09/17/2022
Hi everyone! We (Wendy and Dale) are the principal owners of Newfound Serenity LLC. We live in Alexandria (formerly in Canterbury, NH) and have been enjoying Newfound Lake for decades. We have lived in NH for 35+ years. Yes, we are the people who are proposing a small RV Park in Hebron off Groton Road/Matthews Lane. This is the first time we have taken to social media and our goal is to make sure anyone who is interested in our project is receiving the facts.
Brief History: We purchased the 5 acres of vacant land (which also abuts the Cockermouth River) in September of last year with the intent of developing an RV Park (which is a permitted use per the Hebron Zoning Ordinances). We have been completely transparent with the Town and our neighbors with our first meetings occurring with the Town in May and then July (before we purchased the property). Our concept has not changed from the very beginning, and that being to develop a nine site RV Park with full hook-ups. After receiving some direction from the Planning Board in October, we prepared a fully engineered site plan application (which fulfilled all site plan requirements) and submitted to the Planning Board in January. The site plan application included the approval from the State of New Hampshire on the only three required state permits. After a total of five meetings with the Town, they voted unanimously to deny the project in May.
Our Vision: Our vision has always been to provide a seasonal RV Park with Premium Sites. All units must be self- contained (bed, bath and cooking facilities). We have always anticipated clientele that are referral based. I.e., we are looking for clientele who are already friends and family of property owners living in Hebron or on Newfound Lake. Ideally, our RV-ers will be interested in longer stays with our preference being two-week, monthly, half-season, and full season rentals. We will also continue to maintain the Hardy Country Snowmobile Club trail over our property.
Project Status: We appealed the Planning Board decision to the Zoning Board. The Planning Boardâs written decision included seven reasons for the denial. In August, the Zoning Board ruled to overturn four of the Planning Boardâs seven decisions. Two other decisions were ruled to be outside the ZBA jurisdiction, and the seventh reason was upheld. I.e., they agreed with the Planning Board on the one item. We recently submitted an application for Re-hearing with the ZBA for reconsideration on the three remaining items.
Over the past several months we have completed the following work on the property in preparation of an eventual approval: cleared and removed dead trees on the property; constructed the utility building; brought electricity to the property; installed a well and related controls; and installed perimeter landscaping that includes maple trees, blueberry bushes, peach trees and plum trees. This fall we plan to install more landscaping.
Whatâs Next? We remain focused on developing our property in a manner that is already permitted by the Townâs regulations and that will truly be an asset to Hebron and the Newfound Lake Community. Quality construction, quality features, and respectful clientele. We recently submitted a request for Re-Hearing from the Zoning Board with hopes of resolving this locally.
In closing: We have completed a thorough design and thoughtfully considered the environment and the input of our neighbors. Further, we offer the following:
⢠The proposal is in keeping with the Town of Hebron Master Plan and Town Regulations by:
o Providing a seasonal use that is consistent with and in compliance with all aspects of the various Zoning Ordinances.
o Preserving open spaces within the field area as well as the woodlands.
o Providing extensive landscaping.
o Providing separation between units as directed by the Planning Board and thereby greatly reducing the density of this RV Park from experiences at other Parks.
o Protecting water quality
o Avoiding the removal or clearing of trees. In fact, we are adding over 60 new trees and shrubs.
⢠A proposal that has the support of three of our four abutters.
⢠A proposal that has all required permits from the State of New Hampshire.
Last, we want to thank the many people, friends and strangers alike, for your encouragement and positive feedback.
