Half Moon

gravy boat · 10-17-2018, 05:45 AM

I agree that the Weirs needs a facelift but why does it need to be razed and totally redeveloped? Upgrade the building fronts a bit, fix the broken machines, add some newer ones, upgrade the quality of food sold and that takes care of a lot. The pier was upgraded and it still looks pretty much the same.

GB

Bigstan · 10-17-2018, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gravy boat

I agree that the Weirs needs a facelift but why does it need to be razed and totally redeveloped? Upgrade the building fronts a bit, fix the broken machines, add some newer ones, upgrade the quality of food sold and that takes care of a lot. The pier was upgraded and it still looks pretty much the same.

GB

Detail and paint a '73 Impala and you still have a '73 Impala.

If you aren't attracting 20-40 yr old people you're doomed. If I was an owner trying to squeeze out a few more years till I retired I wouldn't change either. But if you want long term viability you need to get the younger people there, and they won't make a trip to dusty arcades or to buy $2.50 sunglasses. So IMO the whole main drag has to go.

Patofnaud · 10-17-2018, 11:54 AM

Beg to differ, it does not need to be torn down, but it could use more.

I live 5 months out of the years at Weirs, on most nights from May through Oct it is packed. Most parking spots fill up and folks all over the place. A lot of it thanks to the Mount.

Flightcraft did a ton of work on the Pier, Sal's sells BIG 1/4 pie slices for $7, Angry Hog does awesome BBQ, they ripped up that aged mini golf that was simple gross and put in some off-street parking for employees and a nice little grassy area to eat lunch with umbrellas and tables. The little store is nice and clean.

The city did a nice job submerging the electricity, adding nice lamp posts, fixing the sidewalks. Although those kiosk meters frankly suck, they should have just upgraded the per-site meters IMHO.

The yacht club could use some work, the other side of the street could use some work.

For the most part, the current vendors are ok on that side, but the place really lacks a nice restaurant with a view. Someplace where boaters would go as a destination (think Shipleys at Alton, think Town Docks in Merideth,,,).

Right now we have Weathervane which has no view, and Anthonys on the Pier which has a view but the atmosphere of Browns in Seabrook (picnic tables and seagulls). Neither place is somewhere to just sit for a couple hours, have some nice boat drinks and some food while watching the lake. And both places tend to close way too early on any given night.

Now take for example the top floor of Tower Hill Tavern, give it a nice menu, open up walls for some views, find some parking that does not make you watch your watch like a meth-addicted ferret and we can talk.

webmaster · 10-17-2018, 01:35 PM

Don't forget the new Compass Cafe behind the Weathervane. The owner put a lot of time and money into the place and it's a sign of progress at the Weirs. Flightcraft did a lot of work on the Pier and has a 5 year plan to upgrade the entire structure. Change comes slowly but it is happening. A year round anchor like the Inn & Conference Center up on Rt. 3 being discussed would really help draw more businesses. The Weirs Beach planning committee has been busy and seems to be moving the area in the right direction.

Patofnaud · 10-17-2018, 02:05 PM

Ahh thanks for the Compass cafe reminder, I never got there this year. Will have to replace George's and a boat to breakfast spot.

"Inn & Conference Center up on Rt. 3" it would be great did something like this to bring in year-round. Maybe with that lot next to Cumberlands, instead of just bike week parking.

Mr. V · 10-17-2018, 02:33 PM

Ah, it's a "let's reinvent the Weirs" thread.

I'll play.

My question: What, specifically, would be the best way to attract 20-40 year olds to the Weirs?

What could they find there that would be worth seeking out?

Were there more land I'd suggest an amusement park.

Woodsy · 10-18-2018, 10:34 AM

if I were to re-invent the Weirs... I would lean more towards an adult themed area. perhaps more like Key West... some really cool bars/restaurants, open containers allowed...

If Dave & Busters can make $$$ with arcade games & beer... so can the Weirs.

Woodsy

tis · 10-18-2018, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodsy

if I were to re-invent the Weirs... I would lean more towards an adult themed area. perhaps more like Key West... some really cool bars/restaurants, open containers allowed...

If Dave & Busters can make $$$ with arcade games & beer... so can the Weirs.

Woodsy

You mean so you can't walk down the streets in the morning unless it is cleaned up?

Woodsy · 10-18-2018, 02:08 PM

Why would you not be able to walk down lakeside Ave in the morning? It is a small area and easy to keep clean.

It was cleaned up after Biketemberfest...

Woodsy

tis · 10-18-2018, 02:39 PM

In Key West you can't walk down the street in the morning until it is cleaned up. Not Weirs.

Woodsy · 10-18-2018, 03:03 PM

I don't see a problem if the Weirs is cleaned up @ 5-6am same as Key West. Especially where in the Weirs the businesses are prettty much all on the same side of the street.

Woodsy

joey2665 · 10-18-2018, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodsy

I don't see a problem if the Weirs is cleaned up @ 5-6am same as Key West. Especially where in the Weirs the businesses are prettty much all on the same side of the street.

Woodsy

Sanitation currently does come clean up the Weirs at 5am everyday in season so not much of a stretch

tis · 10-18-2018, 05:43 PM

I would hate to see Weirs become Key West north.

Billy Bob · 10-19-2018, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tis

I would hate to see Weirs become Key West north.

Key West is a clean , family friendly during the daytime ,adult friendly at night safe and fun place to visit. Have you watched the sun go down at Mallory Square, watched the very talented street performers , stayed in the world class hotels , ate at the fabulous restaurants ?
The weirs doesn’t deserve to be mentioned in the same sentence

webmaster · 10-19-2018, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billy Bob

Key West is a clean , family friendly during the daytime ,adult friendly at night safe and fun place to visit. Have you watched the sun go down at Mallory Square, watched the very talented street performers , stayed in the world class hotels , ate at the fabulous restaurants ?
The weirs doesn’t deserve to be mentioned in the same sentence

That's really not a fair comparison. If all those businesses in Key West could only operate for a few summer months most of them couldn't survive and the huge investments like they made at Mallory Square probably wouldn't have happened.

They also dock cruise ships at Mallory Square almost every day. 3000 or more cruise ship passengers come off each of those ships every day year-round and spend tons of money in Key West. If that kind of revenue flowed into Weirs Beach every day it would certainly look a lot different.

TiltonBB · 10-20-2018, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodsy

if I were to re-invent the Weirs... I would lean more towards an adult themed area. perhaps more like Key West... some really cool bars/restaurants, open containers allowed...

If Dave & Busters can make $$$ with arcade games & beer... so can the Weirs.

Woodsy

Please let me know when they schedule the "Weirs Beach Fantasy Fest". If they model it after the Fantasy Fest in Key West it would attract a lot of visitors and money to the area (and be VERY interesting)

Biggd · 10-21-2018, 07:49 AM

There is a lot that can be done to the weirs to attract more visitors but it starts with the town. They have an awesome location that begs to be revitalized.
They have to make it attractive to investors by creating a redevelopment zone that will offer tax breaks and low financing.
They have to move away from protecting the old and embracing the new. Until that happens nothing will change.

Patofnaud · 10-21-2018, 06:43 PM

"They have to move away from protecting the old and embracing the new."

Or do both. I understand the history of the Victorian buildings and the commit to the vets, but I do not understand why it is not embraced and used for more than just housing. Tours? Period events? History lessons? While maintaining history. To most outsiders, they are just a lot of pretty purple/ping/green buildings.

Lake George, Fort William Henry has history too, but they capitalize on it and its an anchor drawn point for tourists.

Descant · 10-23-2018, 11:07 AM

Apparently, the Vet's camps used to be quite colorful, and beautiful architectural examples. Some were not maintained and pavilions, dance floors etc were all razed and in the 50's the remaining buildings were all painted drab gray using war surplus paint. Been drab ever since. I agree that this could be an honorarium to Vets and an attraction to the public if redeveloped properly. Really need to expand the concept of the Weir so that we don't think of it as just 500 yards on one side of one street. A funicular going up the hill right by the Vet's HQ would open up a huge area to pedestrians that right now is mostly inaccessible. The question is what sort of incentive would it take for the current owners who seem to be making money, to re-direct their business plan? Maybe it isn't the job of the City to do this, but it is their job to provide a business friendly environment that will generate tax revenues, IMHO.

10-17-2018, 05:45 AM	#1
gravy boat Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Gilford year round, West Alton summers Posts: 596 Thanks: 601 Thanked 203 Times in 102 Posts	Weirs facelift I agree that the Weirs needs a facelift but why does it need to be razed and totally redeveloped? Upgrade the building fronts a bit, fix the broken machines, add some newer ones, upgrade the quality of food sold and that takes care of a lot. The pier was upgraded and it still looks pretty much the same. GB

10-17-2018, 02:33 PM	#6
Mr. V Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: the left coast (Portland)and West Alton Posts: 1,432 Thanks: 66 Thanked 261 Times in 179 Posts	Ah, it's a "let's reinvent the Weirs" thread. I'll play. My question: What, specifically, would be the best way to attract 20-40 year olds to the Weirs? What could they find there that would be worth seeking out? Were there more land I'd suggest an amusement park. __________________ basking in the benign indifference of the universe

10-18-2018, 10:34 AM	#7
Woodsy Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Weirs Beach Posts: 1,968 Thanks: 80 Thanked 980 Times in 440 Posts	if I were to re-invent the Weirs... I would lean more towards an adult themed area. perhaps more like Key West... some really cool bars/restaurants, open containers allowed... If Dave & Busters can make $$$ with arcade games & beer... so can the Weirs. Woodsy __________________ The only way to eliminate ignorant behavior is through education. You can't fix stupid.

10-18-2018, 02:08 PM	#9
Woodsy Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Weirs Beach Posts: 1,968 Thanks: 80 Thanked 980 Times in 440 Posts	???? Why would you not be able to walk down lakeside Ave in the morning? It is a small area and easy to keep clean. It was cleaned up after Biketemberfest... Woodsy __________________ The only way to eliminate ignorant behavior is through education. You can't fix stupid.

10-18-2018, 03:03 PM	#11
Woodsy Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Weirs Beach Posts: 1,968 Thanks: 80 Thanked 980 Times in 440 Posts	I don't see a problem if the Weirs is cleaned up @ 5-6am same as Key West. Especially where in the Weirs the businesses are prettty much all on the same side of the street. Woodsy __________________ The only way to eliminate ignorant behavior is through education. You can't fix stupid.

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10-17-2018, 11:54 AM	#3
Patofnaud Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Tilton/Paugus Bay Posts: 241 Thanks: 14 Thanked 64 Times in 45 Posts	Beg to differ, it does not need to be torn down, but it could use more. I live 5 months out of the years at Weirs, on most nights from May through Oct it is packed. Most parking spots fill up and folks all over the place. A lot of it thanks to the Mount. Flightcraft did a ton of work on the Pier, Sal's sells BIG 1/4 pie slices for $7, Angry Hog does awesome BBQ, they ripped up that aged mini golf that was simple gross and put in some off-street parking for employees and a nice little grassy area to eat lunch with umbrellas and tables. The little store is nice and clean. The city did a nice job submerging the electricity, adding nice lamp posts, fixing the sidewalks. Although those kiosk meters frankly suck, they should have just upgraded the per-site meters IMHO. The yacht club could use some work, the other side of the street could use some work. For the most part, the current vendors are ok on that side, but the place really lacks a nice restaurant with a view. Someplace where boaters would go as a destination (think Shipleys at Alton, think Town Docks in Merideth,,,). Right now we have Weathervane which has no view, and Anthonys on the Pier which has a view but the atmosphere of Browns in Seabrook (picnic tables and seagulls). Neither place is somewhere to just sit for a couple hours, have some nice boat drinks and some food while watching the lake. And both places tend to close way too early on any given night. Now take for example the top floor of Tower Hill Tavern, give it a nice menu, open up walls for some views, find some parking that does not make you watch your watch like a meth-addicted ferret and we can talk.

10-17-2018, 01:35 PM	#4
webmaster Moderator Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 2,476 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 463 Thanked 3,985 Times in 854 Posts	Don't forget the new Compass Cafe behind the Weathervane. The owner put a lot of time and money into the place and it's a sign of progress at the Weirs. Flightcraft did a lot of work on the Pier and has a 5 year plan to upgrade the entire structure. Change comes slowly but it is happening. A year round anchor like the Inn & Conference Center up on Rt. 3 being discussed would really help draw more businesses. The Weirs Beach planning committee has been busy and seems to be moving the area in the right direction.

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10-17-2018, 02:05 PM	#5
Patofnaud Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Tilton/Paugus Bay Posts: 241 Thanks: 14 Thanked 64 Times in 45 Posts	Ahh thanks for the Compass cafe reminder, I never got there this year. Will have to replace George's and a boat to breakfast spot. "Inn & Conference Center up on Rt. 3" it would be great did something like this to bring in year-round. Maybe with that lot next to Cumberlands, instead of just bike week parking.

10-18-2018, 02:39 PM	#10
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,845 Thanks: 764 Thanked 1,474 Times in 1,029 Posts	In Key West you can't walk down the street in the morning until it is cleaned up. Not Weirs.

10-18-2018, 05:43 PM	#13
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,845 Thanks: 764 Thanked 1,474 Times in 1,029 Posts	I would hate to see Weirs become Key West north.

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10-21-2018, 07:49 AM	#17
Biggd Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Waltham Ma./Meredith NH Posts: 4,271 Thanks: 2,317 Thanked 1,230 Times in 788 Posts	There is a lot that can be done to the weirs to attract more visitors but it starts with the town. They have an awesome location that begs to be revitalized. They have to make it attractive to investors by creating a redevelopment zone that will offer tax breaks and low financing. They have to move away from protecting the old and embracing the new. Until that happens nothing will change.

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10-21-2018, 06:43 PM	#18
Patofnaud Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Tilton/Paugus Bay Posts: 241 Thanks: 14 Thanked 64 Times in 45 Posts	"They have to move away from protecting the old and embracing the new." Or do both. I understand the history of the Victorian buildings and the commit to the vets, but I do not understand why it is not embraced and used for more than just housing. Tours? Period events? History lessons? While maintaining history. To most outsiders, they are just a lot of pretty purple/ping/green buildings. Lake George, Fort William Henry has history too, but they capitalize on it and its an anchor drawn point for tourists.

10-23-2018, 11:07 AM	#19
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,479 Thanks: 1,392 Thanked 1,667 Times in 1,086 Posts	Apparently, the Vet's camps used to be quite colorful, and beautiful architectural examples. Some were not maintained and pavilions, dance floors etc were all razed and in the 50's the remaining buildings were all painted drab gray using war surplus paint. Been drab ever since. I agree that this could be an honorarium to Vets and an attraction to the public if redeveloped properly. Really need to expand the concept of the Weir so that we don't think of it as just 500 yards on one side of one street. A funicular going up the hill right by the Vet's HQ would open up a huge area to pedestrians that right now is mostly inaccessible. The question is what sort of incentive would it take for the current owners who seem to be making money, to re-direct their business plan? Maybe it isn't the job of the City to do this, but it is their job to provide a business friendly environment that will generate tax revenues, IMHO.