Gas & Donuts

A plan to build a gas station, convenience store and Dunkin Donuts drive-thru at the intersection of Routes 3 and 11B at the Weirs has stalled the Planning Board as surely as nearby businesses and residents fear it will clog "malfunction junction."

The application by Weirs Boulevard Realty Trust (WBRT) of Metheun, Massachusetts to redevelop the site of the former Crossroads Restaurant, which the board continued when it met in July, dominated last night's proceedings virtually from start to finish.

Frank Montero, an engineer representing the applicant, provided a lengthy and detailed explanation of the measures taken to address concerns about storm water runoff, spillage of petroleum products, increased traffic congestion and alterations to wetlands. He described an elaborate arrangement of pipes and tanks designed to capture pollutants and contaminants before they reached the lakes. Likewise, he said that the developers were willing to contribute to the cost of reconfiguring the intersection, while stressing that "we did not create the traffic problem. It was already here."

The presentation apparently did little to ease the board's original concerns. Jeff Buchanan sought reassurance that runoff would not become mixed with contaminants. Don Richards expressed concern about the effects of lighting on nearby residents and other businesses. Seeking to ease the impact on traffic, Peter Brunette asked if all three components of the project — gas pumps, convenience store and donut drive-up — were essential to its economic viability. "Yes," answered Jim Bianco, a Concord attorney representing WBRT, without hesitation or explanation.

Others openly expressed their misgivings. The Laconia Water Works (LWW) urged the board not to allow storage of petroleum on the property, emphasizing its goal of reducing the amount of potential contaminants in close proximity to the city's drinking water supply. Echoing the LWW, the Conservation Commission also challenged the project because of its impact on wetlands.

City Councilor Judy Krahulec (Ward 1) was among a handful of residents of the Weirs who endorsed the project. She stressed that the Weirs was working toward becoming a year round tourist destination, but "there is no gas in the Weirs, no grocery store in the he Weirs." At the same time, she expressed confidence in the technology designed into the complex to forestall and contain leaks and spills.

Several of her constituents disagreed. Jose DeMatos, who owns the Channel Inn & Cottages and Texaco station at the intersection, said that the traffic pattern designed to accommodate the complex would have adverse effects on neighboring businesses. Other local business owners agreed, fearing that the increased traffic would simply add to the congestion, noise and dangers of an already notorious bottleneck.

The board, which has not yet formally accepted an application from WBRT, agreed to continue its consideration of the project when it meets again on September 20.