Laconia Main Street Is Moving Forward

There are those who wonder whether Laconia still has a Main Street program. Last night’s annual meeting of the 75 or so stalwarts of what some have written off as a failed effort heard reports from 30 plus volunteers that carried a common theme — Laconia Main Street is alive and productive.

In his opening remarks to the group, Warren Clement, the acting chair of the program, commented, "the Laconia Main Street program’s form has evolved from a top down effort that hews to the dictates of the New Hampshire Main Street Program. Instead, it has become more of a catalyst for a rather impressive list of endeavors from a variety of organizations that, when taken together, amount to some very notable improvements to Laconia’s professional, business, civic, and residential core."

City Manager Eileen Cabanel reported on Harley-Davidson’s plans for the 85th Anniversary of Motorcycle Week. From June 17 to 21, the motor company will be occupying the City Hall parking lot on Beacon Street East for the second year. In addition to operating its demonstration rides, the H-D program will include the traveling museum, a variety of bands, and a Harley Owners Group pin stop. Harley Davidson will also be sponsoring the ride-in Motorcycle Show in the train station parking lot on Veterans Square. It’s estimated that as many as 100 custom and antique cycles will participate in the Thursday event.

Cabanel also reported that over the past four years, there has been over $16 million in new construction in the downtown tax increment financing district (TIF). Under a program approved by the City Council, the tax revenue generated by increased value generated from that investment will make $100,000 per year available for public improvements in the downtown TIF district. The initial investments will be earmarked for the Winnipesaukee River Walk program that will extend from the Fair Street Bridge on the western edge of downtown to Church Street on the eastern side.

The City Manager also talked briefly about the potential of the Garden Theatre, which she believes can be acquired and operated without the expenditure of a single tax dollar.

Cabanel concluded her remarks by saying, “I believe this is a very exciting time on Laconia’s Main Street.”

According to Ernie Millette, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, “five of the 16 1,800 square foot townhouse units in phase two of the Allen Rogers renovation — now know as Beacon Street West — on Water Street are now under contract. All but one of the phase one units have been sold, and several of those that have sold have been resold. This sales record clearly indicates that downtown Laconia is a great location for owner-occupied residential units.”

There were also reports about several of Main Street’s annual efforts, including the display of more than 100 U.S. flags throughout the commercial area. This year, according to a report by the program’s treasurer and design committee member Bob Harrington, the flag program will include banners that denote the Main Street area.

Clement noted that the two Dancing with Community Stars events each raised more than $4,000. Those funds are used to finance the holiday decorations.

Ana Gorley, the owner of the Sunflower Shop on South Main Street, and Terra Perma on Main Street, talked about the arts day she is has planned for July.

Several new community events are also in the planning stages, including a Best of the Best Ice Cream Social and an antique and classic car parade and show scheduled for August.

Carol Pierce, who has been the key organizer of Multi-Cultural Market Day since its inception almost a decade ago, reported on the plans for the 2008 event. Multi-Cultural Market Day is the largest single event in downtown each year.

A rival for that honor is the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. With almost 1,500 walkers, this event will step off from City Hall parking lot this year.

Clement outlined plans for the successor to the Main Street Programs Adirondack Chair Auction will be a Paint the Palette Auction. This fund raiser will be patterned after the very successful Palettes for Vermont program that features the artistic endeavors of local artists.

Diane Gaynor outlined the Altrusa of Laconia’s plans for the annual holiday parade. The 2007 parade feature more that 35 floats, bands and other marchers. Gayor promises an even bigger parade for the 2008 holidays.

Finally, Ann Saltmarsh of the Public Works Department reported on the increasing utilization of recycling in the downtown area, and Diane Hanley of the Winnipesaukee-Opechee-Winnisquam (WOW) Recreation Trail promised that phase one of that project would be constructed this summer and fall.

The Laconia Main Street Program started in 2002 and 2003 with very impressive participation from everyone — all of the businesses, individual citizens, including school children, and a variety of civic organizations. Almost from its start, the effort received accolades for its achievements. In 2004, Laconia’s effort was rewarded with the NH Main Street Community of the Year.

Now, three and four years after that recognition, it appears that a small group of volunteers have come together to undertake efforts that will bring people downtown to shop, work, and to capitalize on the social and education amenities that it offers.