December 7, 2024 Letter to Supporters
Dear Supporters,
We are pleased to inform you that on November 27th, the NH Department of Environmental Services (DES) denied Goodhue Meredith’s application to reconfigure and build new docks and develop a new boat launch site. The DES chose not to hold a public hearing.
A copy of the DES decision is attached for your review.
We believe that MerNIA’s successful challenge to this application to date is a great example of how impactful our collective action can be. Your continued support is critical toward shaping our shared vision of the future of our cherished neighborhood.
Our work is not finished. The applicant may continue to pursue this project, and we must be prepared. If you have not yet made a donation during our recent fundraising effort, please do so now.
We will continue to provide you with updates. All pertinent documents regarding this decision can be found at www.MerNIA.org. Any questions or feedback can be channeled through MerNIA462@gmail.com or our website.
We wish you and your families a very happy holiday season!
Meredith Neck and Islands Alliance
Board of Directors
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November 17, 2024 Letter to Supporters
Neighbors,
We have important news to share and an urgent Call to Action. Note that we only contact you with purpose.
For the last 7 years Goodhue’s efforts to intensify and expand its business have adversely affected our residential neighborhood. And it continued with an application filed in March for dock expansion with the NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES). This plan includes completely reconfiguring and building new docks and building two new launch sites.
MerNIA responded with a lengthy analysis of the Application, voicing concerns about navigational hazards, impacts on abutting properties, environmental impacts from additional commercial activity and development in the shoreline buffer, and disruption to nearby properties. Those are some of the deficiencies/omissions in the Application which fails to satisfy statutory and regulatory requirements. The proposed expansion will exacerbate an overburdened site. NHDES gave Goodhue four months to deliver additional information and, in particular, to address the issues MerNIA raised.
Last week Goodhue filed its response to NHDES’s request for more information, with a revised plan (see attached.) We summarize below:
You will not escape the effects from these proposed expansion plans, whether you live along the Neck, on Lovejoy Lane or Powers Road, in Kelley Cove or in Tall Pines, or on Loon, Pine or Bear Islands.
It is imperative that you mark your calendar and attend a PUBLIC HEARING in Concord, NH, to be scheduled at the end of November or early December. The exact date and time have not been finalized. The NHDES decision deadline is December 6th. Please make every effort to attend to speak to the issues most detrimental to the enjoyment of your property relating to impacts to water access, safety, environmental degradations, navigational hazards, wildlife, and the burden experienced from expansion and intensification of a commercial boatyard impinging on our public waters, our public access and forsaking public interest for private gain in our neighborhood.
Thanks to the partnership with our supporters and team of experts, MerNIA has been able to raise awareness to the NHDES of the detrimental effects of the proposed expansion.
We need your support once again to help pay for our team of experts who are instrumental in navigating the regulatory and statutory landscape required to successfully champion our collective effort. Visit www.mernia.org, click “Donate,” or send a check to Box 462, Meredith NH 03253. All donations are tax deductible.
Each one of us is fortunate for our bond to this lakeshore community. We owe it to future generations to protect and preserve this natural environment and to give voice to our beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee waters. Please speak up and please donate.
As always, reach out with questions or feedback through the website or email us, mernia462@gmail.com. More to come. Revised plans attached.
Warmest Regards,
Meredith Neck and Islands Alliance
Additional Information that you should be aware of…
Parking: The Meredith Neck Lake Access Parking Committee will be presenting its Summary of Recommendations to the Select Board on November 25 at 4:30. Please join us in person or on the livestream.
Survey: Meredith Planning Board is currently working on Meredith’s Master Plan, called “Imagine Meredith,” a community-created road map for the next decade. The Plan sets forth a recommended strategy and action to achieve community goals and objectives. Log onto www.meredithnh.org, click “News” and “Imagine Meredith” to take the Survey. Weigh in on what you wish for Meredith’s future. Deadline for responses is December 7th.
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October 7, 2024 Letter to Supporters
Greetings Friends,
We wish to share details about parking lot changes being considered for next summer to the lots at Cattle Landing and Lovejoy Landing Upper lot and to solicit your feedback before a final proposal is presented to the Select Board later this month.
We are pleased that the Select Board supported the formation of a “Meredith Neck Lake Access Parking Committee” last fall. MerNIA has representation on this Committee. The Committee was tasked to study and make suggestions for improvements at Meredith Neck lots. The Committee began meeting in early June, and all summer long volunteers have collected usage data, and researched and studied ways to address parking issues.
As a result of this work, Committee members will meet on Wednesday, October 9th at the Community Center to finalize a proposed Pilot Parking Program. This week's meeting is anticipated to result in a proposal to submit to the Select Board for its approval on October 28th, to be implemented next spring.
If adopted, the Cattle Landing and the Upper Lovejoy Landing lots would become restricted to a Decal parking system for use by Meredith taxpayers only. The Facilities Use Decal currently offered by the Public Works facility will become the parking permit - if you have one affixed to your vehicle, then that vehicle is all set. Otherwise, taxpayers would need to purchase them; they are offered for two year terms and sold at the DPW. These Decals must be affixed to the car window and would not be transferable. The current rules for their purchase will apply. If the Pilot Program is adopted, that same DPW Decal will now allow and limit parking in these two lots to Meredith taxpayers.
Three additional Guest Hang Tags would be available for purchase by Meredith taxpayers for the same cost as the Facilities Use Decal and offered for the same two year term. These will be issued to each residence address, in order to accommodate resident’s guests.
If adopted, the current configuration of these lots will also change slightly to promote more efficient traffic patterns offering safer passage. New signs will be more visible and explicit. 72 hour trailer parking will remain and will not require a Decal during the first year of the program.
Please note that the Patricia Drive side street parking option is presently unresolved, but we are hopeful Meredith will allow continued Decal summer parking here during this Pilot program when usage numbers can be evaluated.
You might be wondering why the Lower Lovejoy lot is not being included in this program. In 1984, Meredith accepted $7,500 in a matching grant from the US Department of the Interior, Land and Water Conservation Fund, to build the wooden dock at Lovejoy Landing, subjecting this lower facility to additional rules. The Committee continues to research how this affects the potential use of this lot for Meredith taxpayers.
It is our hope that Meredith’s taxpayers will find more available parking spaces next summer to enjoy unencumbered waterfront access in our beautiful lakefront community. MerNIA hopes you will support these changes to protect our valuable Town assets for Meredith taxpayer’s use. If you have any questions or comments regarding these changes or seek additional detail, please “reply” to mernia462@gmail.com and we will respond promptly.
On another note, please consider joining Lake Winnipesaukee Alliance’s 2024 Lake Clean-Up Day, October 12, 2024. Winni water level is low, so the waterfront clean-up is easy. Visit www.winnipesaukee.org for more information and a list of suggested sites needing to be picked up in Meredith. An after-party at Ames Farm Inn in Gilford with food and a raffle should be fun, too.
Enjoy the foliage,
Meredith Neck and Islands Alliance
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September 15, 2024 Letter to Supporters
Hi Folks,
Soon we will be ushering in the official start of autumn. What a summer we had, full of sunshine and warmth! MerNIA continues to work hard to navigate the many challenges we face to protect our environment and ensure that our access to Winnipesaukee isn’t hindered. We have appreciated and are thankful for your support in these efforts.
A few general updates:
We have learned that the NH DES granted Goodhue Meredith another time extension in order to respond to the DES request for more information. As you recall, MerNIA brought to the DES’s attention numerous issues in the Goodhue wetlands application dated March 22nd. The new deadline is now November 6th. The continued intensification and creep of Goodhue’s business in the surrounding neighborhood is of great concern to us and we remain vigilant in protecting our residential experience.
The Meredith Neck Lake Access Parking Committee, charged with streamlining the use of the three parking lots located at Lovejoy Landing and Cattle Landing, will continue to meet into October. Committee members are working to optimize parking lot access, usage, and safety, through better signage, traffic patterns, configurations, and a pilot program for parking permitting. Once Committee members have reached a consensus with specifics, MerNIA will communicate proposed solutions and seek your feedback. In the meantime, please reach out with your questions or concerns. Also, we will share the date of the public meeting when the Select Board will consider Committee recommendations.
Water quality remains a big concern here on Winnipesaukee, as we saw many weeks of cyanobacteria advisories and warnings, including one at Cattle Landing which turned the lake water lime green. In July, we coordinated with the “5 W’s” (Meredith lake associations from Winnipesaukee, Waukewan, Winona, Wicwas and Winnisquam) to host Ted Diers from the NH DES Water Bureau and Bree Rossiter from Lake Winni Assoc (LWA) for a talk about cyanobacteria and water quality. Their presentation was both informative and distressing, but by organizing public events communicating the health risks associated with cyanobacteria, we hope to motivate residents to adopt strategies to protect our lake water from nutrient feed. We need to:
This summer we learned just how fragile our ecosystem is. According to State officials, cyanobacteria blooms on Winnipesaukee were more widespread than has been seen before, impacting broad, windswept areas and not just along shorelines. Sadly, we can’t undo the damage already done nor turn back the clock. However, we can slow degradation of our water and possibly arrest it. Each of us must take responsibility and do our part, otherwise, continued harmful algae blooms will become routine and will impair our ability to enjoy the lake water.
In the Town of Meredith, Town Manager Troy Brown submitted his resignation after two years of service. An interim part-time Town Manager is in place while a search is on for a permanent replacement. Soon the Town will begin budgeting talks for the 2025-2026 year, and there is much attention focused on holding down the tax rate and our taxpayer obligations. Meanwhile, the Planning Board (PB) has begun considerations for updating Meredith’s 2002 Master Plan, which guides the character, growth and development of the Town. Stay connected to Town issues by viewing live or recorded sessions of Zoning, Planning, and Select Board meetings, including Town Manager reports. Go to the Town website, www.MeredithNH.org, and click on the link “Meetings and Agendas”. Meetings are open to the public and are a great vehicle to voice your opinion.
Stay tuned for further dates and updates.
Our very best,
Meredith Neck and Islands Alliance (MerNIA)
Board of Directors
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July 24, 2024 Letter to Supporters
Dear Meredith Neck and Islands Neighbors,
Just a quick update:
NH DES Presentation Tomorrow, 6 pm at Community Center
Reminder that tomorrow, Thursday, July 25th, MerNIA is co-hosting an event at the Meredith Community Center featuring a presentation by Ted Diers, the Assistant Water Division Director at the NHDES. Ted Diers has statewide oversight of all water division programs, and his presentation will focus on issues affecting the quality of our lake water. Bree Rossiter, Lake Winnipesaukee Association’s Conservation Program Manager, will also join us to share information about cyanobacteria, water quality monitoring, and water restoration efforts. Doors open at 5:30PM at the Community Center, the presentation starts at 6:00PM, and a question and answer session will follow. Seating is limited, so please RSVP using this link to be assured a seat.
Meredith Neck Lake Access Parking Committee
Last October, the Select Board endorsed the formation of a public advisory committee, the “Meredith Neck Lake Access Parking Committee”, to study and recommend solutions to address parking issues on the Neck. This committee began meeting regularly in June. On Monday, the committee presented a status update to the Select Board to further explore several simple changes to streamline and optimize parking and docking at our town facilities on Meredith Neck. The Committee hopes to continue meeting through the year for implementation of changes in April 2025.
Goodhue Update
Recall on May 20th, we provided an update that the NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) requested more information from Goodhue which was due by July 9th. On July 9th, Goodhue requested and was granted a 90 day extension to respond to those DES questions, now due Oct 7th. We remain vigilant regarding Goodhue’s actions and will keep you abreast of any further developments.
We hope to see you tomorrow night.
As always, if you have a question email us at mernia462@gmail.com and we will get back to you quickly. Our mailing address is P.O. Box 462, Meredith, NH 03253
Meredith Neck and Islands Alliance (MerNIA)
Board of Directors
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May 20, 2024 Letter to Supporters
Dear Meredith Neck and Islands Neighbors,
MerNIA has been busy!
On March 22, Goodhue applied to the NH Department of Environmental Services (DES) for two permits, a Wetlands Permit and a Shoreland Permit, to allow Goodhue to:
Due to the generosity of some or your fellow neighbors, MerNIA was able to retain experts to articulate to the DES the negative impact these permits will have on our neighborhood and the environment, including creating navigational hazards and interfering with public access to the lake.
Now we need your financial help to carry on this work.
If you agree that Goodhue’s efforts to intensify its business will adversely affect our residential neighborhood, please join your fellow neighbors and contribute. MerNIA needs your support to continue to participate in and influence decisions being made about the future of our neighborhood.
Please make a donation from our website www.MerNIA.org, or, send a tax deductible check to our mailing address: MerNIA, P.O. Box 462, Meredith, NH 03253.
The DES approved, with significant conditions, the Shoreland Permit to allow gravel and regrading over the existing impervious hardpack soil (4th bullet above). On May 10, the DES requested more information regarding the Wetlands Permit. Goodhue must provide the information by July 9. Click the following link, DES Response Letter, to view DES concerns.
We expect Goodhue to file plans for land use considerations to Meredith’s Planning and Zoning Boards in the near future. On four previous occasions beginning in 2003, the owners of the boatyard had submitted plans to Town Boards for commercial expansion and intensification at the boatyard site. Each time, MerNIA took an active role in the proceedings, and we plan to actively participate this time as well.
As residents of this neighborhood, whether on an island or on Meredith Neck, none of us will escape the effects from Goodhue’s intensification plans unless we challenge it:
On another topic, in February we informed our supporters of a bid by a private developer for Camp Menotomy’s property, right in our backyard. According to a recent Laconia Daily Sun article, the NH Attorney General’s Office, Charitable Trust Division, is inquiring about the proposed sale to determine whether the intent of the original benefactor is being fulfilled. MerNIA continues to seek avenues to preserve and maintain this property for a summer camp as we believe that was the original intent - to give the current and future generations of kids a place to visit along the shores of our lake, to learn and grow in a safe natural environment, much like many girls have done over the last 100 years as campers at Menotomy.
Our website is www.mernia.org and Goodhue’s plans are linked there for your review. Click the Camp Menotomy tab on the MerNIA website to locate the Laconia Daily Sun article about Camp Menotomy.
Please donate from our website to help us with both issues (anonymous donations are welcome). Or send a tax-deductible check to our mailing address: MerNIA, P.O. Box 462, Meredith, NH 03253.
Have a question? Email us at mernia462@gmail.com and we will get back to you quickly.
Again, please help us to safeguard this area we live in. Every amount counts and matching donations are welcome too.
Thanks, and with gratitude in advance,
March 24, 2024 Update to Supporters:
Hi Meredith Neck and Island Neighbors,
On March 21st, Goodhue Meredith submitted two applications with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) seeking a Major Impact Wetlands permit and a Shoreland permit to:
The attached plans represent an expansion into an entirely new commercial area of the shoreline property with long commercial docks extending out into the lake. We have attached the plan documents for your reference. They are also on our website, www.MerNIA.org. Pay particular attention to the following pages:
This proposed commercial expansion will increase boating and parking congestion, interfere with Meredith taxpayers’ lake access, and negatively impact abutting property owners.
Please stay tuned as events happen quickly. The DES will eventually need to hear via letters of our personal accounts of any concerns of neighbors and people who use the public docks and parking areas. Please check your emails and our website for updates.
We Need Your Financial Support!
NOW IS AN IMPORTANT TIME TO MAKE A DONATION, as this proposal could substantially change the character of the neighborhood and interfere with public access to the lake. We greatly appreciate any offer of support you can provide!
Tax deductible donations may be made in two ways:
- Mail a check, payable to MerNIA P.O. Box 462 Meredith, NH 03253
- Click this link to our Donate page on www.MerNIA.org. Follow the instructions to make a donation by credit card or using Gpay (Google Pay)
Remember, corporate matching plans can double your donation.
Since our inception in 2003, MerNIA has taken seriously the representation of our collective interests to help protect the lifestyle we all know and love living in Meredith. Help us to continue to do so now - we cannot do it without your financial support. Email us to ask questions and share concerns, mernia462@gmail.com and again, visit www.Mernia.org for additional information.
Thank you for your interest and commitment to our shared goals of protecting our lake access, our water quality, and in maintaining the character of our Neck and Islands neighborhood.
December 22, 2023 Update to Supporters:
Hi Folks,
It has been a busy 2023, and our Board members and supporters have continued to take a very active role in Meredith’s town governance. We have dedicated countless hours to better understand the issues affecting our community by performing research, by communicating with experts and administrators, and by participating in many local board and committee meetings. Our supporters reinforced these efforts by attending and speaking at these meetings and by submitting thoughtful letters.
While much of this work is performed by MerNIA volunteers and supporters, we also rely on engaging experts when necessary, including legal, environmental, and civil engineering professionals who are vital to our efforts. This is only possible thanks to the generous financial resources you have provided.
We are proud of our achievements this year:
-In January, the Belknap County Superior Court ruled in favor of the residents in Tall Pines, as Defendants, and recognized their deeded right-of-way passage through the waterfront of Goodhue’s boat yard. The accusation of slander of title against MerNIA by Goodhue was dismissed by the Court.
-In April, a proposed boundary line adjustment, which was jointly prepared by Goodhue and Town staff, was presented to the Select Board. The proposal, if approved, would have enabled the expansion and intensification of a private commercial business in the Shoreline District without proper hearings and would have impeded public access to the lake. After much work by our organization and a strong presence of supporters at several public Town meetings, the plan was rejected by the Select Board in June.
-In September, MerNIA and residents voiced concerns at a Select Board meeting regarding a proposal that would have restricted off-street parking options near Cattle Landing. The Select Board voted against the proposal, and the restricted parking signs that were prematurely erected last summer were removed this fall.
-In October, clear-cutting on a forested lot owned by Goodhue and performed by the Town was stopped at a Select Board meeting after MerNIA raised many issues about this. Among other things, MerNIA was concerned that the clear-cut would expand and intensify a private commercial business before it was subjected to proper public review. Consequently, the Select Board directed the Town not to take any action on Goodhue property or on the surrounding municipal property unless it obtains Board approval and only after MerNIA, abutters, and any other affected parties are notified. Further, the Select Board directed the Town Manager to form a public advisory committee to study and recommend solutions to address parking issues on the Neck.
We have chosen to live and spend summers in Meredith, to celebrate many generations of family, in peace and tranquility, amidst a natural environment, and for the enjoyment of the clean and clear waters of Lake Winnipesaukee. We remain steadfast in our efforts to protect this precious neighborhood, safeguard its environment, and uphold the letter of Meredith’s Shoreline District Ordinance and the spirit in which it was created. We cannot succeed without your generous support.
With warmest wishes for a happy holiday season,
Meredith Neck and Islands Alliance
November 5, 2023 Update to Supporters:
Hi All,
Just a quick update to share the Monday, October 30th Select Board decision regarding the Town of Meredith’s tree-clearing operation on Goodhue’s property adjacent to the upper trailer lot the week of October 9th.
Recall MerNIA’s counsel delivered a letter to the Select Board at their October 16th meeting with our concerns (attached). At Monday’s meeting, the Town Manager responded to the letter with three recommendations:
In response, the Select Board voted unanimously on Monday night:
The Select Board emphasized that it understands that the public is extremely concerned about what happens at that site and how it impacts taxpayer’s access to the lake. MerNIA appreciates the Board’s comments in that regard and the Board’s commitment to improving communications and restoring public trust.
Special thanks to the neighbors who alerted MerNIA to the Town’s tree-clearing. We encourage all of our supporters to be vigilant and to contact us with any comments or questions. We remain committed to working hard to best represent our shared interests.
Thank you for your support.
Meredith Neck and Islands Alliance
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October 19, 2023 Letter to Supporters:
Hi Folks,
We are writing to share the result of Monday’s Select Board meeting in Meredith.
In the “Public Comments” portion of the meeting, the Select Board heard concerns about the Town’s deliberate forest clear-cut on Goodhue’s property to expand the Upper Public Parking Lot. An area adjacent to this lot was entirely cleared of trees beginning the day after the long holiday weekend by Meredith’s Department of Public Works. MerNIA’s position on this action is summarized in the attached letter to the Select Board.
After hearing the public’s concerns, the Select Board directed the Town Manager and Meredith Public Works Department to cease all action on the lot, to promptly install physical barriers to address stormwater runoff onto the abutting property, and to block access to anyone from using the lot area until a review of our attorney’s letter and a discussion of a path forward takes place at the next meeting. A video of the meeting can be found here, beginning at minute 52:50 to 53:50 and again at minute 1:04:57 to the end. We are pleased with the Select Board’s prudent decision.
The next Select Board meeting is on Monday, November 6th at 4:30 PM in the Community Center. Taxpayer participation in the hearing process is vital to ensure town governance is ‘for the people and by the people. It is very important you attend.
As you are aware, on June 19th, the Select Board did NOT approve the Boundary Line Adjustment Agreement in which expansion of the upper lot was proposed. The Select Board voted in June that Goodhue proceed with its own development plans through the proper public review process including Planning and/or Zoning review. Likewise, on September 18th, the Select Board ordered Meredith administrators to come up with a comprehensive parking plan before any decisions or actions are made regarding parking on Meredith Neck.
The town must abide by previous Select Board decisions, and the process for the development of land in the Shoreline District must be legal and pass through the public review process. MerNIA continues to seek town accountability in protecting the interests of all taxpaying residents. Meredith must create a comprehensive plan to protect the taxpayers’ ability to park at Lovejoy Landing and at Cattle Landing too.
If you have any questions or comments, or if you would like additional information, please email us at mernia462@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you and appreciate your interest and support. Please visit our website at www.MerNIA.org.
Many thanks (with more to come).
Meredith Neck and Islands Alliance
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October 15, 2023 Update to Supporters:
Hi Folks,
This past Tuesday, October 10th, the Town of Meredith Administration dispatched a crew and equipment to remove trees and further clear the Upper Public Parking Lot on Lovejoy Sands Rd. We are very concerned that components of Goodhue’s development plans are already underway with the Town’s blessing, at taxpayer cost, without any protections in place for resident parking, and worse, without any public input from residents as would be required through the normal zoning and site plan review process.
The Meredith Select Board is holding their regular scheduled meeting tomorrow, Monday, October 16th, at 4:30 PM at the Meredith Community Center. We will voice our concerns about this in the public comments session. We apologize for the late notice, but please make every effort to attend this meeting, as it is essential that our voices are heard.
Please recall that this is the same parking lot expansion that was a component of the failed Boundary Line Adjustment (“BLA”) Agreement from this past Spring. Back then, the Meredith Select Board told the Town Manager that the Select Board was not comfortable with the Agreement and directed Goodhue to present its development plans to the Planning/Zoning Boards before any decisions would be made regarding the various components of the failed BLA proposal, including the proposed development of this lot. This week, however, the Town Administration moved forward without the submission of Goodhue’s application, in clear conflict with the Select Board’s mandate.
While additional parking for taxpayer residents is clearly needed here, any commercial business expansion to store more boats on this lot requires Planning and Zoning Board approvals and will increase the demand for parking without solving the parking shortage problem.
There are several additional problems with the Town’s actions at this site this week:
Clearing land at the expense of taxpayers on private property not owned by the Town, to aid a commercial property owner who benefits from further expansion and intensification of the use of a commercial property in the Shoreline District, is not acting in the best interests of the Town or its taxpayers. Certainly, not without public review and engagement, and certainly not without taxpayer protections.
In addition, just three weeks ago, the Select Board heard public testimony about the Town Manager’s proposal to prohibit parking on Patricia Lane adjacent to Cattle Landing. There was much discussion and public input about the problems this would exacerbate for parking at Cattle Landing and at the Lovejoy Sands Road lots, too. The Select Board unanimously decided against the Town Manager’s proposal. Select Board Chair Forrester told the Town Manager to “come up with a comprehensive parking plan that we [the Select Board] can support.” Now only three weeks later, the Town Manager has initiated a clear cut on private property without the comprehensive parking plan that the Select Board and the public demanded.
For your reference, attached is a copy of the Laconia Sun Article regarding the Patricia Drive parking discussion. MerNIA was pleased with the Select Board’s prudent decision in this case.
As always, we appreciate your support and interest in critical issues affecting our neighborhood and will keep you abreast of this outcome. Similar to our engagement in the Spring, we will continue to ensure that the Town is following required processes in order to best protect the interests of all Town residents.
Live broadcast begins at 4:30 tomorrow and public comments are taken towards the end of the meeting if you wish to view from afar.
Meredith Neck and Islands Alliance
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September 12, 2023 Update To Supporters:
Hi Folks,
Here in Meredith our warm summer weather continues into early September and the lake waters have once again become quiet. Aren’t we all lucky to reside here! Here are the current updates from MerNIA:
As of this writing, we know that no application will be presented by Goodhue for the next Zoning Board or Planning Board meetings scheduled for September 14th and 26th. The next few important dates to watch are September 25th when applications are due for the October 12th Zoning Board meeting, and October 3rd for the October 24th Planning Board meeting. MerNIA remains vigilant on news of any development efforts at the boatyard, and our consultants are on standby.
Parking access for taxpayer residents at the Cattle Landing site will be on the Select Board’s meeting agenda on Monday, September 18th. The purpose of the hearing is to take public comment on the proposed change to omit side street parking on Patricia Drive, the dead end street adjacent to Cattle Landing. This decision will have an enormous effect on parking access for island residents since Patricia Drive handles overflow parking during busy summer weekends. MerNIA suggests that a more prudent course of action would be to first produce a plan to address the broader issue of protecting taxpayer parking at both Cattle and Lovejoy Landing before reducing parking for residents. Please make plans to attend this meeting to share your thoughts, or send a letter to the Town Manager, Troy Brown, via email (tbrown@meredithnh.org) if you are remote. A link to the Agenda is here: Monday, September 18th, 7:00 PM. Meredith Select Board Meeting on Patricia Drive No Parking Zone.
Other News Items:
As you know, Meredith real estate property re-assessments have been mailed out to residents. We won’t learn our new tax bill until the new tax rate is set, which is done by the NH Revenue Administration sometime in late fall. The below link can provide more information about Meredith’s assessment and an explanation of property taxes and how the process works:
Meredith Tax Assessor Website.
The Lake Winnipesaukee Association (LWA) continues to work hard to protect our lake waters. Locally, we were fortunate to experience good water quality for these summer months. LWA suggests that the reduced number of Cyanobacteria warnings in our local waters was a result of the generally cloudy weather conditions, hazy skies, and less heat. Without sunny skies, the blue-green algae struggle to reproduce as it is photosynthetic and requires sunlight to synthesize nutrients. Continued vigilance to reduce watershed runoff on our properties and upgrading septic systems are the most important things each of us can do to reduce cyanobacteria blooms in lake water.
Here is a review of upcoming important Meredith meeting dates. A link to the Town Meetings website is included here:
Thursday, September 14th, 7:00. Zoning Board meeting to hear additional requests for special exceptions to Meredith’s short term rental zoning ordinance.
Monday, September 18h, 4:30. Select Board meeting to discuss Patricia Drive parking. See link to meeting notice above.
Tuesday, September 26th, 7:00. Planning Board meeting.
Thursday, October 12th, 7:00. Zoning Board meeting.
Throughout this summer, MerNIA has continued our dialogue with town officials and participated at meetings which has helped us to stay abreast of issues facing Meredith residents, like traffic and parking, real estate supply and demand, and natural resource priorities. Those issues are being discussed as part of the process just begun by consultants in writing Meredith’s updated Master Plan.
Please reach out to us at MerNIA462@gmail.com with any comments or if you would like to become more involved. Town meetings provide taxpayers with opportunities to allow our voices to be heard.
Meredith Neck and Islands Alliance
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June 21, 2023 MerNIA Communication to Supporters:
Hi All,
Thank you very much for your active interest in the Monday, June 19th Select Board Meeting.
Due to the public outpouring of concern over the proposed Boundary Line Adjustment Agreement (BLA), the Select Board voted unanimously to discontinue consideration of the Agreement. The Select Board suggested that Goodhue proceed with its own development plans through the proper public review process, including Planning and/or Zoning Board review. The Town is also able to move forward as it sees fit with its proposed waterfront project, but on Monday, the Select Board did not address whether it intended to do so. The Select Board should be applauded for taking a measured, cautious, and pragmatic approach.
Recall that the Select Board was being asked by Meredith Town Administrators to approve a (BLA) between the Town and Goodhue as part of the Town’s proposed waterfront project. MerNIA opposed its approval because the Town does not need to alter boundary lines to proceed with its proposed waterfront project. MerNIA also opposed its approval because it included provisions that would have benefitted Goodhue by leading to further intensification of the boatyard to the detriment of Town Taxpayers.
MerNIA remains very concerned about expansion efforts by Goodhue that will not only have detrimental effects to the physical environment of our residential neighborhood but will also result in further encroachment on the public land and water access for resident taxpayers and their guests.
We truly appreciate your interest, commitment, and support for our shared goals of protecting our lake access, the water quality, and our property values. Maintaining the character of the Neck and Islands is certainly worth our combined efforts! MerNIA will keep you informed, as future developments may unfold quickly.
Meredith Neck and Islands Alliance
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