New bathhouse at Gilford Beach

[ishoot308]

As a Gilford resident, I’m all for it! The Gilford town beach gets quite a bit of use and having nice bathroom facilities to keep the area clean only makes sense. The town has done a great job of keeping the Glendale ramp and facilities in great shape for the residents, It only makes sense that the town beach gets the same care and upkeep!

Proud to be a Gilford resident!

Dan

[codeman671]

As a Gilford resident I am for it as well.
Our taxes are cheap here (compared to Dover!) and it’s good to see them investing in what the people want, not just what the officials want. The new jet ski ramp at Glendale was badly needed and looks great.

[Winni P]

"In the decades since, construction standards have changed, making it difficult to keep the building maintained, Greene said. The building houses a concessions area, bathrooms, and storage used by lifeguards.

“Over the last couple of years, we’ve had lots of repair issues,” Greene said. Most problematic have been issues related to plumbing, as the building’s pipes are not up to modern code, and contractors are reluctant to make spot repairs without replacing all of the building’s plumbing."

As a Gilford taxpayer, I am all for bringing the building up to modern code - especially the plumbing!

[Seaplane Pilot]

I have no problem with a new, updated bathhouse. But a million bucks? Come on now. And you know there will be cost overruns, so what will the final cost really be?

The other problem I have is that I own several commercial properties in Gilford and pay a huge amount in taxes to the town. However, commercial property owners are not entitled to use the Gilford Beach or the Glendale launch ramp, so what’s the benefit to me and the hundreds of other commercial property owners in Gilford that contribute to these projects?

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by Seaplane Pilot

The other problem I have is that I own several commercial properties in Gilford and pay a huge amount in taxes to the town. However, commercial property owners are not entitled to use the Gilford Beach or the Glendale launch ramp, so what’s the benefit to me and the hundreds of other commercial property owners in Gilford that contribute to these projects?

Commercial and residential taxpayers each subsidize things that disproportionately benefit the other, but this is an interesting point--are you saying that they will not let you on the beach for personal recreational use (as opposed to commercial use)? That sounds kind of mean-spirited.

[Seaplane Pilot]

Originally Posted by FlyingScot

Commercial and residential taxpayers each subsidize things that disproportionately benefit the other, but this is an interesting point--are you saying that they will not let you on the beach for personal recreational use (as opposed to commercial use)? That sounds kind of mean-spirited.

Yes, that’s what I’m saying. Commercial property owners / taxpayers should be given a sticker that allows just the property owner (not their tenants or employees) to use the beach and launch ramp for recreational purposes (not commercial purposes). But this is not the case.

[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by Seaplane Pilot

I have no problem with a new, updated bathhouse. But a million bucks? Come on now. And you know there will be cost overruns, so what will the final cost really be?

The other problem I have is that I own several commercial properties in Gilford and pay a huge amount in taxes to the town. However, commercial property owners are not entitled to use the Gilford Beach or the Glendale launch ramp, so what’s the benefit to me and the hundreds of other commercial property owners in Gilford that contribute to these projects?

Commercial property anywhere is considered a ''transaction''.
Because I own stock in several national retailers, among other things, I am technically an owner of property in several, if not all jurisdictions... both here and overseas. But I am not embedded in the welfare of that jurisdiction beyond the commercial value they represent.

And I think in the trespass thread that Codeman started about his island property, I put forth the concept that a modern bathhouse would cost a lot more than people not in the industry realized.

Gilford will not be the only one rebuilding, or building, new bathhouses to protect the lakes.

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by Seaplane Pilot

I have no problem with a new, updated bathhouse. But a million bucks? Come on now. And you know there will be cost overruns, so what will the final cost really be?

The other problem I have is that I own several commercial properties in Gilford and pay a huge amount in taxes to the town. However, commercial property owners are not entitled to use the Gilford Beach or the Glendale launch ramp, so what’s the benefit to me and the hundreds of other commercial property owners in Gilford that contribute to these projects?

People who own Gilford waterfront homes have little or no use for the beach and pay a lot of taxes too.

For 20 plus years I owned a slip at Mountain View Yacht Club, paid taxes to the town, and my understanding was that we could not use the Gilford beach or the recycle center. I was never offered or issued a town sticker.

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

People who own Gilford waterfront homes have little or no use for the beach and pay a lot of taxes too.

Quite correct! I am in the same boat and have only used the town beach in the winter to access the lake / ice.

I am also under the realization that not everyone in town can afford waterfront homes yet should be able to comfortably access and use the waterfront resource we share as Gilford residents. That is why I am all for the renovations. This resource should be limited to town residents and not out of town entities or investors. The “residents” of the town are the rightful users of this resource.

Dan

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

Quite correct! I am in the same boat and have only used the town beach in the winter to access the lake / ice.

I am also under the realization that not everyone in town can afford waterfront homes yet should be able to comfortably access and use the waterfront resource we share as Gilford residents. That is why I am all for the renovations. This resource should be limited to town residents and not out of town entities or investors. The “residents” of the town are the rightful users of this resource.

Dan

Dan, just a note that maybe you want to confirm as a Gilford resident: if any federal (and maybe state) money is taken, the resource has to be open to the public.

We dealt with this in my town a few years back when out-of-towners were coming to our town's beach and destroying it. Since federal moneys had been taken, we were unable to shut it down and had to come up with a workaround to...reduce its attraction.

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[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Dan, just a note that maybe you want to confirm as a Gilford resident: if any federal (and maybe state) money is taken, the resource has to be open to the public.

We dealt with this in my town a few years back when out-of-towners were coming to our town's beach and destroying it. Since federal moneys had been taken, we were unable to shut it down and had to come up with a workaround to...reduce its attraction.

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Think,

I am not certain but doubt any federal or state money would be involved in this project. I believe funds would strictly come from the towns tax base…can’t say that for certain though…

Dan

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

Think,

I am not certain but doubt any federal or state money would be involved in this project. I believe funds would strictly come from the towns tax base…can’t say that for certain though…

Dan

May be worth just throwing it out there so people know. I'm confident my town would've taken a different route if we'd known the catch.

Cheers, and Happy New Year!

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[Outdoorsman]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

May be worth just throwing it out there so people know. I'm confident my town would've taken a different route if we'd known the catch.

Cheers, and Happy New Year!

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It's not a "catch". Use my dollars for your local projects, I deserve to use it too.

[bigdog]

I’m a Gilford resident, and agree this structure does needs updating,. I’m in the belief of keeping renovations ‘basic’, we don’t need to build another ‘McMansion’ on the lake and have the taxpayers foot the bill.

Something to contemplate about this potential update and capital expenditure to the town and taxpayers…. I remember the ‘Big Dig’ in Boston was famous for cost over-rides, Its initial estimated cost was $2.56 billion, final cost was somewhere in the neighborhood of $14.8 billion. Initial cost estimates are just that, “Initial’, once the spigot is open, there’s no telling where it stops…..

[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by bigdog

I’m a Gilford resident, and agree this structure does needs updating,. I’m in the belief of keeping renovations ‘basic’, we don’t need to build another ‘McMansion’ on the lake and have the taxpayers foot the bill.

Something to contemplate about this potential update and capital expenditure to the town and taxpayers…. I remember the ‘Big Dig’ in Boston was famous for cost over-rides, Its initial estimated cost was $2.56 billion, final cost was somewhere in the neighborhood of $14.8 billion. Initial cost estimates are just that, “Initial’, once the spigot is open, there’s no telling where it stops…..

You can always check the blueprints. I would bet after 50 years they will increase the size due to the increase in the Gilford population and not wanting to have to go back and renovate again in a few short years.
This will also change how the structure is done. ADA compliance can be done in many ways... some have low maintenance requirements, while others would need a lot of daily/annual maintenance.

Toilets and sinks that hang on the wall need more structure, but are easier to keep clean. ADA stalls need more room and greater structure for the supports. Self flushing toilets help avoid users that do not flush and can lower the amount of clogged toilets. Faucets that are touch/motion activated can help conserve water when left on by a user, and help prevent flooding.

Water shutoff systems can prevent a burst pipe from doing lots of destruction, and allow for an easy means to close down the building at the end of the season.

Though they could over do it... a lot has been learned in 50 years... and Gilford has most definitely changed. A good design could cover another 50 years or maybe even more.

[TiltonBB]

This article in the Laconia Sun indicates that Gilford is considering tightening the restrictions on who can use the town beach.

As a result of a discussion at a budget meeting last week, Town Administrator Scott Dunn said the selectboard is expecting to revisit the policy at its meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 11, at 7 p.m. Depending on how the discussion goes, the board could develop a revised policy, which would then be presented to the town in a later public hearing.

https://www.laconiadailysun.com/news...ticle-nav-next

[Seaplane Pilot]

So if I understand the story in the Laconia Daily Sun correctly, someone from out of state can rent a room at a lodging facility in Gilford, and then utilize a day pass for the Gilford Beach that the lodging facility acquired from the Town. But a person that owns a commercial property in Gilford (and pays taxes to Gilford), cannot use the Gilford Beach or Glendale launch ramp. That sure makes a lot of sense.

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by Seaplane Pilot

So if I understand the story in the Laconia Daily Sun correctly, someone from out of state can rent a room at a lodging facility in Gilford, and then utilize a day pass for the Gilford Beach that the lodging facility acquired from the Town. But a person that owns a commercial property in Gilford (and pays taxes to Gilford), cannot use the Gilford Beach or Glendale launch ramp. That sure makes a lot of sense.

Even better, the B&B owner can have 8 or 10 passes, and you can't have any

[Descant]

I can get a guest pass, for a fee, to user the Glendale ramp. Perhapos it should have variable fee with dates of expiration? Of course, that gets pretty cumbersome.
Isn't the B & B a business? Sounds like "business" needs to be clarified. And if the B & B wants passes, don't they pay something for them?
It should be free to residents and their guests when they are accompanied by the resident. Parking only for those vehicles with a resident/dump sticker?
I have confidence that the BOS will work out something that is fair.

[John Mercier]

Originally Posted by Descant

I can get a guest pass, for a fee, to user the Glendale ramp. Perhapos it should have variable fee with dates of expiration? Of course, that gets pretty cumbersome.
Isn't the B & B a business? Sounds like "business" needs to be clarified. And if the B & B wants passes, don't they pay something for them?
It should be free to residents and their guests when they are accompanied by the resident. Parking only for those vehicles with a resident/dump sticker?
I have confidence that the BOS will work out something that is fair.

The article talks about a $5 day fee or a much larger seasonal fee. That is on top of the taxes they pay the town, and the kickback to the town from the M&R. But states that it is a recent policy change that makes the situation worse, and they are looking to go back.

[fatlazyless]

Gilford is home to both 1100' long Gilford Town Beach, and the 600' long beach at State of NH-Ellacoya State Park, about three miles south on Route 11.

It's easy to compare the two and come away thinking that Ellacoya State Park has better views, a better natural sandy beach, a better location on the lake, and better facilities including a store that sells sandwiches, ice cream, pizza, and soft drinks.

https://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/s...oya-state-park .... open to the public

Adult: $5
Children (6-11): $2
NH residents 65+: admitted free

Open: May 13 to September 18, 9am-7pm

Suggest you read the reviews at Trip Advisor on Gilford Town Beach and Ellacoya State Park for comparision.

[Charlie T]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

The article talks about a $5 day fee or a much larger seasonal fee. That is on top of the taxes they pay the town, and the kickback to the town from the M&R. But states that it is a recent policy change that makes the situation worse, and they are looking to go back.

I'm a "non resident non voting taxpayer". I have no problem with my tax dollars paying for a new bath house but ..... The thing that irritates me to no end is the fact that the town expects my son to pay hundreds of dollars for a beach sticker for his car. It would seem my Son and Grandkids should have a right to use that beach, by virtue of my tax payments, without the extreme money grab from the town. I pay many thousands in property taxes with very little back in return including a Private road that the town doesn't plow or maintain. I've inquired and complained many times to the town and had it fall on deaf ears. There attitude seems to be that If I can't vote, I have no rights no matter how much I contribute.

[Seaplane Pilot]

Originally Posted by FlyingScot

Even better, the B&B owner can have 8 or 10 passes, and you can't have any

One can only laugh at the stupidity of this. I guess if I want to use the beach and soon-to-come Taj Mahal bath house that my tax dollars pay for, I’ll just stay at a B&B in Gilford and grab a pass from them.

[camp guy]

I don't live in Gilford, so perhaps I don't have the passion that a resident would have, but maybe the Gilford selectmen should ask some of the other Lake front Towns how they handle beach passes. Maybe some good points from each of the other Towns would give Gilford enough information to develop their own pass system which would be acceptable to all. The other Towns surrounding the Lake all have the same issues that Gilford has, basically, how to make it reasonably fair for all taxpayers, including "non-resident taxpayers" who can actually be some of the large$$$$t tax payers.

[BroadHopper]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Dan, just a note that maybe you want to confirm as a Gilford resident: if any federal (and maybe state) money is taken, the resource has to be open to the public.

We dealt with this in my town a few years back when out-of-towners were coming to our town's beach and destroying it. Since federal moneys had been taken, we were unable to shut it down and had to come up with a workaround to...reduce its attraction.

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That is correct. Laconia accepts federal funds to maintain Weirs Beach. That is why the beach is open to the public. Because of the amount of garbage left by the people who use it, the city council opt to close the beach to the public. The city attorney bought this up.

Gilford may not use state and federal funds to upgrade/maintain the beach.

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

Because of the amount of garbage left by the people who use it, the city council opt to close the beach to the public. The city attorney bought this up.

Broadhopper, are you saying that Weirs Beach is now closed to the public??

Dan

[BroadHopper]

I should rephrase that. The city attorney says that cannot close the beach to the public. You can't charge the beachgoer to use the beach but you can charge for parking.

Parking at the Weirs is now expensive to pay for the beach. Same as Hampton Beach. I'm accepting this as the new norm.

[camp guy]

All of us posters who are from Towns other than Gilford are seeing this issue through the lens of our own Town regulations, and are probably seeing the cost through the lens of the latest home improvement done by ourselves. I have never seen the present bath house nor the snack shack nor the life guard storage facility, but if all this is being replaced it must be pretty old. And if it is pretty old, let's realize that the rules and Codes have changed significantly since the original construction. The Codes are designed to insure some level of safety, and some level of environmental protection toward saving the Lake. As we all know, the Lake is what it is all about when it comes to the summer economy of this area. Even if the policy is to allow Gilford residents only, the Lake is still the major factor.
Depending how the Gilford selectmen decide to finance this expense, either by direct, full payment, or by a multi-year bond, that will play heavily into the actual per year cost.
My humble suggestion would be to let the Gilford selectmen figure this out.

[Biggd]

No one likes to pay extra taxes but it's the only way town, state, and federal projects get funded. Someone mentioned the Big Dig in Boston, that was certainly a boondoggle full of cost overruns and corruption but it was the best thing that ever happened to Boston.
Things need repairs and updating, going cheap usually ends up with bad results.
My home is in Meredith and I heard lots of complaints about the cost of the new Library and Town DPW building but they were needed and well worth the funds. I visited the Library and it's magnificent, a crown jewel of the town, IMO.
If I'm going to pay more in taxes I'm glad to see the end products are beautiful additions to a beautiful town!

[fatlazyless]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

I should rephrase that. The city attorney says that cannot close the beach to the public. You can't charge the beachgoer to use the beach but you can charge for parking.

Parking at the Weirs is now expensive to pay for the beach. Same as Hampton Beach. I'm accepting this as the new norm.

Last year, 2022, Laconia raised the price from $2 to $2.50/hr to park a car, no trailers allowed, in the parking lot at the sandy weirs beach close to Endicott Rock. There's about ten spaces immediately close to the Weirs Channel, and it's a totally excellent spot for unloading a kayak/sup from car roof top to Weirs Channel, about 20' distance.

And, it's about 100-yards up the channel and around the rock jetty, there, to be paddling just out beyond that swim area rope line, an area pretty much empty of motorboats. By paddling the shallows there's no hassles with all the angry motorboats in the channel.