City exploring if casinos are permitted under current zoning

LACONIA — The landscape for operating a casino in the city became a bit clearer this week, as it appears such an operation could be permitted within the city’s current zoning ordinances.

That would be a significant development, because it would preclude the need for the lengthy process needed to amend zoning.

City Manager Kirk Beattie provided an update on the issue during a meeting of city council’s Government and Ordinances Subcommittee on Wednesday.

Anthony Santagate, a Weirs Beach entrepreneur, made public his desire to open a charitable gaming establishment in August. He attended the meeting, and said he is in the process of applying for a license from the state.

Santagate is interested in establishing a casino at the property where he currently runs The Big House, a dance hall. That property falls within the commercial resort zone, as does much of The Weirs.

At the subcommittee meeting, Beattie said the city’s legal counsel green-lit the strategy, noting other communities in New Hampshire had done just that, and Funspot, which is also in the CR zone, has been operating charitable bingo games for many years.

However, in a follow-up email, Beattie qualified the statement, writing, “the City is still exploring the zoning implications, and how casinos would fit into the zoning ordinances ... ”

At the subcommittee meeting, none of the councilors expressed any resistance to the proposal of establishing a casino at The Weirs. However, Councilor Bob Soucy (Ward 2) said that although such an operation would contribute to the state’s Rooms and Meals tax, and a significant portion would be allocated to charity, he didn’t see a way for the city to get its own piece of the action.

Soucy said he supported the economic activity going on at Santagate’s businesses, which include Tower Hill Tavern. At Tower Hill and The Big House, Santagate draws crowds by hosting music performances, dance nights and drag performances. He also partners with neighboring businesses to host block parties.

“I think what Anthony’s doing at The Weirs is awesome,” Soucy said. “I don’t agree with all of the shows that he’s doing, but I understand it’s a business.”

Soucy noted that if Santagate’s plan succeeds, it would result in consistent year-round activity at Weirs Beach, which is normally quiet in the winter.

“I know it might tax some of our resources,” Soucy said.