New Alton Shopping Center...

upthesaukee · 12-17-2004, 12:02 AM

Alton has before the planning board a request for 75 new lots.
http://www.citizen.com/December_2004...n_1215_04a.asp

The town is growing, and while we have McGrath's market, it doesn't compare to a Hannaford or Market Basket Demoulas.

To do some serious and somewhat cost efficient food shopping, most residents in Alton would have a 20-30 minute drive to a Supermarket. Same thing is true for a drugstore. I would anticipate that we will see business from New Durham, Barnstead, Wolfeboro, Middleton, Gilmanton, and other towns as well.

I have not personally seen the conceptual drawing, but have been told it does include greenspace areas as part of the design. I would anticipate that it will have a little more charm than the urban sprawl in Gilford with the Hannaford/Walmart area, Shaw's TjMaxx area, and the long empty recently starting to be demolished Star Market plaza.

upthesaukee · 01-01-2005, 10:23 AM

The following information is contained in the January 2005 issue of "Alton's Main Street", published monthly by Voice of Alton Inc, A not-for-profit corporation. The information can be found on page 22 in an article titled From the Town Planner by Kathy Menici. (Note: Kathy Menici became the full time town planner in 2004.)
"The first question everyone asks me: What's going on with the new supermarket? It is happening. At its Oct 2004 meeting, the planning board granted conditional approval to Bahre Alton Properties to construct a Hannaford's Supermarket on Rte 28 just north of the traffic circle. State approvals are in process, but should be completed soon. Then construction can begin."

"In addition...there was also a new carwash approved this year, two new banks (one of which will be located adjacent to the supermarket), a new Catholic Church, expansions of existing businesses, a new business or two, and residential subdivisions with anywhere from 2 to 19 new house lots."

"During 2004, the Planning Board reviewed a total of 63 applications, compared to 41 in 2003. Eleven of those applications were for residential subdivisions with anywhere from 2 to 19 new house lots in town. In 2003 the Planning board received 13 subdivision applications that created 32 new house lots. While neighboring communities issued an average of 47 building permits for new homes in 2003, Alton issued 100. The town's Building Inspector expects building for new homes to reach 100 again in 2004."

Paraphrasing much of the rest of the article, it is apparent that Alton is experiencing growth (Kathy's quote: "No longer the sleepy little town, Alton has become a booming community that is growing in leaps and bounds."), and as such, there is the need to review the Town's Master Plan, Zoning ordinances, and other land use regulations. The Planning board is proposing an Interim Growth management Ordinance (IMGO) which will allow for the continuation of smaller scale, lower impact types of residential and commercial development. ( A hearing is scheduled for later this month, and I hopefully will be able to attend this meeting and keep the forum updated.)

upthesaukee · 03-29-2005, 07:06 PM

From the online Laconia Citizen on 3-29-05:

http://www.citizen.com/March_2005/03...iz_032905f.asp

Ground breaking in June!!!!

mcdude · 02-04-2006, 06:28 PM

Photo taken 2/4/06

wildwoodfam · 02-19-2006, 04:19 PM

Face it folks, Alton and the surrounding communities need something. A nice market to shop such as Hannafords is a huge win for the area! Save having to stop in Rochester en route, or unpacking the stuff at the cottage then heading to Gilford to shop in the afternoon. Glad to see this happeing in Alton - and let's also face it - the circle was no seventh wonder!!

John A. Birdsall · 02-21-2006, 01:45 PM

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.

Weirs guy · 02-21-2006, 01:58 PM

My wifes going to be working at the attached MVSB bank branch, should be open in late May/early June. Its actually come along quite a bit since mcdudes pic a few weeks ago, I'll see if I can post some new ones tomorrow.

RLW · 02-21-2006, 01:59 PM

Quote:

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 · 02-21-2006, 05:29 PM

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 · 02-21-2006, 06:00 PM

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 · 02-22-2006, 09:07 AM

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 · 02-22-2006, 10:56 AM

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 · 02-22-2006, 11:11 AM

Quote:

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 · 03-08-2006, 09:42 PM

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 · 04-01-2006, 07:23 PM

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 · 09-30-2011, 01:32 PM

Quote:

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

Quote:

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 · 09-30-2011, 01:47 PM

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 · 09-30-2011, 06:11 PM

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 · 09-30-2011, 07:09 PM

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 · 09-30-2011, 09:11 PM

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 · 10-01-2011, 02:04 PM

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.

Argie's Wife · 10-01-2011, 09:27 PM

Quote:

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.

12-17-2004, 12:02 AM	#1
upthesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 5,616 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 2,483 Thanked 1,988 Times in 1,088 Posts	Alton Is growing Alton has before the planning board a request for 75 new lots. http://www.citizen.com/December_2004...n_1215_04a.asp The town is growing, and while we have McGrath's market, it doesn't compare to a Hannaford or Market Basket Demoulas. To do some serious and somewhat cost efficient food shopping, most residents in Alton would have a 20-30 minute drive to a Supermarket. Same thing is true for a drugstore. I would anticipate that we will see business from New Durham, Barnstead, Wolfeboro, Middleton, Gilmanton, and other towns as well. I have not personally seen the conceptual drawing, but have been told it does include greenspace areas as part of the design. I would anticipate that it will have a little more charm than the urban sprawl in Gilford with the Hannaford/Walmart area, Shaw's TjMaxx area, and the long empty recently starting to be demolished Star Market plaza. __________________ I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!!

01-01-2005, 10:23 AM	#2
upthesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 5,616 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 2,483 Thanked 1,988 Times in 1,088 Posts	Alton's Growth The following information is contained in the January 2005 issue of "Alton's Main Street", published monthly by Voice of Alton Inc, A not-for-profit corporation. The information can be found on page 22 in an article titled From the Town Planner by Kathy Menici. (Note: Kathy Menici became the full time town planner in 2004.) "The first question everyone asks me: What's going on with the new supermarket? It is happening. At its Oct 2004 meeting, the planning board granted conditional approval to Bahre Alton Properties to construct a Hannaford's Supermarket on Rte 28 just north of the traffic circle. State approvals are in process, but should be completed soon. Then construction can begin." "In addition...there was also a new carwash approved this year, two new banks (one of which will be located adjacent to the supermarket), a new Catholic Church, expansions of existing businesses, a new business or two, and residential subdivisions with anywhere from 2 to 19 new house lots." "During 2004, the Planning Board reviewed a total of 63 applications, compared to 41 in 2003. Eleven of those applications were for residential subdivisions with anywhere from 2 to 19 new house lots in town. In 2003 the Planning board received 13 subdivision applications that created 32 new house lots. While neighboring communities issued an average of 47 building permits for new homes in 2003, Alton issued 100. The town's Building Inspector expects building for new homes to reach 100 again in 2004." Paraphrasing much of the rest of the article, it is apparent that Alton is experiencing growth (Kathy's quote: "No longer the sleepy little town, Alton has become a booming community that is growing in leaps and bounds."), and as such, there is the need to review the Town's Master Plan, Zoning ordinances, and other land use regulations. The Planning board is proposing an Interim Growth management Ordinance (IMGO) which will allow for the continuation of smaller scale, lower impact types of residential and commercial development. ( A hearing is scheduled for later this month, and I hopefully will be able to attend this meeting and keep the forum updated.) __________________ I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!!

03-29-2005, 07:06 PM	#3
upthesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 5,616 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 2,483 Thanked 1,988 Times in 1,088 Posts	Latest update on the Supermarket From the online Laconia Citizen on 3-29-05: http://www.citizen.com/March_2005/03...iz_032905f.asp Ground breaking in June!!!! __________________ I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!!

02-04-2006, 06:28 PM	#4
mcdude Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Rock Haven Lake - West Newfield, ME Posts: 5,343 Thanks: 370 Thanked 1,033 Times in 480 Posts	Progress Being Made Photo taken 2/4/06

02-19-2006, 04:19 PM	#5
wildwoodfam Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: North Andover, MA & summers up at the BIG lake Posts: 285 Thanks: 5 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Tasteful developemtn is a WIN for everyone! Face it folks, Alton and the surrounding communities need something. A nice market to shop such as Hannafords is a huge win for the area! Save having to stop in Rochester en route, or unpacking the stuff at the cottage then heading to Gilford to shop in the afternoon. Glad to see this happeing in Alton - and let's also face it - the circle was no seventh wonder!!

02-21-2006, 01:45 PM	#6
John A. Birdsall Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Norwich, CT Posts: 599 Thanks: 27 Thanked 51 Times in 35 Posts	shopping center 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.

02-21-2006, 01:58 PM	#7
Weirs guy Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Weirs Beach, NH Posts: 1,067 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	My wifes going to be working at the attached MVSB bank branch, should be open in late May/early June. Its actually come along quite a bit since mcdudes pic a few weeks ago, I'll see if I can post some new ones tomorrow. __________________ Is it bikeweek yet? Now?

02-21-2006, 05:29 PM	#9
gravy boat Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Gilford year round, West Alton summers Posts: 596 Thanks: 597 Thanked 203 Times in 102 Posts	SuperMegaMultiPlexMania 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.

02-21-2006, 06:00 PM	#10
upthesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 5,616 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 2,483 Thanked 1,988 Times in 1,088 Posts	Town Growth Management is the Key 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 __________________ I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!!

02-22-2006, 09:07 AM	#11
Paugus Bay Resident Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Gilmanton, NH Posts: 754 Thanks: 135 Thanked 93 Times in 51 Posts	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. Last edited by Paugus Bay Resident; 02-22-2006 at 09:46 AM.

02-22-2006, 10:56 AM	#12
ghfromaltonbay Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Clifton, NJ, Alton Bay Posts: 850 Thanks: 267 Thanked 237 Times in 137 Posts	5 & 10 in Alton 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.

03-08-2006, 09:42 PM	#14
gravy boat Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Gilford year round, West Alton summers Posts: 596 Thanks: 597 Thanked 203 Times in 102 Posts	Upthe.... 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.

04-01-2006, 07:23 PM	#15
busymom.of_twokids Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	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.

09-30-2011, 01:47 PM	#17
Jonas Pilot Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Wolfeboro, New Hampshire is my home, 24-7-365 Posts: 1,686 Thanks: 1,047 Thanked 336 Times in 189 Posts	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?

09-30-2011, 06:11 PM	#18
RLW Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Alton Bay on the mountain by a lake Posts: 2,023 Thanks: 563 Thanked 444 Times in 311 Posts	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. __________________ There is nothing better than living on Alton Mountain & our grand kids visits.

09-30-2011, 07:09 PM	#19
Argie's Wife Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Alton Posts: 1,908 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 533 Thanked 579 Times in 260 Posts	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!

09-30-2011, 09:11 PM	#20
Heaven Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 524 Thanks: 128 Thanked 95 Times in 67 Posts	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.

10-01-2011, 02:04 PM	#21
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,955 Thanks: 796 Thanked 1,499 Times in 1,043 Posts	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.