New Medical Facility in Alton

[mcdude]

From the Baysider

Moving in the
right direction

In these relatively tough economic times, we
are encouraged to see one local entity taking
steps to expand its operations in the Alton
area.
Huggins Hospital, based in Wolfeboro,
recently announced plans to build a new facility
near the Alton traffic circle. This facility is
intended to take the place of the hospital’s
current Alton facility, located on Main Street
in an old home that isn’t exactly conducive to
medical care.
This facility would house a primary care
office, much like the current one in the Main
Street office, as well as a walk-in lab center, an
X-ray facility and a rehabilitation center with
a pool.
There is no doubt that this facility will be a
great benefit to the people of Alton and the
surrounding communities. Having a facility
like this in our backyard allows people to stop
making the long trips to Laconia, Rochester,
Somersworth, Concord or even the shorter
trip north to Wolfeboro for rehabilitation and
other medical issues. Keeping away from long
trips will save residents money on gas and
wear and tear on their automobiles, particularly
in the winter months when the frost
heaves are big enough to swallow even the
largest vehicle.
We know that the plan is a long-term plan
and that the hospital expects this to be a fiveyear
construction project, but it is encouraging
to see such optimistic growth.
Huggins has taken a number of steps to
work with the communities around the eastern
side of Lake Winnipesaukee. Ground will
be broken in the spring on the new hospital
facility in Wolfeboro, which will surely be a
shining beacon for healthcare in the Lakes
Region. And with facilities all around the
region, Huggins is making an impact on the
health of the region’s residents in many ways.
Huggins currently operates Back Bay
Rehabilitation in Wolfeboro, a facility that
many residents of Alton may be familiar with.
We have heard only glowing reports about the
services rendered at that facility and we imagine
that the proposed Alton facility will provide
the same great level of service.
Huggins will be going before the Alton zoning
board many times in the coming months
and years as they prepare to build this new
facility and continue forward with the plans.
In fact, the hospital will be in front of the zoners
tonight, April 3, looking for a parking variance.
We are sure that Huggins will go about
things the right way, as they did when proposing
their new hospital in Wolfeboro. And if
they follow the letter of the law, as we believe
they will, we hope the zoning board and all
other boards in town are receptive to their
plans and allow this facility to be built.
Once completed, the new Huggins facility
undoubtedly will be a resource for the community
for years to come

[Argie's Wife]

The Alton ZBA approved a variance request for the parking lot on 4/3. IMHO the request was very well explained and presented. I admit that I'm one of those NH-ers who cringe whenever I see my town change in a major way (i.e. Hannifords) but can also see the good that will come of this. I also don't always agree with the editorial from the Baysider (why is there NO byline for that article? Whoever writes that often has incomplete or wrong information!) but I do agree with this one - this facility will be a plus for the community.

[GWC...]

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

The Alton ZBA approved a variance request for the parking lot on 4/3. IMHO the request was very well explained and presented. I admit that I'm one of those NH-ers who cringe whenever I see my town change in a major way (i.e. Hannifords) but can also see the good that will come of this. I also don't always agree with the editorial from the Baysider (why is there NO byline for that article? Whoever writes that often has incomplete or wrong information!) but I do agree with this one - this facility will be a plus for the community.

A welcomed addition to the area, if there ever were one - clean facility with quality products for sale and adequate parking.

[idigtractors]

I still miss old Dr. Appleyard who had his practice in the old house and was always there for all who needed him. Summer and/or all year residence.

[tis]

What a great guy he was, id tractors!

[mg2107]

And he made house calls day or nite !

[idigtractors]

He also did all the stitching of open wounds right in his office without sending you off to Wolfeboro or else where.

[Argie's Wife]

Originally Posted by GWC...

A welcomed addition to the area, if there ever were one - clean facility with quality products for sale and adequate parking.

I agree it is a nice change. I appreciate not having to go to Gilford or R'chester for my big grocery shops.

Not to take this off topic, but Hannafords messed up when they designed the parking lot and store here in Alton. They didn't plan appropriately for the volume of customers they get - the store and parking lot are too small! They're wishing they had built a bigger store and parking lot. (I have this from the owner of another Hannafords, upstate.)

Alton is growing at a rapid rate. I love my town and embrace most of the changes once I have adequate information about the plans. There's a couple of "projects" that have me concerned but I'm trusting our planning and zoning boards or committees have due diligence with the cases so they make appropriate decisions about them.... It can't be easy!

[mcdude]

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

There's a couple of "projects" that have me concerned but I'm trusting our planning and zoning boards or committees have due diligence with the cases so they make appropriate decisions about them.... It can't be easy!

also from the Baysider 2/28/08

PLANNING BOARD MEETING
The board also met with applicants for conceptual consultations on a proposed liquor store near Hannaford on Route 28, and a proposed sign in front of the Shoppes on the Bay building on Route 11 at Alton Bay.

Here's another pending "project". With a liquor store, grocery store and pharmacy there'll soon be no reason to leave Alton at all!

[Argie's Wife]

Originally Posted by mcdude

also from the Baysider 2/28/08


Here's another pending "project". With a liquor store, grocery store and pharmacy there'll soon be no reason to leave Alton at all!

I've heard rumor this is really a speciality wine shop type of thing.... I don't think it's a state liquor store - I could be wrong. No matter - that's another bonus!

[Apples]

How nice that you still remember "Old Dr. Appleyard", he loved Alton and the people that lived there. Thanks for remembering, the family misses him too, we have to pay for medical advice now!!!

[NH Slug]

Lets not forget about Mrs. Appleyard. One of the finest lady's of Alton.

I remember she could make a great squirrel pie. Good to see you Apples. Out here in RENO on a trip. Saw John last fall.

[Apples]

Hi, you must have been one of the people that came to the "game" supper that my mother had once a year. That was not one of my mother's meal's that I looked forward to!!! I know that Jon and his friends enjoyed those meals, just as much as my mother did cooking them. By the way, who are you and what are you doing in Reno?