Gretchen Gandini - Gorgeous homes & recreation trails can and do co-exist

I was enjoying a glass of wine on a deck overlooking Paugus Bay when I first learned that the executive boards of South Down Shores and Long Bay had filed suit against the State of New Hampshire to block the WOW Trail. A group of seasonal South Down Shores residents, interested in learning more about the WOW Trail project, had taken it upon themselves to become more informed and welcomed me and my husband to their lovely lakeside home. It was a great opportunity for me to hear their questions and concerns and clear up some misinformation.

For example, I was able to share with them that this project was conceptualized by the City of Laconia and the Lakes Region Planning Commission well before their homes were built, and that South Down Shores and Long Bay developer John Davidson himself stated that a public bicycle path being a part of the project was a condition of its development. They asked if an alternative route (not along the lakeshore) had ever been considered and I was able to explain that, as recently as February, we had suggested an alternative route through their property for consideration, but that this alternative route had been rejected by their executive board. I was able to explain that safety concerns regarding the trail are not supported by law enforcement and that, in fact, former Laconia Police Department Chiefs Mike Moyer and Chris Adams, and current Chief Matt Canfield, are all WOW Trail users themselves, and have all publicly stated that it has improved the sections of the city where it has been built.

Even more, I came to appreciate why this project may cause such concern for those of you who own land that abuts the state-owned right-of-way. I recognize that you’ve become accustomed to the property’s limited use. Some have manicured lawns, gardens, Adirondack chairs, etc. very close to or in the state-owned right of way. For others, the tracks are behind your homes, but you fear that your quiet neighborhoods will suddenly not be so quiet anymore if this bicycle path is built.

That said, I also ask you to consider what benefit a regional bicycle path might bring to your neighborhoods. Imagine being able to hop on bikes and safely travel with your children or grandchildren to Weirs Beach and Meredith or to downtown Laconia, all while enjoying fresh air and avoiding summer vehicle traffic. Or think of how spectacular a long, lakeside walk or run to Weirs Beach or Meredith would be without having to negotiate a busy Elm Street or Parade Road. Look no further than Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard to understand how recreation-centric communities that have implemented comprehensive bike trail systems have experienced enhanced quality of life for residents and improved the tourism experience for visitors. Gorgeous homes and recreation paths can and do co-exist quite nicely in communities around the country.

It seems to me that whether it is the WOW Trail, or any other project that aims to showcase our beautiful City on the Lakes and bring economic development to the Lakes Region, that we all come to the table ready to listen and learn. Let's assume some good faith in each other, ask the difficult questions, present objective, factual information, and work together to find resolutions that will make innovative projects a reality.

If you have concerns about the WOW Trail’s continued development in your neighborhood and you’d like to talk, I welcome you to contact me. I’d love to hear your questions, concerns and thoughts. My e-mail address is info@wowtrail.org and my phone number 603-520-8952. I look forward to hearing from you.

(Gretchen Gandini is executive director of the WOW Trail.)