An update on Camp Menotomy & other issues...

[garysanfran]

From: MerNIA
Sent: Friday, February 20, 2026 11:15 PM
Subject: MerNIA 2025 Year in Review

February 20, 2026

Dear Supporters,

As we transition toward the end of winter and reflect on the accomplishments of the past year, 2025 stands as a testament to our collective determination in advancing our objectives and safeguarding our neighborhood through land use law and informed decision-making. The commitment shown by MerNIA Board members, supporters, and consultants has reinforced our dedication to protecting the community across all challenges. We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who supported our efforts in 2025.

Here is our 2025 Annual Year in Review.

Camp Menotomy - MerNIA played a very active role in preserving the continued use of Camp Menotomy as a camping property, as we believe the Trust Deed requires. Because of your direct financial support, we worked with the law firm of McLane Middleton to urge the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to oppose the Trustees’ proposed sale and development of the property. This October, the Camp Menotomy Trustees filed a Petition in Middlesex County, Massachusetts Probate Court seeking the Court’s permission to sell the Camp property. Our latest refute of their Petition, dated November 5, 2025, can be found here: (Camp Menotomy Documents).

A court hearing was recently rescheduled to late March. We are hopeful the terms of the Trust will be enforced to maintain the use of the property for camping.

Goodhue Development Efforts - A year ago, Goodhue filed an Appeal to the Wetlands Council following the NHDES decision to deny Goodhue’s application for dock expansion. A Wetlands Council hearing has not yet been scheduled. However, we support the DES denial and have intervened in the matter to support the DES denial.

This October, Goodhue applied for and received approval to change the use of one large boat storage building to become a boat service center. MerNIA has concerns that this may put more summertime pressure on the public parking and docking facilities and impact the privacy and tranquility of the adjoining residential neighborhood.

We recently supported an Appeal by neighbors to Meredith’s Zoning Board against the changes to the boat storage building (Letter to Zoning Board Supporting Appeal). However, in January, the Zoning Board voted to approve of the project, much to our disappointment that there would be no consideration for the concerns voiced by neighbors.

Following that town approval, Goodhue announced a $6 million acquisition of East Coast Flightcraft for approximately 129,000 square feet of warehousing capability in Meredith. Newly approved expansion of lakeside boat service may result in a substantial increase in commercial activity in our Meredith Neck neighborhood. Those of us who live and recreate here may bear the brunt of this expansion, which we will continue to monitor.

Meredith Neck Lake Access Parking Committee - MerNIA has had representation on this Committee since its 2024 inception. This past summer, Meredith began the first year of a Pilot Parking Program for residents using the Meredith Neck parking facilities. MerNIA volunteers assisted in collecting daily parking data to support Committee decision-making. This fall, the Committee and Town Officials agreed that parking access for taxpayers improved, and the lots were safer and more organized. The Pilot parking permit program will be extended for Summer 2026, with minor improvements. The stickers and guest hang tags from last summer may be used this year too. The Parking Committee Recommendations can be found here.

Community Outreach and Educational Programs - As part of our mission to protect the character and help safeguard the environment of our neighborhood, we supported efforts to inform the public about water quality issues affecting Winnipesaukee.

· In early June, we co-hosted a session at the 2025 NH Lakes Congress reviewing resources available to the public to support fellow lake advocates in gathering information. A full list of guest speaker presentations is linked here for your review: 2025 NH Lakes Congress. These slide presentations are extremely thorough and informative, and we recommend you take a look.

· In June and in August two seminars, “Safeguarding Meredith’s Waters” and “Lake Friendly Landscaping” were held at the Meredith Community Center. MerNIA actively supports measures to safeguard water quality through participation on Meredith’s Cyanobacteria Committee.

MerNIA remains committed to protecting the rural and residential character of the Meredith Neck and Islands neighborhood, safeguarding its environment, and upholding the letter of Meredith’s Shoreline District Ordinance and the spirit in which it was created. Our mission is vital, and dedicated volunteers work tirelessly all year long on these issues that directly affect the place we live and recreate.

Together, we can actively help to protect and enhance our Meredith Neck and Islands neighborhood for generations to come. But remember, MerNIA’s work is only possible with your generous financial support. Help us to continue our work in 2026.

Meredith Neck and Islands Alliance

Board of Directors

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MerNIA

Meredith Neck and Islands Alliance

PO Box 462

Meredith, NH 03253

www.MerNIA.org