Encroachments and Easements – The WOW Trail

A plan developed in the early 1980’s addressed creating a walking trail along the old B&M Railroad track between Belmont and Meredith. It has been a long process as funds are limited. The trail has been dubbed WOW: Winnisquam-Opechee-Winnipesaukee Recreational Trail.

Now comes along South Down Shores. Although there is documentation indicating one of the requirements for Planning Board approval of South Down was to include a “Bike Path Easement” along the abandoned railroad, the current property owners are less than thrilled to have strangers walk/ride through their gated community. For those of you unaware of the railroad easement, it runs directly along the shorefront. Representatives from South Down are working with the Board of Directors of the trail to seek alternative routes. It will probably be several years before the WOW trail reaches this section of the walkway, however, it may become a concern in the future. There was also some talk a few years ago indicating the State of NH (owners of the easement) would start to charge higher fees to property owners using the easement and/or restrict moorings and docks.

This is a good reminder to check out your deed and any Home Owners’ Association documents. Deeds for properties in most counties in the state can be found at: www.nhdeeds.com.

To read the entire story, go to The Laconia Daily Sun, April 15, 210 laconiadailysun.com or www.wowtrail.com

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