I received this e-mail concerning a Letter to the Editor from Dorothy Duffy, who I serve on the Heritage Commission with. I thought I should post this to help get her message out. 

Dear Editor,

Readers may want to check the agenda for Laconia Planning Board Meeting on Tuesday, June 3, 6:30 p.m., Room 200A.  There will be public hearings on the Langley Cove proposal to build 341 units at Weirs Blvd. /White Oaks Road; the sub-division of 8 acres into 20 lots on Elm Street; for replacing Dairy Queen on Union Avenue with new construction with drive-in windows etc.; LRGH expansion; Lakes Region Vineyard Church on Mechanic Street re: parking and there will be five items relating to Arista plans to build a Walgreen's.  I urge all readers and residents that have an interest in these plans to attend this meeting. 

I would suggest that one would go to Water Street where much has been invested in condos at Beacon Street West and see how lovely the view is now.  Appreciate the investment in the wonderful reuse of this historic Laconia Car Company and Allen Rogers plant - the "before and after".  The buyers expected a river view from their condos, a view from a new restaurant planned there and a view for river walk and so did the citizens that volunteered so much of  their time and expertise serving on many committees to oversee the Master Plan, EPA Smart Plan, TIF, Riverwalk and W.O.W. and every other plan for downtown Laconia.  

Many of the historic buildings are reused and occupied - one by the Laconia Historical & Museum Society, Laconia Daily Sun and Dunkin Donuts office and others by Hectors, Bonette Page & Stone and many others.  They contribute to our local community.

As an example of just how fickle large outside franchise interests might be - it is rumored that after all those meetings, planning and accommodations, Home Depot has abandoned its plans to build.  A new Home Depot in the Plymouth area has affected the business of its own Home Depot in Tilton.  Recently we read that CVS plans to squeeze into the Busy Corner site after buying out Simoneau-Pauquette Funeral Home (Church Street was just reconfigured to accommodate the funeral business) and the site of the multi-dwelling building that burned to the ground recently.  Burger King lost its lease and I may no longer have a place just to look across the Paugus Bay to see where I used to live, swim and skate.  I'm still trying to find a way to dispose of my aunt's ashes in the lake as she requested.  Poor thing, she didn't know there would not be any public access. These businesses come and go as the wind blows (and my aunt's ashes) leaving behind barren Main Streets and empty pockets. 

The gist of what I am attempting to say here is basically, that haste can make waste and sometimes silence is not golden.   And I want to know, "If these big stores add so much to our economy and growth, how come our community and our Main Street are suffering so?"

Do big box enterprises help the economy by hiring so many locals and full-time with benefits or do the locals merely switch retail jobs?  Why do I have to go out of town to buy a dress; see a play, concert or movie; buy toys, linens or even groceries (except for Vista which - please remember - we saved)?

I also remind readers that in spite of the appearance of the "Tilton House" on Rowe Court now, it was deemed important enough to be moved before and is a historic building.  Think of the "after' as well as the "before".  Look at the old Emanuel Market on the corner of Main and Church Street, another example of”before and after".  The Laconia Pottery building on this site is most attractive and very suitable for the Master Plan, Riverwalk, Laconia and new condo owners. Even the Landmark Inn adds to this site with its beautiful well-kept flowerbed on the corner for all to enjoy.

So, do you think we need this Walgreen's that always wants the busiest corner in town for its site?  Must it be their way? Will elderly seniors using walkers and other support really be able to walk to it?  Will it be easier and cheaper to purchase medications the, and while you're waiting, everything else but the kitchen sink?  Will it hire and train more locals?  Will it work in with the Master Plan and other plans fitting into the whole picture?  Will it be a fine riverview for the new owners at Beacon Street East?  Will it look nice along the Riverwalk leading to our new public dock?  Will the profit stay in the community? Is it feasible to share the parking with the Landmark Inn?  Will it comply with new state standards and contain the runoff and erosion with proper drainage preventing pollution to the Winnipesaukee River?  Will they donate a raffle gift or door prize to a non-profit?  Let me hang a garden club poster or sell raffle tickets in their foyer?  Will you be better off shopping there?  

But please, in the interest of your hometown, do express you views - pro or con. Talking over the fence is fine but it doesn't carry much weight. 

Dorothy Duffy

Laconia