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Sex shop on Union Ave. runs right into red light
LACONIA — The Zoning Board of Adjustment last night refused to overrule the decision of Planning Director Shanna Director to prohibit Dave Byer from operating a sexually oriented business at 570 Union Avenue because, contrary to the zoning ordinance, it would be within 500 feet of four residential properties.
Seeking to overcome Saunder's decision, Byer requested a variance from the ZBA. Although the board was unanimously agreed to deny the variance, it voted to refer the drafting of its decision to the city attorney and table the matter until its next meeting on July 15.
Byer, the owner of Capital City Pawnbrokers in the Mac-Durgin building at 570 Union Ave., seeks to sell what he called "adult novelties" in the mezzanine at the rear of his building, where he operates a pawn shop and smoke shop on the ground level. When the board announced its decision, he said "I'm dead in the water. It's just a matter of wording it."
Asked by Suzanne Perley of the ZBA to "expand on what adult novelties means," he replied "movies, books, dildos, vibrators along with a lot of phallic instruments and reproductions of male and female genitalia. I want to be as graphic as possible," he continued, explaining that he was not trying to disguise the nature of the business.
When Byer distributed photographs of his intended inventory to the board members, Dave Greski said "these are not toys." Byer agreed, describing the items as "high tech instruments." Asked about the sale of condoms and lubricants, he said that the same products were on the shelves at Walgreen's, Rite-Aid and CVS, in plain view of children, stressing that his merchandise would be shelved in a separate part of the store, accessible only to adults.
Byer described the signage at his store as "generic," reading, in psychedelic script "Good Vibrations & Smoke Shop, Adult Novelties." Declaring that he took pride in the appearance of his store, he said he wanted it "to reflect K-Mart, not a bordello. I'm a pawnbroker" he acknowledged, "so the impression of a bottom-feeder is there already."
Steve Bogert, chairman of the ZBA, assured that the board did not intend to question either his character or his business, but emphasized that if it granted a variance, it would remain with building. "If we grant it, the whole wagon train goes with it," he said, explaining that a future owner of the property would be entitled to pursue any of the uses within the definition of "sexually oriented business."
Don Sorenson, who owns a commercial property almost across the street, told the board that he is "really disturbed by the degeneration of Union Avenue in general." He said that while he had no quarrel with the pawn shop, "there is a difference between selling merchandise and setting out bait," calling the products Byer proposed to sell "pornographic material."
In a letter to the ZBA, attorney Jennifer J. Brook, whose law office is at 586 Union Avenue, warned that the clientele drawn to the store would place residents "at risk of irreparable harm." She pictured the proposal as a sign of the "further deterioration of this area of the city."
Greski agreed that the store would have an adverse impact on the neighborhood, referring the "Combat Zone" in Boston as an example. "It's not your store," he told Byer, "but what it draws."
"You're talking about the sale of flesh," Byer protested. "I'm not talking about the sale of flesh," he said, "only plastic, rubber, glass, metal." He said that "cops, lawyers, doctors, businessmen, secretaries. Those are the people in my store.'" He said that he was a father of four, including three adult daughters who "hold me to a standard well above what you're holding me to."
Byer pleaded with the board to grant a variance with conditions and monitor his operation closely, but Bogert replied that the ZBA had no authority to enter such an arrangement. Byer said that after reviewing the ordinance with Saunders and describing circles with radiuses of 500 feet, he found "unless I'm banished to The Weirs, there are only two lots where I can do this."
Seeking to overcome Saunder's decision, Byer requested a variance from the ZBA. Although the board was unanimously agreed to deny the variance, it voted to refer the drafting of its decision to the city attorney and table the matter until its next meeting on July 15.
Byer, the owner of Capital City Pawnbrokers in the Mac-Durgin building at 570 Union Ave., seeks to sell what he called "adult novelties" in the mezzanine at the rear of his building, where he operates a pawn shop and smoke shop on the ground level. When the board announced its decision, he said "I'm dead in the water. It's just a matter of wording it."
Asked by Suzanne Perley of the ZBA to "expand on what adult novelties means," he replied "movies, books, dildos, vibrators along with a lot of phallic instruments and reproductions of male and female genitalia. I want to be as graphic as possible," he continued, explaining that he was not trying to disguise the nature of the business.
When Byer distributed photographs of his intended inventory to the board members, Dave Greski said "these are not toys." Byer agreed, describing the items as "high tech instruments." Asked about the sale of condoms and lubricants, he said that the same products were on the shelves at Walgreen's, Rite-Aid and CVS, in plain view of children, stressing that his merchandise would be shelved in a separate part of the store, accessible only to adults.
Byer described the signage at his store as "generic," reading, in psychedelic script "Good Vibrations & Smoke Shop, Adult Novelties." Declaring that he took pride in the appearance of his store, he said he wanted it "to reflect K-Mart, not a bordello. I'm a pawnbroker" he acknowledged, "so the impression of a bottom-feeder is there already."
Steve Bogert, chairman of the ZBA, assured that the board did not intend to question either his character or his business, but emphasized that if it granted a variance, it would remain with building. "If we grant it, the whole wagon train goes with it," he said, explaining that a future owner of the property would be entitled to pursue any of the uses within the definition of "sexually oriented business."
Don Sorenson, who owns a commercial property almost across the street, told the board that he is "really disturbed by the degeneration of Union Avenue in general." He said that while he had no quarrel with the pawn shop, "there is a difference between selling merchandise and setting out bait," calling the products Byer proposed to sell "pornographic material."
In a letter to the ZBA, attorney Jennifer J. Brook, whose law office is at 586 Union Avenue, warned that the clientele drawn to the store would place residents "at risk of irreparable harm." She pictured the proposal as a sign of the "further deterioration of this area of the city."
Greski agreed that the store would have an adverse impact on the neighborhood, referring the "Combat Zone" in Boston as an example. "It's not your store," he told Byer, "but what it draws."
"You're talking about the sale of flesh," Byer protested. "I'm not talking about the sale of flesh," he said, "only plastic, rubber, glass, metal." He said that "cops, lawyers, doctors, businessmen, secretaries. Those are the people in my store.'" He said that he was a father of four, including three adult daughters who "hold me to a standard well above what you're holding me to."
Byer pleaded with the board to grant a variance with conditions and monitor his operation closely, but Bogert replied that the ZBA had no authority to enter such an arrangement. Byer said that after reviewing the ordinance with Saunders and describing circles with radiuses of 500 feet, he found "unless I'm banished to The Weirs, there are only two lots where I can do this."
Last Updated on Tuesday, 18 June 2013 03:55
Hits: 296
Muskrats tied for 1st after win at Newport
NEWPORT, RI — The Laconia Muskrats moved into a tie for first place in the Eastern Division of the New England Collegiate Baseball League last night with a 7-1 win over the Newport Gulls. Laconia and Mystic (Conn.) are now tied atop the standings with 6-1 records. The two teams play a home and home series later this week.
Four Muskrats batters had two hits for the game, led by catcher Carter White (U Memphis), who had a double and drove in two runs. Right fielder Jordan Lee (Texas A&M Corpus Christi) had a triple and a single.
Evan Phillips (North Carolina-Wilmington) worked the first 4 and 2/3 innings for Laconia, giving up two hits and the Gulls lone run. He struck of six but also walked six. Phillips was relieved by Eddie Macaluso (Iona), who pitched an inning and a third of hitless ball and got credit for the win.
Laconia plays at Mystic on Wednesday night and then returns home to play the same Schooners at Robbie Mills Field on Thursday. Game time is 6:35.
Four Muskrats batters had two hits for the game, led by catcher Carter White (U Memphis), who had a double and drove in two runs. Right fielder Jordan Lee (Texas A&M Corpus Christi) had a triple and a single.
Evan Phillips (North Carolina-Wilmington) worked the first 4 and 2/3 innings for Laconia, giving up two hits and the Gulls lone run. He struck of six but also walked six. Phillips was relieved by Eddie Macaluso (Iona), who pitched an inning and a third of hitless ball and got credit for the win.
Laconia plays at Mystic on Wednesday night and then returns home to play the same Schooners at Robbie Mills Field on Thursday. Game time is 6:35.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 31 December 1969 07:00
Hits: 35
1st Community Appreciation Parade fails to break world record but riders raise $10k for N.H. Boys & Girls Clubs
LOUDON — Over 300 motorcyclists turned out Saturday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway for a fundraising ride to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of New Hampshire.
The Community Appreciation Parade event, billed as an attempt to set a new Guinness World's Record for the most money raised in a 24-hour period for a charity in a motorcycle parade, fell far short of the lofty $76,037 goal, raising a little less than $10,000 according to E.J. Powers, spokesperson for the first-time event.
People from all parts of the state showed up for the event, including Dwight Barton, a Laconia businessman who is a former chairman of the Laconia Area Community Land Trust.
''It's a great event supporting a good charity,'' said Barton as he signed his registration form with Nina Card of Nashua, a volunteer with the Derry Boys and Girls Club.
''It's a good day to ride with my brethren,'' said Barton, a long-time motorcycle rider.
Chester Porter of New Durham, who was wearing a leather jacket which indicated he was a member of the Claude Batchelder Post 72, American Legion of Alton, said that he decided to ride in the event in part because he wanted to see what it was like to ride the 1.6 mile road racing course at the Speedway.
''I like to be involved with charity events. That's why I joined the Legion. But getting out on the motorcycle race course is special,'' said Porter, who served four years with the 14h Infantry Division and is now employed as an electronics technician.
Mike Gagne of Barrington, said that he and his riding companion, Gale Colbeth, also of Barrington, like to do charity rides and were looking forward to a fun day on the 32-mile ride, which ended up at the Police Motorcycle Museum in Meredith.
Ed Barkowski of Boston, Mass., who owns a summer home on a lake in East Andover, said that he has always been a supporter of the Boys and Girls Clubs and was happy to take part. He was with a contingent of bikers from Andover which included Jake Johnson, Erin Maneely and Jeff and Kathy Sweet, who said that they take part in many rides during the course of a year in support of children's charities.
Maarten Denhartog of Meredith, president of the Winnipesaukee Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) Chapter, arrived carrying the group's banner and said that he would be riding right up front behind the State Police escort with the flag and with the $150 per ticket VIP riders.
''We had a good turnout from our chapter. Bikers usually like to do a lot of charity rides,'' said Denhatog, who is an EMT-life guard.
He said that the H.O.G. chapter is deeply involved in fund raisers for good causes and has a lot of generous members. ''Some of the nicest people you'll ever meet ride bikes,'' he said.
Harvey DeWees of Sanbornton, who retired last year as a pharmacist with CVS, said he's always up for a ride for charity. It was his second straight weekend at a charity ride. The previous Saturday he took part in the annual Peter Makris Ride around Lake Winnipesaukee, an event he has only missed once in its seven-year history.
DeWees, who also was a long-time local baseball umpire, said he was the witness to two memorable Red Sox games, having been in Baltimore in April of 2001 when Hideo Nomo pitched a no-hitter against the Baltimore Orioles, and in Kansas City in April of 2007 when Dice-K Matsuzaka made his major league debut with a victory over the Kansas City Royals.
''I'm having fun here today. It's a great day for a ride and a really good cause,'' said DeWees.
The parade from Loudon to Meredith was jointly sponosred by the speedway and Laconia Harley-Davidson, which also raffled off a custom Street Glide model motorcycle to raise $30,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of the Lakes Region.
CAPTIONS:
Dwight Barton of Laconia signs in with Nina Card of the Derry Boys and Girls Club at a fundraising ride for the Boys and Girls Clubs of New Hampshire at New Hampshire Motor Speedway Saturday. (Roger Amsden photo for the Laconia Daily Sun)
Mike Gagne and Gale Colbeth, both of Barrington, took part in a fundraising ride for the Boys and Girls Clubs of New Hampshire at New Hampshire Motor Speedway Saturday. (Roger Amsden photo for the Laconia Daily Sun)
Harvey DeWees, Sanbornton, retired CVS pharmacist, took part in a fundraising ride for the Boys and Girls Clubs of New Hampshire at New Hampshire Motor Speedway Saturday. (Roger Amsden photo for the Laconia Daily Sun)
The Community Appreciation Parade event, billed as an attempt to set a new Guinness World's Record for the most money raised in a 24-hour period for a charity in a motorcycle parade, fell far short of the lofty $76,037 goal, raising a little less than $10,000 according to E.J. Powers, spokesperson for the first-time event.
People from all parts of the state showed up for the event, including Dwight Barton, a Laconia businessman who is a former chairman of the Laconia Area Community Land Trust.
''It's a great event supporting a good charity,'' said Barton as he signed his registration form with Nina Card of Nashua, a volunteer with the Derry Boys and Girls Club.
''It's a good day to ride with my brethren,'' said Barton, a long-time motorcycle rider.
Chester Porter of New Durham, who was wearing a leather jacket which indicated he was a member of the Claude Batchelder Post 72, American Legion of Alton, said that he decided to ride in the event in part because he wanted to see what it was like to ride the 1.6 mile road racing course at the Speedway.
''I like to be involved with charity events. That's why I joined the Legion. But getting out on the motorcycle race course is special,'' said Porter, who served four years with the 14h Infantry Division and is now employed as an electronics technician.
Mike Gagne of Barrington, said that he and his riding companion, Gale Colbeth, also of Barrington, like to do charity rides and were looking forward to a fun day on the 32-mile ride, which ended up at the Police Motorcycle Museum in Meredith.
Ed Barkowski of Boston, Mass., who owns a summer home on a lake in East Andover, said that he has always been a supporter of the Boys and Girls Clubs and was happy to take part. He was with a contingent of bikers from Andover which included Jake Johnson, Erin Maneely and Jeff and Kathy Sweet, who said that they take part in many rides during the course of a year in support of children's charities.
Maarten Denhartog of Meredith, president of the Winnipesaukee Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) Chapter, arrived carrying the group's banner and said that he would be riding right up front behind the State Police escort with the flag and with the $150 per ticket VIP riders.
''We had a good turnout from our chapter. Bikers usually like to do a lot of charity rides,'' said Denhatog, who is an EMT-life guard.
He said that the H.O.G. chapter is deeply involved in fund raisers for good causes and has a lot of generous members. ''Some of the nicest people you'll ever meet ride bikes,'' he said.
Harvey DeWees of Sanbornton, who retired last year as a pharmacist with CVS, said he's always up for a ride for charity. It was his second straight weekend at a charity ride. The previous Saturday he took part in the annual Peter Makris Ride around Lake Winnipesaukee, an event he has only missed once in its seven-year history.
DeWees, who also was a long-time local baseball umpire, said he was the witness to two memorable Red Sox games, having been in Baltimore in April of 2001 when Hideo Nomo pitched a no-hitter against the Baltimore Orioles, and in Kansas City in April of 2007 when Dice-K Matsuzaka made his major league debut with a victory over the Kansas City Royals.
''I'm having fun here today. It's a great day for a ride and a really good cause,'' said DeWees.
The parade from Loudon to Meredith was jointly sponosred by the speedway and Laconia Harley-Davidson, which also raffled off a custom Street Glide model motorcycle to raise $30,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of the Lakes Region.
CAPTIONS:
Dwight Barton of Laconia signs in with Nina Card of the Derry Boys and Girls Club at a fundraising ride for the Boys and Girls Clubs of New Hampshire at New Hampshire Motor Speedway Saturday. (Roger Amsden photo for the Laconia Daily Sun)
Mike Gagne and Gale Colbeth, both of Barrington, took part in a fundraising ride for the Boys and Girls Clubs of New Hampshire at New Hampshire Motor Speedway Saturday. (Roger Amsden photo for the Laconia Daily Sun)
Harvey DeWees, Sanbornton, retired CVS pharmacist, took part in a fundraising ride for the Boys and Girls Clubs of New Hampshire at New Hampshire Motor Speedway Saturday. (Roger Amsden photo for the Laconia Daily Sun)
Last Updated on Tuesday, 18 June 2013 03:15
Hits: 26
Internal portion of Congregational Church's 'Faith for the Future' campital campaign ends with $620k pledged
LACONIA — The Congregational Church of Laconia, UCC, celebrated the end of its internal Capital Campaign during and following worship this past Sunday. The Congregation was celebrating the fact that over $620,000 was pledged by church members. Fellowship hour is usually held in the church hall following worship services, but on Sunday the celebration moved outside to take advantage of the great weather.
Plans are underway to take the campaign to the public to help finance Community Way by the selling of commemorative bricks to line the walkway connecting Veteran's Square and the Bank of NH Main Street Marketplace. Visit www.laconiaucc.org to download an order form.
Among many other community outreach activities the Congregational Church currently loans its church hall for Got Lunch! Laconia, currently in its third year, delivering healthy lunch fixings to over 500 local school children for the summer's duration.
Plans are underway to take the campaign to the public to help finance Community Way by the selling of commemorative bricks to line the walkway connecting Veteran's Square and the Bank of NH Main Street Marketplace. Visit www.laconiaucc.org to download an order form.
Among many other community outreach activities the Congregational Church currently loans its church hall for Got Lunch! Laconia, currently in its third year, delivering healthy lunch fixings to over 500 local school children for the summer's duration.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 18 June 2013 03:08
Hits: 13
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