don't recall the reporting of courts, since a local judge did say tear down.

After recent rains or snows, it's easy to observe that upper parts continue to collapse! I drive by almost every day.

Come on Spring showers!!

[corollaman]

I hope they tear it down before this coming Bike Week.

[no-engine]

Originally Posted by Sunset View

Come on Spring showers!!

Last night, I see that some contractor equipment is very close to what's left of building. If a wind/rain storm comes along, I'd think debris would fall over on equipment and the office trailer. Very hazardous site: OSHA!

I certainly would not want to be on site with storm playing out.
More we observe & think, it's such a hazard to the abutters and a soreness to the eyes, especially with visitors. I certainly will give no directions that have one driving through that area. [I hope owners' family read threads!]

On another note, on recent NECN the Boss, story was about the Cumberland Farms business: most sites are getting a make-over. Appears that the one up hill will be open soon, if not already re-opened.

[nicole]

Originally Posted by no-engine

Last night, I see that some contractor equipment is very close to what's left of building. If a wind/rain storm comes along, I'd think debris would fall over on equipment and the office trailer. Very hazardous site: OSHA!

I certainly would not want to be on site with storm playing out.
More we observe & think, it's such a hazard to the abutters and a soreness to the eyes, especially with visitors. I certainly will give no directions that have one driving through that area. [I hope owners' family read threads!]

On another note, on recent NECN the Boss, story was about the Cumberland Farms business: most sites are getting a make-over. Appears that the one up hill will be open soon, if not already re-opened.

Cumby is already open-has been for a few days. They now offer more "to-go" types food-pizza, breakfast sandwiches, etc. Have not tried them yet.

[no-engine]

Originally Posted by nicole

[/B]Cumby is already open-has been for a few days. They now offer more "to-go" types food-pizza, breakfast sandwiches, etc. Have not tried them yet.

I've been not so observant...
Thanks for the info. Wonder if the one in Meredith will get a make-over?

[AC2717]

WE should have FLL try their "to-go" food first!

[Sunset View]

And so too is the Wide Open Saloon!

Is anyone else wondering at what point does the process gain some traction and this eye-sore goes away? This will be the 3rd summer looking at that messs and we continue to be amazed that local businesses, residents and out of towners would want to be anywhere near the Weirs, not to mention the continued plummeting home values in and around the area! There is a correlation, it's high time for our residents, business leaders and town fathers to take a stand and get the badly needed revitalization and rejuvenation of the Weirs underway ASAP!

Thurston's, The Lobster Pond, Weirs business association.........let's go!

TEAR IT DOWN!

[pjs1342]

Hey folks, Beware of what you wish for as far as the Weirs needing to change. Change to what? Upscale is where i see it going in the future which will drive out the working class. I like it honky tonk and bike week forever. Can anyone afford Meredith Bay? If more of these type developments continue I guarantee kiss bike week goodbye. Then the beloved drive-in becomes more condos and before long what attracted people to the Weirs becomes like any other onclave for the wealthy.

[birchhaven]

Originally Posted by pjs1342

Hey folks, Beware of what you wish for as far as the Weirs needing to change. Change to what? Upscale is where i see it going in the future which will drive out the working class. I like it honky tonk and bike week forever.

I am gonna regret bring this up, but there are two major factors why Laconia is the way it is while all the surrounding areas thrive, one of them being bike week... bike week does not help the city or its people.

[ChocolateGypsy]

Originally Posted by pjs1342
Hey folks, Beware of what you wish for as far as the Weirs needing to change. Change to what? Upscale is where i see it going in the future which will drive out the working class. I like it honky tonk and bike week forever.

Originally Posted by birchhaven

I am gonna regret bring this up, but there are two major factors why Laconia is the way it is while all the surrounding areas thrive, one of them being bike week... bike week does not help the city or its people.

The Weirs is far more "upscale" today than it was in the 60s when we had the "bike week riots." Back then, the Weirs looked like an atomic bomb had gone off in the 40s or 50s and no one had ever returned. (I still have nightmares!) I agree that the burned building is a safety hazard. But I really don't think the city has the money to tear it down either.

As far as Bike Week is concerned -- IT'S ONLY ONE WEEK OF THE ENTIRE YEAR!! And the quality of visitors has greatly improved with each decade.

IMO, the problem with Laconia is that it can't seem to escape the effects of it's past as a poor mill town and as a "dumping site" for the state's mentally ill... and then there's the prison... toxic waste sites... lack of descent jobs... etc.

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by ChocolateGypsy

The Weirs is far more "upscale" today than it was in the 60s when we had the "bike week riots." Back then, the Weirs looked like an atomic bomb had gone off in the 40s or 50s and no one had ever returned. (I still have nightmares!) I agree that the burned building is a safety hazard. But I really don't think the city has the money to tear it down either.

As far as Bike Week is concerned -- IT'S ONLY ONE WEEK OF THE ENTIRE YEAR!! And the quality of visitors has greatly improved with each decade.

IMO, the problem with Laconia is that it can't seem to escape the effects of it's past as a poor mill town and as a "dumping site" for the state's mentally ill... and then there's the prison... toxic waste sites... lack of descent jobs... etc.

There was just an article about the concerns of this area.
The lakes region in general is becoming one big retirement community.
Jobs and big business are leaving the area and being replaced by retired people who are moving up here into their 2nd homes as full time residents.
Not sure of all the logistics of this but in a nut shell it isn’t a good thing and is progressively getting worse and unless something is done to change it will continue to do so.

As for bike week it dies a little more every year. Starting this year there will be no more closing of the bridge to any traffic.
Last year being the first year my wife started riding a motorcycle we visited the Weirs several times. Each time we heard complaints from venders who are hoping for a more scaled down version of bike week, being less drawn out because they are loosing money.
One of the things we noticed was the people we saw had very few items they bought.
Most seemed content on just walking around and stopping at the many watering holes.
I know for us living here, unless we see a gotta have item, we wait till the last day when everything is marked down 30 to 50% or more.

[birchhaven]

Sorry for getting off topic.
I have fun at bike week, but the idea that it is only one week so it does not effect the area year round, is an idea not followed through.
Too many properties base there income on that one week and the rest of the year are vacant or worse. In a small city economy it is far better to have a more consistent, sustainable year round operation occupy a parcel than it is to have a one week blast of income. There is no need for many property owners to "try". In my view and many others, if bike week never existed the entire city would be in a different place right now. So if bike week ended, slowly all those business owners would need to be productive with there properties, creating jobs, nicer facilities, better neighborhoods, etc.
This all comes back to the wide open saloon. I would be willing to bet that the owner may eventually tear down the building and leave it as a gravel lot so it can be turned in to a tent city during bike week and they will make enough money to satisfy them. With no bike week, they would need to actually do something with the property, create some business, that is sustainable, or sell it to someone who would do something, and I am willing to bet the property would be worth more in the "no bike week" situation. JMHO

[jrc]

birchhaven's theory is really interesting and a different way of looking at bike week. It's too successful and lets people make enough money that week and write off the rest of the year.

If he is right, then as bike week winds back down to bike weekend (my guess) this may be corrected. Time will tell.

His theory kind of lines up with one of my theories about the condo-fication of the lakefront. My theory is that when hotels and camps changed to condos, the client list changed from week long vacationers to owners visiting on the weekends. So the place is dead during the week. Business now have to adapt to that model.

[Woodsy]

To start, with all due respect to the Baldi family and their right to due process… be a good neighbor and tear down that ugly eyesore! To the Laconia City manager and mayor… WTH! If that building was located in downtown Laconia we would not have this issue! The building would have been razed a year ago!

The intrinsic dynamic of the Weirs has changed radically in the last 10-12 years. There used to be a lot of small mom & pop motels that people spent their vacation week in. This provided a large turnover of people on weekly basis for the Weirs attractions and kept them busy. In the last real estate boom those mom & pop motels all but disappeared… turned into condos. This process virtually eliminated 60% - 70% of the revenue stream to the Weirs attractions. Condominium owners are more likely to patronize the attractions 2-3 times a season vs. a new bunch of people staying at the local motels every week. It has always been difficult for any business to make a year’s salary in the short 3-4 month summer season here in the Weirs. Couple that with a down economy and you can really understand the struggle business owners have. Unfortunately I don’t think this can be corrected. The damage is done. The City of Laconia and local business owners need to adapt to this unfortunate outcome and think of NEW ways to attract visitors to the Weirs.

Of the 3 biggest towns on the lake, Wolfeboro has always been quiet and rather upscale, Meredith was transformed to upscale, and unfortunately the Weirs has remained somewhat stagnant. This needs to be reversed. What the Weirs needs is better planning and leadership… The Weirs needs a makeover that sticks to its honky-tonk roots! The Weirs has always been the honky-tonk spot on the lake! This should be embraced not discouraged!

Bike Week should be EMBRACED! Years of heavy handed police presence coupled with economic discouragement by Laconia City Hall have diminished the attendance of Bike Week. Other communities throughout the state such as Meredith, Rochester & North Conway have jumped on the Bike Week bandwagon looking to cash in on what the City of Laconia doesn’t seem to want. This all has an effect on attendance.

I think in order to make the Weirs a destination again there needs to be some radical shift in thinking. I would recommend the Weirs become a designated resort area… loosen the rules a little! Look at Key West for inspiration!! Awesome restaurants… Cool bars with great entertainment, funky shops. Clean the area up. Tear down that stupid eyesore. Let people enjoy themselves a little. Maintain a police presence but discreetly (think undercover cops). No need for 3 cruisers and 2 bicycle cops hanging out waiting for something, anything to happen! Let people drink along the boardwalk and enjoy the lake (plastic containers). Allow outside music in the summer up until 12:00. Encourage people to visit. Adjust the rules so that people WANT to VISIT! Adjust the rules so that people WANT to open NEW businesses!

Make the Weirs friendly and people will visit…

Woodsy

[songkrai]

Originally Posted by Belmont Resident

The lakes region in general is becoming one big retirement community.
Jobs and big business are leaving the area and being replaced by retired people who are moving up here into their 2nd homes as full time residents.
Not sure of all the logistics of this but in a nut shell it isn’t a good thing and is progressively getting worse and unless something is done to change it will continue to do so.

.

Correct. In total this is not a good thing for the area. Yes, some jobs do cater to seniors. But with little growth in industry and factories there will be a gradual decline of area.

I think that the Weirs was much better in the 1940's, 1950,s and 1960,s.

And some think that putting a few more Yuppie bars at the Weirs will help? The Weirs is a beach and a playground for kids.

[garysanfran]

Originally Posted by songkrai

Correct. In total this is not a good thing for the area. Yes, some jobs do cater to seniors. But with little growth in industry and factories there will be a gradual decline of area.

I think that the Weirs was much better in the 1940's, 1950,s and 1960,s.

And some think that putting a few more Yuppie bars at the Weirs will help? The Weirs is a beach and a playground for kids.

If The Weirs is going to be successful, there needs to be an economic draw. I'm not sure how you make a profit on a strip of sand and catering to kids who have no money?

It was better in the 40's, 50's and 60's because adults went there and spent money. They hadn't coined the word "yuppies" yet. Winnipesaukee Gardens was a playground for adults with money to spend. Today, it caters to "kids" as a penny arcade as do the other arcades. Lots of things for kids to spend their coins on. We need a draw for adults with dollars.

[AC2717]

I think it would be a nice place to hit for afternoon and evening activities, some sit down restaurants some vendors, nice stores, a place where people would want to come and walk around at night, much like lets say the boardwalk in Myrtle beach, or downtown Disney. Not that crazy, but like people say above, make it so people will want to come down and spend the money. I think still have a arcade or two to get the kids involved. but some nice restaurants
maybe a dueling piano bar and grille. and a couple more restuarants with a bunch of local shops for local craftsmen and what not, a couple of arcades, with the mount. with a nice little deal like that who would not want to go up there and stroll the boardwalk. Maybe even a redesign of the road to make some waterfront restaurants


What it is turning into or already has, is been a hangout for teenages to escape from their parents and hang out and cause mischeif. there is also hints of bad elements seeping into the area because it is getting so run down. THe Town should be on the property owners and shop keeps to upgrade or refinish and if that means that somethings close down and are forced to sell, new owners (new money) will come in and revitalize the area. The town should set up a revitalization project and model it from ideas taken from Wolfboro, Meredith, and others around the country

By the way this still does not mean that bike week can't happen, it could.

[riverat]

Point taken.

[tis]

I heard today someone has started a petition to get it cleaned up.

[SIKSUKR]

Originally Posted by tis

I heard today someone has started a petition to get it cleaned up.

Just posted 13 posts behind you.

[Sunset View]

We need to have the WOS razed/removed; Memorial Day weekend is less than 2 weeks away and again, we must live with the filth, smell and disgusting image projected by the burned out dump the Wide Open Saloon is!

This isn't about bike week or the people that ride, it's about the eyesore the WOS has become. How in God's name can the town, elected state and town officals and the especially Gov Lynch allow that embarrassment to continue to stand? Amazing that in this day and age people like the Baldis can control the system, I read all the court documents so I'm not surprised by the inaction but, enough is surely enough! Don Thurston, you are a powerful, reasonable and smart man, you along with your brother Jeff must be able to move this process along. It can't be good for business.

[no-engine]

Well stated, SV!

It's got to be a health hazard for the neighbors AND the Busby workers.
The upper floors seem more precarious every day that I go by.
The wrecking ball would have a blast ~ toppling so easily.

[meredith weekender]

Originally Posted by no-engine

Well stated, SV!

It's got to be a health hazard for the neighbors AND the Busby workers.
The upper floors seem more precarious every day that I go by.
The wrecking ball would have a blast ~ toppling so easily.

maybe the BUSBY Equipment can somehow back into the structure and take it down

[no-engine]

Great idea!
However, when skimming the documents, I understood there exists a debt to Busby; thus only far out speculation that there is some bartering going on. Otherwise, why would any contractor park vehicles so close to a very unstable building???

Media coverage is getting out again: Today's Laconia Daily Sun has a caption under a photo of bulbs being replaced at the Weirs Sign, on front page. WOS in background! Well done, Sun!

[Happy Gourmand]

Originally Posted by Sunset View

We need to have the WOS razed/removed; Memorial Day weekend is less than 2 weeks away and again, we must live with the filth, smell and disgusting image projected by the burned out dump the Wide Open Saloon is!

This isn't about bike week or the people that ride, it's about the eyesore the WOS has become. How in God's name can the town, elected state and town officals and the especially Gov Lynch allow that embarrassment to continue to stand? Amazing that in this day and age people like the Baldis can control the system, I read all the court documents so I'm not surprised by the inaction but, enough is surely enough! Don Thurston, you are a powerful, reasonable and smart man, you along with your brother Jeff must be able to move this process along. It can't be good for business.

Why stop the blame at the Governor? I think it's Obama's fault!
I'm with Heaven on this, like it or not, agree or disagree, the owners, regardless of their community standing and personal behavior, are entitled to their due process.
We'd all like to make this go away, but until the court decides, we all have to abide by and respect the process.
Like somebody said, It is what it is.

[no-engine]

There's a new user named weirs drive in or close to that phrase. Maybe some conversation can be established. There was a post on thread related to the domain name of drive in........

On another stupid note heard as I was gassing my car at the Citgo convenience store, on the Laconia side of the bridge. Another client said that owners of WOS are suing City because "City owns portions of building" because parts are on City property. I commented the road is State, but usually there is easement not ownership. To me, such story of suite is really just ludicrous. What more will come, but that's from only ONE now a RUMOR. He said the building is filled with asbestous!

I saw a Busby pick up truck very late today, and came close to asking driver why equipment is so near to the unstable building.

[nhyitbos]

Originally Posted by no-engine

There's a new user named weirs drive in or close to that phrase. Maybe some conversation can be established. There was a post on thread related to the domain name of drive in........

On another stupid note heard as I was gassing my car at the Citgo convenience store, on the Laconia side of the bridge. Another client said that owners of WOS are suing City because "City owns portions of building" because parts are on City property. I commented the road is State, but usually there is easement not ownership. To me, such story of suite is really just ludicrous. What more will come, but that's from only ONE now a RUMOR. He said the building is filled with asbestous!

I saw a Busby pick up truck very late today, and came close to asking driver why equipment is so near to the unstable building.

Somebody may WANT the city to own part of the building, I cannot speak specifically what the 4 suits entail (I do know that A is suing B is suing C is suing A) fits the scenerio anyway....but that's a stretch that the city has encroaching property lines, (if I understand the "rumor"); the title company would have never given a title policy with an encumbrance of that nature, wouldn't you agree?...let's chaulk that up to another wild rumor....what's not a rumor is that there IS asbestos. That is the reason for such a high cost to raze and disposed of...Glad you posted, it is important that rumors are dismissed as soon as possible. Come to think about it...if the owners would just keep neighbors abreast of "what's happening"..they might find more support than they realize. Oh well, we all conduct our business differently and they must think that this is the best course to eliminate further exposure to scrutiny but based on results not the gossip. Thanks again for posting the lastest so it could be addressed early.

[Sunset View]

Originally Posted by The Phantom Gourmand

Why stop the blame at the Governor? I think it's Obama's fault!
I'm with Heaven on this, like it or not, agree or disagree, the owners, regardless of their community standing and personal behavior, are entitled to their due process.
We'd all like to make this go away, but until the court decides, we all have to abide by and respect the process.
Like somebody said, It is what it is.

Good point...it is Obama's fault!

[meredith weekender]

I think a bailout might be in order here.

[NoBozo]

Originally Posted by Sunset View

Good point...it is Obama's fault!

YES..... BUT HE ..inherited it from BUSH. NB

[Sunset View]

Originally Posted by pjs1342

Hey folks, Beware of what you wish for as far as the Weirs needing to change. Change to what? Upscale is where i see it going in the future which will drive out the working class. I like it honky tonk and bike week forever. Can anyone afford Meredith Bay? If more of these type developments continue I guarantee kiss bike week goodbye. Then the beloved drive-in becomes more condos and before long what attracted people to the Weirs becomes like any other onclave for the wealthy.

PJS, I ride a Harley, am a professional business person and I value your point; mine was merely focused on the embarrassment that is the burned out, falling apart and accident waiting to happen WOS. I hope it can be torn down soon and a replacement of similar venue put up in its place. Honky-tonk is one thing, a structural pit is another. I don't think anyone on the forum ever said or suggested anything "Upscale", I'm with you, the offerings in Meredith are ridiculous.........that all said and I think you'd agree, the Wide Open Saloon is an eyesore and if anyone believes this burned out dump is attracting any people to the Weirs, then I too respectfully give up. I'd suggest to everyone/anyone that wants this type of eyesore in their backyard to forget fireworks at Funspot, The Weirs, Meredith, Winnisquam, Center Harbor or Alton; bring all your fireworks this July 4th to the front of the WOS, celebrate your love of filth, burned out buildings, no tresspassing signs and the hazard that this structure has become and light away with gusto.........welcome to Talledega Nights Weirs style. Ricky Bobby!!!!!!

[jtb9212]

Long story short. Anything owned or managed by the Baldi family will certainly be less than par. Talk about a family that knows hows to work the system for every angle they can. I am sure that eyesore will be there for years to come for us all to look at. That group of losers can play the victim for all its worth better than anyone.

[Wreckn1]

Originally Posted by jtb9212

Long story short. Anything owned or managed by the Baldi family will certainly be less than par. Talk about a family that knows hows to work the system for every angle they can. I am sure that eyesore will be there for years to come for us all to look at. That group of losers can play the victim for all its worth better than anyone.

I highly doubt the city will let it sit there for "years" this I am sure of

[NoRegrets]

Originally Posted by Wreckn1

I highly doubt the city will let it sit there for "years" this I am sure of

The fire was in September 2010. It will be 2 years in 5 months.

[Channel Pirate]

As the manager of a local hotel, I will be advising my new and repeat customers to not spend a dime @ the Drive in or Waterslide this summer and as long as the building stands.

2 people per unit x 28 units x 14 weeks = 784 people a summer that I will not be sending there way.

Until they do whats right.

[no-engine]

Originally Posted by Channel Pirate

As the manager of a local hotel, I will be advising my new and repeat customers to not spend a dime @ the Drive in or Waterslide this summer and as long as the building stands.

2 people per unit x 28 units x 14 weeks = 784 people a summer that I will not be sending there way.

Until they do whats right.

Totally in favor of your policy!!!

[ChocolateGypsy]

Originally Posted by Wreckn1

I highly doubt the city will let it sit there for "years" this I am sure of

Where I am in Laconia for the moment, there are now several abandoned/condemned buildings that are home to various local wildlife, roaming teens and their drug dealers. One has been there for "years," the others met the same fate more recently. The only thing the city has done is to post a "condemned" notice on them.

Count your blessings in that even the squatters don't want anything to do with the building at the Weirs.

[Pineedles]

Originally Posted by ChocolateGypsy

Where I am in Laconia for the moment, there are now several abandoned/condemned buildings that are home to various local wildlife, roaming teens and their drug dealers. One has been there for "years," the others met the same fate more recently. The only thing the city has done is to post a "condemned" notice on them.

Count your blessings in that even the squatters don't want anything to do with the building at the Weirs.

Oh boy, sounds like a dangerous area. I bet your glad they didn't let that methadone clinic to be allowed there.

[laketrout]

Unforunately The city of Laconia has NO leadership when it comes to the Weirs. I love Weirs beach and the area but until the city has a master plan for the Weirs and the area it will languish and suffer. The Weirs needs a master plan sort of what happened with Meredith or Hampton beach, NH. Weirs needs to keep its honky Tonkin heritage!

[ChocolateGypsy]

Originally Posted by Pineedles

Oh boy, sounds like a dangerous area. I bet your glad they didn't let that methadone clinic to be allowed there.

Are you being sarcastic? The clinic's at the hospital.

[corollaman]

Originally Posted by RailroadJoe

Where next? US Supreme Court. Already run out of local ones.

Last I knew it was already going to the supreme court, whether the case has been heard yet or not, I don't know.