New Alton Shopping Center...

[RLW]

Originally Posted by John A. Birdsall

Gee having been up in Alton every summer of my 60 years, it seems funny that we need a shopping center. Perhaps with all the added growth it is needed, but I feel for the mom and pop stores in the area.

I believe you and many others feel just that way, however the small Mom and Pop stores can not or are not staying up to the needs of the younger people and their families. The new place also houses a new Pharmacy which I believe everyone is in agreement we do need here in Alton.
I have heard through the grape vine and would love to have it verified or denied that McGrath's may be changed into a five & dime store simular to the old one where one can get arts and crafts, cards and many of the small items everyone can use and /or are looking for. I think that would be a plus for the town as not to many people go into a hardware store looking for a poor selection of cards.

[gravy boat]

I am a NJ native. I moved to NH in 1989 to get AWAY from congestion. I have a hefty commute and don't mind it, as I get to escape every night to Gilford.

More and more I see people who buy second homes or take vacations up here because they wish to get AWAY from where they work and live 24/7.

Soon enough we'll have nowhere to escape to, because NH will be just like NJ, NY, CT, MA.... you get the picture. If you want the conveniences of home, stay there.

[upthesaukee]

Alton has a growth management plan and does not want to grow into a megalopolis. The town definately has needs, and RLW hit one nail right on the head...a pharmacy. Currently, we have to drive at least twenty minutes to get that new prescription for ?????, meaning we have to drive to Gilford, Wolfeboro, Farmington, Laconia, or Rochester. (I have to go to the latter, due to my prescription plan participant.) I currently shop at the local mom & pop places, and will continue to do that. but i cannot afford to buy all my groceries there. Ditto on buying gas. I can pay 2.22 or 2.26 in town, or I can go to work and pay 2.16 in any number of places. If I get caught short on the week end, I fill up in town.

Bottom line, Alton needs some growth, and it must be and I believe will be controlled.

BTW, escape to Gilford...Shaws Hannaford Walmart Lowes, TJMaxx....sorry G. B. couldn't resist it

[Paugus Bay Resident]

I work in Alton and have to agree that this is a needed addition.

In terms of the mom and pop's, the circle store should, IMO, continue to do well. I know I'll keep going there.

I've heard the same rumors about McGraths. I think it would also be a great location for a movie theater. If you recall, there were plans to put a theater behind McDonald's (the land that is for sale now), but I don't believe they could get a septic approval due to the size needed.

[ghfromaltonbay]

We were in Alton this past weekend and got the scoop that McGrath's indeed is supposed to be turned into a 5 & 10 (including a craft dept.) once the Hannaford's opens. This info came from people who socialize with Mrs. McGrath. I wish they could move the laundromat as well to that or some other location. Backing out onto Main St. is a real traffic hazard, especially when you're parked between higher vehicles like PU trucks, vans or SUV's.

[Niceorange]

Originally Posted by ghfromaltonbay

We were in Alton this past weekend and got the scoop that McGrath's indeed is supposed to be turned into a 5 & 10 (including a craft dept.) once the Hannaford's opens. This info came from people who socialize with Mrs. McGrath. I wish they could move the laundromat as well to that or some other location. Backing out onto Main St. is a real traffic hazard, especially when you're parked between higher vehicles like PU trucks, vans or SUV's.

That would be a nice spot for the laundrymat, I agree with the problems of backing onto Main, especially in the weekend summer traffic. Same problem with Reuban's Hardware Store... And usually I'm backing out there with a trailer or lumber hanging out the back.

I think on the overall scheme of things Alton has done a good job of managing growth. I remember working at Shibley's back in the mid 90's when McDonalds and Dunkin Donuts moved in, and everyone was worried that they would put the locals out of business, etc. Everything seems to have coexisted just fine. As for the Hannaford... I think the only store that really looses is McGraths. Busy corners and the various gas variety marts are not really competing with it... they'll still have their walk-in/drive-in business, although some might want to cut back their grocery selection a bit and move toward other conveniences. The problem with McGraths is partly their own. For years that store has remain unchanged and unimproved, seemingly comfortable with their position as the areas only grocer. Had McGraths ever committed to improving its selection and services, perhaps the area would not be so desperate for the Hannafords.

As most people are now wasting gas traveling to Rochester, Gilford, or Tilton (for us on the Gilmanton side especially), I am happy to see a place go in that will allow some of that money to come back to Alton. It's the right kind of progress.

[gravy boat]

Good one! ;-)

Actually, I'm not too pleased with the Hannaford and Shaw's, as well as the new construction across from Gilford Well. Too bad I wasn't on the Planning Board! I just don't need Hannaford, Shaw's and Vista within a few mile radius of each other. And I certainly don't need another gas station down the street where Sawyer's is located -- there are PLENTY within a few mile radius and it won't make a bit of difference in the long- or short-term gas mileage to travel to one of the existing stations.

Come to think of it, I seemed to have survived before all of the development in Gilford. Don't know how I did it, but I managed. ;-)

P.S. My husband wants a Blue Canoe down at Sawyer's. During the summer, he wants to fill up, get coffee, get the paper, and head to Glendale to launch the new 100 MPH cig boat he's buying cheap due to the price of gas.

[busymom.of_twokids]

Actually I am excited about the Hannaford coming to Alton. I can understand the concerns all you long time residents have. I am concerned too about the chance of extra traffic and people but...perhaps it'll also cause those people to use the other benefits of the town of Alton, the laundramat..hair places, hardware stores, and gas stations. (If they are like me they'll combine their trip and help our economy up here.)
I live actually up over the hill in Gilmanton Iron Works (its been almost 9 years now.) I am a stay at home mom of two children under 6 and I look at it as a way back into the work force and not too far from home either! Or the Gilmanton School.
I also know of many seniors in town that could use a closer pharmacy and grocery store with cost affective prices.. I mean no offense to McGraths. I use thier store too.

[mcdude]

Originally Posted by ghfromaltonbay

We were in Alton this past weekend and got the scoop that McGrath's indeed is supposed to be turned into a 5 & 10 (including a craft dept.) once the Hannaford's opens. This info came from people who socialize with Mrs. McGrath. I wish they could move the laundromat as well to that or some other location. Backing out onto Main St. is a real traffic hazard, especially when you're parked between higher vehicles like PU trucks, vans or SUV's.

from today's Baysider

Member Scott Williams recused himself from Case P11-26, as it involves a final
site plan review on a proposed 4,500-square foot building that will house Speedy Wash N’ Go, LLC (a laundromat) and provide three additional 1,000- square foot retail spaces that will available for lease. The property is located next to the Alton Post Office on School Street and Williams is in charge of the project. The board approved the site plan with conditional approval and also provided Williams with a set of subsequent conditions.

[Jonas Pilot]

What an awful location for something like that. It's going to change the whole personality of that neighborhood. How close will it be to the school?

[RLW]

I personally do not think it will change a thing regarding the neighborhood as it will be behind the post offices as there isn't room on the sides from School Street. Regarding schools, how many schools are there now beside commercial businesses. Not necessarily in Alton. My concern is the renting of the buildings in this crappy economy which will be this way until many changes in government are made.

[Argie's Wife]

I think it's a far better location that the other laundromat in town, where customers had to back out onto Main St. and there was limited sight distance for oncoming traffic to see them.

For a family, it could mean dropping off or picking up kids at the school, then stopping by the laundromat to get a pesky chore out of the way, while Fiddleheads and the Main St Cafe is in the lot behind the post office, there's a veterinary office on the corner of School St. and Main St., the library is less than a block away, and so are a couple of banks, the town hall, etc.

It's a smart location and as long as there's careful planning for traffic and parking I think it would be a benefit to the neighborhood. Besides, there's a lot of rental properties/multi-family homes in that area. It's not exactly suburbia, so I think this will be a good thing!

[Heaven]

It is a strip mall and will negativity effect the flavor of the village.
The village location suits smaller scale unit construction, or infill, or reuse.

[tis]

OMG, some people just HATE business. I think it's a great idea. We need business for jobs. Who can't understand that????

I hope he can rent it too. In this economy that would be my concern.

[Heaven]

Originally Posted by tis

OMG, some people just HATE business. I think it's a great idea. We need business for jobs. Who can't understand that????

I hope he can rent it too. In this economy that would be my concern.

I do not hate business, at all. It is "business" whether it's an infill (filling in between other businesses already in place, think adding a tooth to an empty spot in a smile), reuse (renovating an existing under utilized building, think of the stalled construction on the corner of 140), or new construction. It is the same amount of business (unless of course you are including the purchase of building materials at a local lumberyard for a new strip mall). Check your premise.

[RLW]

Originally Posted by Heaven

I do not hate business, at all. It is "business" whether it's an infill (filling in between other businesses already in place, think adding a tooth to an empty spot in a smile), reuse (renovating an existing under utilized building, think of the stalled construction on the corner of 140), or new construction. It is the same amount of business (unless of course you are including the purchase of building materials at a local lumberyard for a new strip mall). Check your premise.

It just might be that they ran out of backing $$$$$. Hope not as I would loved to see the construction begin again as it is a fantastic location and a well designed building to house a business.

[Argie's Wife]

Originally Posted by Heaven

It is a strip mall and will negativity effect the flavor of the village.
The village location suits smaller scale unit construction, or infill, or reuse.

A strip mall? Really? Are there pictures of this project or something online so we can look at the design of the building?

I'm trying to figure where exactly on School St. this building will be going... but at the same time, you mention "smaller scale unit construction" - have you really looked closely at the houses on that street? Many have multiple-generations of additions and are HUGE multi-family homes, complete with barns, out buildings, etc.

[Heaven]

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

A strip mall? Really? Are there pictures of this project or something online so we can look at the design of the building?

I'm trying to figure where exactly on School St. this building will be going... but at the same time, you mention "smaller scale unit construction" - have you really looked closely at the houses on that street? Many have multiple-generations of additions and are HUGE multi-family homes, complete with barns, out buildings, etc.

It would be lovely if it was going to look like one of those huge multi-generational homes, but no such luck. It is going to look like a strip mall.

[AltonGuy]

I also see some construction going on near the Alton Hannafords currently. I know there were some attempts at building there some time back but does anyone have any info on what is going on now? Sorry if I missed that information on another string!

[Argie's Wife]

Originally Posted by AltonGuy

I also see some construction going on near the Alton Hannafords currently. I know there were some attempts at building there some time back but does anyone have any info on what is going on now? Sorry if I missed that information on another string!

From what I'm hearing that's just a septic re-design.... but don't bet the farm on that - that's just what's being said around town at the moment...

[riverat]

Originally Posted by AltonGuy

I also see some construction going on near the Alton Hannafords currently. I know there were some attempts at building there some time back but does anyone have any info on what is going on now? Sorry if I missed that information on another string!

I was told that Meredith Bank which is now at the north end of Hanafords is going into that location and that Hanafords is taking the whole building.

[ghfromaltonbay]

Originally Posted by Heaven

It would be lovely if it was going to look like one of those huge multi-generational homes, but no such luck. It is going to look like a strip mall.

Considering that that area contains the post office, Fiddleheads, the school, and the Main St. Cafe, I don't think a one-story strip mall will stick out that much. Can't be any worse than having the bank and the old service station next to the Community Church in among the New England style homes on Main St. Like Argie's wife, I can't picture a big enough spot on School St., for a strip mall, unless just the entrance will be on School St. with the building itself tucked in behind the post office. The old laundromat isn't exactly a thing of beauty.

I'm just glad the new laundromat will be in a safer place to enter and exit. If the new machines are as fast and efficient as the ones in the Gilford laundry next to Patrick's Pub, we'll really be happy as they take only 25 mins. instead of 45. Too bad someone doesn't come up with a commercial use for the old Electric co-op building across from the cemetery. I hate to see buildings like that sitting empty.