Wide Open saloon Weirs beach

[no-engine]

Originally Posted by AC2717

No-Engine
Please let us know, I own property in Laconia but as a non resident/voter I would love to sign it
or what they should do is start a online petetion

I had timing issues and never did find out if petition signors was required to be a Laconia voter. I reside/vote in neighboring town. I don't know where to find John Ganong.

I did call Thurston's Marina one day; lady said no Thurston was on the property, and she was not aware of details of the petition. Maybe I can stop today, Saturday 12th.

I hope making a comment, bumps this thread up.
If I were part of Busby Construction, I would never park equipment so near the building. Apparently the drive-in is open weekends, and certainly is not good public relations to movie attendees!

[Mr. V]

You can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk?

A group of protesters picketing the property would be a unique, inexpensive and effective way of bringing this matter to a head.

[jtb9212]

Maybe the best way to petition to have the Wide Open torn down would be to boycott going to the Drive In, hurt them where thier heart is, the wallet. Hate to see a business go out of business, but wouldn't mind if its a Baldi owned business. The public has the voice and the power to make them wake up, although I doubt they would get it.

[no-engine]

Originally Posted by jtb9212

Maybe the best way to petition to have the Wide Open torn down would be to boycott going to the Drive In, hurt them where thier heart is, the wallet. Hate to see a business go out of business, but wouldn't mind if its a Baldi owned business. The public has the voice and the power to make them wake up, although I doubt they would get it.

Agreed! Personally, I have not gone to drive-in or theater downtown Laconia for many years. Also, I have not gone to the water slide, or recommended any.

I remember reading an inn/motel owner (not identified) on this thread posting that they plan to NOT recommend any of those businesses to their clients.

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by no-engine

Agreed! Personally, I have not gone to drive-in or theater downtown Laconia for many years. Also, I have not gone to the water slide, or recommended any.

I remember reading an inn/motel owner (not identified) on this thread posting that they plan to NOT recommend any of those businesses to their clients.

Although the drive in theater has become a run down neglected place that one would cringe to use the bathrooms at the options could be worse.
Imagine it as the sight of just another mega hotel, resort or even worse condo’s that instead of tying up traffic at night on the weekends creates more traffic and adds another eye sore to the lake.

[jtb9212]

Click on the link and see what the Wide Open looked like when it was a hotel in its early days. What a beautiful majestic building. What a total shame to see it now and what is has become.

http://www.weirsbeach.com/Largejpgs/...ctanhotel.html

The Weirs was such a beautiful destination and has so much history. It is such a shame to see it where it is today. Enjoy the link to the photos. It really makes me sad to see that area in the state it is in today.

[RailroadJoe]

Not enough money coming in. So, out it goes.

[no-engine]

Originally Posted by jtb9212

Click on the link and see what the Wide Open looked like when it was a hotel in its early days. What a beautiful majestic building. What a total shame to see it now and what is has become.

http://www.weirsbeach.com/Largejpgs/...ctanhotel.html

The Weirs was such a beautiful destination and has so much history. It is such a shame to see it where it is today. Enjoy the link to the photos. It really makes me sad to see that area in the state it is in today.

Thanks for the link.

AND we could remember the Ho-Jo's next door...
Also the victim of fire, whose origin is undetermined... In 70's or 80's?

[nhyitbos]

There was a great response to the petition signing. Yes, you don't have to be a resident because it is about "the community". The petition doesn't really need hundreds of names to make it's point. The city manager is all for this effort by Mr. Ganong. However, making it clear, Community encompasses those who pass by this burnt out eyesore on a daily basis. John Gagong will be presenting the petition, along with some residents, to the city council tonight at 7:30 p.m. The petition is to ENABLE the council to notify the state that "Time is of the Essence" for the residents and business owners in the Weirs. The legal problem is that the Supreme Court (there are multiple suits) has "dubbed" the suit by the city as "not detrimental to safety" and therefore has ranked its importance "low". The goal is to petition the court to "rank" it higher for a decision to allow the city to remove it. Rumor in the Weirs is that by June 15th there should be a decision. Unacceptable. That's the end of bike week and the beginning of tourism. Say what you will of the business owners and residents but they have been very quiet on this subject to allow the city, state and the owners (both title and lienholders) to work their way through the recovery of funds process. However, after almost two years this legal chess game is becoming too taxing upon the hotel/motels and cottages and affecting their livelyhoods of business income. The Lobster Pound has the most to loose from what I witness yesterday at brunch. The building is prominent from their dining room windows and it was the topic of discussion of some viewing patrons. Not sure they lived here so they didn't have the background of why it's still there. It is a known stat that the Weirs is over 35% of the city's income no matter how it is achieved. Bike week is a financial boom doggle for the businesses in Laconia also. The businesses that benefit the most are some that you wouldn't expect...Laconia Savings, TD Bank, Citizens, and Meredith Savings gives away thousands of dollars how? Collection of ATM fee's during bike week. Lowes, Ace Hardware, Trustworthy revenues rises from vendors needing construction supplies. Shaw's, Hannafords, Vista and Walmart for simple quick needs (coolers/prescriptions forgotten etc). Telephone company for vendor hook-ups, Amerigas and Rymes for hundreds of propane tanks and yes the City of Laconia stopped playing "fuzzy" math 9 years ago. In addition, many don't realize that the Weirs PO has extended hours during bike week (or used to) for tourists shipping leather home that they can't carry on their bike. Yes, time is of the essence to remove this building, tourism (not just bike week) season has arrived. I agree with one previous writer that I would rather be charged to the demolishing of this building for $400k (that's the estitmate) than $2.1M for the old prison or 1.5M for the Baldi's other property, the Colonial Theatre. The city likes to spend money except where they achieve the most money, the Weirs. just saying.

[pelican]

I agree with one previous writer that I would rather be charged to the demolishing of this building for $400k (that's the estitmate) than $2.1M for the old prison or 1.5M for the Baldi's other property, the Colonial Theatre. The city likes to spend money except where they achieve the most money, the Weirs.


But, without a valid court order to demolish the building we're all at a standstill. If the city were to bulldoze this property without the court's consent there's a good chance they'd have to pony up the funds to rebuild for the Baldis. So, $400k for the demo and then another million or more in damages - whoo wee. Do you really want the property re-built @ the city's expense?
And I respectfully disagree - ALL the properties in the Weirs are being hurt by this eyesore, not just the Lobster Pound.
And if my memory isn't completely shot - I don't think the city was ever going to buy the Baldi's downtown theatre.
And if I had the financial means, I'd love to buy the old prison property for $2.1 million - that's a steal - about $8,000 per acre. Beautiful views, prime farmland, great investment potential. Sell off the parts that aren't a hazard and use the funds to clean up the parts that are and you're left with a really nice piece of property.

[nhyitbos]

Originally Posted by pelican

I agree with one previous writer that I would rather be charged to the demolishing of this building for $400k (that's the estitmate) than $2.1M for the old prison or 1.5M for the Baldi's other property, the Colonial Theatre. The city likes to spend money except where they achieve the most money, the Weirs.


But, without a valid court order to demolish the building we're all at a standstill. If the city were to bulldoze this property without the court's consent there's a good chance they'd have to pony up the funds to rebuild for the Baldis. So, $400k for the demo and then another million or more in damages - whoo wee. Do you really want the property re-built @ the city's expense?
And I respectfully disagree - ALL the properties in the Weirs are being hurt by this eyesore, not just the Lobster Pound.
And if my memory isn't completely shot - I don't think the city was ever going to buy the Baldi's downtown theatre.
And if I had the financial means, I'd love to buy the old prison property for $2.1 million - that's a steal - about $8,000 per acre. Beautiful views, prime farmland, great investment potential. Sell off the parts that aren't a hazard and use the funds to clean up the parts that are and you're left with a really nice piece of property.

The purpose of the petition is to expedite the court TO take down the building.. did you read the post? I never said that we should unilaterally demolish it. It's at a "standstill" because we haven't made an issue at the slowness of the courts. The courts ranking of the suit is the issue. Of course, a $1 turns to a million in value when seized. Second, the prison property for 2.1M would be off the tax rolls, therefore it would generate no property taxes. True, if you bought it then be on the tax rolls, so I hope an individual does purchase it and is able to sell it off in pieces. When has the city ever obtained a piece of property and sold it off in "pieces"? Excuse me, they have..the business park off of 106. However, has the initial investment of $400 ever been re-couped to date? No.

[jtb9212]

Maybe the city should do the demo, pay the bill, put a lean on the property. They would end up with the property because the Baldi's would never pay the restitution on it. In turn to compensate the city back they should say thank you and take the Colonial Property as the compensation instead of paying the $800K for it.

[nhyitbos]

Originally Posted by jtb9212

Maybe the city should do the demo, pay the bill, put a lean on the property. They would end up with the property because the Baldi's would never pay the restitution on it. In turn to compensate the city back they should say thank you and take the Colonial Property as the compensation instead of paying the $800K for it.

Now that's a plan...you know, it's the lienholder A.E. Mitchell that will have to figure out if he's going to continue with the Baldi's AND if they do want to rebuild eventually....they will have to negotiate the grandfather's clause to rebuild on the same footprint and for the same purpose. I don't think you and I will hold our breath for that one on both parts!

We are in agreement that this whole situation is unfortunate for the Weirs and we indeed are being held "hostage" until the matter is settled. The good news is the community is agreement...take it down. There's no evidence left and the fire dept would love the practice! Thanks for your input..it is valuable. Tonight, council meeting 7:30...you know you're invited to attend.

[riverat]

http://www.wmur.com/news/31065487/detail.html

[jetskier]

"The city council recommended that area businesses talk to the building's owners about the issue."

Really?

Jetskier

[crowsnest]

Originally Posted by jetskier

"The city council recommended that area businesses talk to the building's owners about the issue."

Really?

Jetskier

Sorry it looks like we had the same thaught at the same time

[crowsnest]

LACONIA, N.H. -- Business owners in Laconia are asking the city to tear down the remnants of a restaurant that was destroyed in a fire.

The Wide Open Saloon burned down in 2010. A shell of the building is still standing as the family who owns it, the insurance company and the city fight over the future of the property.

Weirs Beach business owners said the building is an eyesore and hurts tourism.

The city council recommended that area businesses talk to the building's owners about the issue.

REALLLLY

[no-engine]

Originally Posted by crowsnest

LACONIA, N.H. -- Business owners in Laconia are asking the city to tear down the remnants of a restaurant that was destroyed in a fire.

The Wide Open Saloon burned down in 2010. A shell of the building is still standing as the family who owns it, the insurance company and the city fight over the future of the property.

Weirs Beach business owners said the building is an eyesore and hurts tourism.

The city council recommended that area businesses talk to the building's owners about the issue.

REALLLLY

I think user nhy... was there and expressed it very well; I was watching it live on community TV.

Be careful what one reads on WMUR TV, as quite incomplete.

As I wrote, I think City officials are careful how they express personal opinions, because of the court situation not concluded. Their hands are tied.

They did agree that it's an eyesore too long. I'm not legal authority, but I think if they disobey a court order which is in appeal stage, they have problems. I think they agreed to encourage the courts to move on the issue.

Council DID suggest that first thing should be communications immediately.

There was a more accurate (than Chan 9) report in today's Sun Daily paper on page 11.
I speculate that that Chan 9 was not present.

If nothing else, some media activity was created! I'd say: NICE WORK, JOHN!

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by no-engine

I think user nhy... was there and expressed it very well; I was watching it live on community TV.

Be careful what one reads on WMUR TV, as quite incomplete.

As I wrote, I think City officials are careful how they express personal opinions, because of the court situation not concluded. Their hands are tied.

They did agree that it's an eyesore too long. I'm not legal authority, but I think if they disobey a court order which is in appeal stage, they have problems. I think they agreed to encourage the courts to move on the issue.

Council DID suggest that first thing should be communications immediately.

There was a more accurate (than Chan 9) report in today's Sun Daily paper on page 11.
I speculate that that Chan 9 was not present.

If nothing else, some media activity was created! I'd say: NICE WORK, JOHN!

A couple of us were just talking about how terrible WMUR is when it comes to news reporting.
I hate to admit it but Channel 7 and FOX 25 both have better more accurate coverage on NH news and even breaking new then WMUR does.

[kchadw]

Each summer and fall when I return to N. H. I travel to the Weirs and around the lake and other areas....Each time, I make a comment to my wife about h ow much of an eyesore this is for the area and how it must hurt business in the area.

Has anyone discussed a law suit against the city ? I have never seen anything like this to last as long as this has...Maybe a local business org. could bring a suit against the responsible party or parties for allowing this to go on...I really think a discussion with an attorney could at least get some answers...if not more...

I'll be passing again soon....Hopefully something positive will be on the books by then...

[Heaven]

Originally Posted by kchadw

Each summer and fall when I return to N. H. I travel to the Weirs and around the lake and other areas....Each time, I make a comment to my wife about h ow much of an eyesore this is for the area and how it must hurt business in the area.

Has anyone discussed a law suit against the city ? I have never seen anything like this to last as long as this has...Maybe a local business org. could bring a suit against the responsible party or parties for allowing this to go on...I really think a discussion with an attorney could at least get some answers...if not more...

I'll be passing again soon....Hopefully something positive will be on the books by then...

I'm not sure why this point keeps getting lost - The owners are entitled to all of the available due processes under the law before their property can be seized from them for any reason. Yes, maybe the petition will be noticed by the Court and this will be put on top of the pile. Maybe not. The property is secured with fencing and the building is not an imminent hazard. The rear of the building even looks salvageable (just sayin'!).
Could be that the owners are creeps, but that doesn't count in property law.

[nhyitbos]

Originally Posted by Heaven

I'm not sure why this point keeps getting lost - The owners are entitled to all of the available due processes under the law before their property can be seized from them for any reason. Yes, maybe the petition will be noticed by the Court and this will be put on top of the pile. Maybe not. The property is secured with fencing and the building is not an imminent hazard. The rear of the building even looks salvageable (just sayin'!).
Could be that the owners are creeps, but that doesn't count in property law.

So true...except about the back...! Raze it...start o-v-e-r...

[Winnisquamguy]

Originally Posted by kchadw

Has anyone discussed a law suit against the city ? I have never seen anything like this to last as long as this has...Maybe a local business org. could bring a suit against the responsible party or parties for allowing this to go on...I really think a discussion with an attorney could at least get some answers...if not more...

You sound like the people in Arlington, MA who are not allowed to use leaf blowers anymore or in Concord, MA with the no bottled water....What is wrong with people days? There is much more in life to worry about than all this sh**!!

[AC2717]

Originally Posted by Winnisquamguy

You sound like the people in Arlington, MA who are not allowed to use leaf blowers anymore or in Concord, MA with the no bottled water....What is wrong with people days? There is much more in life to worry about than all this sh**!!

Do not forget Cambridge already voting the no weedwacker leaf blower law in, THE PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF CAMBRIDGE.

Now they are all pissed becasue landscapers increased pricing, becuase cleanup now has to be done by hand, and they are pissed off it is costing them more

WHAT MORONS

Oh yeah Emperor Duval doe snot want the police to follow a federal law to report to ICE and the FEDS if they pull over someone that is an illegal because it is not fear, he went out publically against this

[no-engine]

Sometimes City Council proceedings are broadcast live on cable.
Might anyone know if it will? But sometimes it's recorded and broadcast later.

[nhyitbos]

Originally Posted by no-engine

Sometimes City Council proceedings are broadcast live on cable.
Might anyone know if it will? But sometimes it's recorded and broadcast later.

Yes, it is live on Channel 25 or 26 tonight. Yes, they do broadcast later throughout the week. Good question.

[no-engine]

Originally Posted by nhyitbos

Yes, it is live on Channel 25 or 26 tonight. Yes, they do broadcast later throughout the week. Good question.

Thanks I assume John; I was able to see it.

Maybe because of the court status, appearances seemed that no City Officer volunteered to step up to the plate, and try to move the process along.

Isn't this sort of thing that the Chamber of Commerce could follow up and establish communications with Baldi family? Don't we stereotype a Chamber of Commerce to "work" with business issues?

I'm not familiar if there is a group of Weirs area businesses; if yes, one member could converse in professional manner with Baldi family.


Someone mentioned the word "arson"; I still can't understand that Busby parks vehicles & equipment so close to the building.

[nhyitbos]

Originally Posted by no-engine

Thanks I assume John; I was able to see it.

Maybe because of the court status, appearances seemed that no City Officer volunteered to step up to the plate, and try to move the process along.

Isn't this sort of thing that the Chamber of Commerce could follow up and establish communications with Baldi family? Don't we stereotype a Chamber of Commerce to "work" with business issues?

I'm not familiar if there is a group of Weirs area businesses; if yes, one member could converse in professional manner with Baldi family.


Someone mentioned the word "arson"; I still can't understand that Busby parks vehicles & equipment so close to the building.

WAC represents the area businesses...however, this is a community issue and many signed solely as property/business owners. I have tried to contact Larry on numerous times with no results. He has no intention of working with the community being either in the Weirs or Laconia. The mayor tonight was the only one who "got it" when it came to the petition. The petition was never asking for the unilateral force of the city to tear it down.....it was strictly to have the SUPREME COURT rank it higher to ALLOW the city to tear it down and place a lien on the property. The Baldi's are being unreasonable as not only business owners but as a community property owner. Based on results, they are the real loosers in this situation all over again...loss of respect from their neighbors/community and respect for themselves not having the dignity to accept that the business is lost and move on towards rebuilding their life and business. Funny, the Weirs hasn't taken a position against their plight in 20 months. However, just recently Ms. Baldi referenced her neighbors as "the nasty's" on her Facebook (FB) page. Sad. As for arson gossip, people can say what they will...there's no proof, there's no final fire report..I say, innocent until proven otherwise. However, the building cannot give anymore evidence...it should have come down without any lawsuits filed. The Baldi's are only guilty of only one thing, bad judgement in dealing with a loss.

[no-engine]

WELL STATED. Thank you!

[BroadHopper]

Originally Posted by Belmont Resident

Although the drive in theater has become a run down neglected place that one would cringe to use the bathrooms at the options could be worse.
Imagine it as the sight of just another mega hotel, resort or even worse condo’s that instead of tying up traffic at night on the weekends creates more traffic and adds another eye sore to the lake.

I can envision when state legislature OK casinos and Bruton Smith go ahead with his plan on a maga casino complex across from the speedway.

I'm willing to bet Canterbury will fight tooth and nail against the proposal. I would suggest Bruton buy out the Weirs and turn it into a mega casino complex. It is the only way we can really change the eye sore.

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

I can envision when state legislature OK casinos and Bruton Smith go ahead with his plan on a maga casino complex across from the speedway.

I'm willing to bet Canterbury will fight tooth and nail against the proposal. I would suggest Bruton buy out the Weirs and turn it into a mega casino complex. It is the only way we can really change the eye sore.

Everyone is talking about what an eye sore that one building is, but the truth is the whole Weirs is an eye sore. So, the run down drive in and burned out building fit right in.
The burned out building catches my eye less then the big ugly open parking area that gets used once a year for bike week, the clear cut area just up the hill and the boulevard itself is pretty run down.

Hey if they put a casino in it’s just another example of direction the area is going. And why it’s great for the visitors but once they move here and realize what it’s really like 7 days a week they become frustrated as well.

[Woodsy]

Personally.... I think the whole thing STINKS!

The Baldi's dont want it torn down but yet they dont take the initiative to rebuild it?? WHY? If it is truly a salvagable building, then rebuild it!

Its been well documented that the insurance co, Lloyd of London is refusing to pay. So we know there is a lawsuit looming there. We also know that there is a third party that has been granted interest in the lawsuit vs the city. Whats thier deal? hmmmm..

Once that building is torn down, the chances of collecting from Lloyd's goes from slim to ZERO... thats what this is all about.

I think the ownership/leasing/insurance of this property is all one big shell game....


Woodsy