Having the
www.thenhva.org/ which is most likely a property tax exempt org as a large property owner in the middle of the Weirs including on the main waterfront street, Lakeside Ave, makes it easier for the NHVA to be viable financially with just a three month season. By not paying any property taxes, it probably greatly reduces their overhead, and makes it easier to survive with a three month cottage rental and campground season.
On the other hand, it does not leave much room, space wise, for a commercial business that's faced with all the real expenses like a commercial hotel like the four white waterfront hotels in Meredith. Could the Meredith hotels, which are very nice, survive on just a three month season? Most likely "no way!", but a NHVA org can operate a cottage and campground successfully without having the burden of a Laconia property tax.
Here's a question for anyone: Is the NHVA campground and cottage business good or bad for Weirs Beach on a twelve month, year round basis? It is probably one great big reason why the Weirs is deader than dead for nine months per year, because they are totally closed and there is nothing happening commercially down on their section of Lakeside Ave.
And, beside not paying any Laconia prop taxes, the NHVA apparently also does not pay any State of NH 9% lodging tax to the state because their $700 weekly rental fees are considered to be "donations"as opposed to rental rates!
Maybe they do indeed pay payments in lieu of property taxes to Laconia? I do not know, but I would bet you ten dollars they do not!
Look, the Civil War between the states has been over since 1865, so maybe it's time for the NHVA to step up to the plate and start paying their share of property taxes just like everyone else! Lord knows that Laconia can use their money!
www.thenhva.org/ and click on the green historic sign for a brief history.