Waterville Valley Select Board Reviews Road Projects, Waste Fees, and Beer Garden Proposal

On April 30, 2025, the Waterville Valley Select Board held a 3.5-hour regular meeting to address infrastructure projects, waste management fees, a proposed beer garden, and various community issues. The agenda included road reconstruction plans, a detailed Boulder Path Road project, a proposed dumpster surcharge, and discussions on a beer garden application and local concerns such as construction site aesthetics and beautification efforts (link).

Podcast Review

Road Project Updates for Summer 2025

The board reviewed modifications to road projects initially outlined at the town meeting. Repairs on West Branch Road and River Road were deferred due to unresolved issues with a low-pressure sewer line freezing during winter. Instead, the board prioritized repaving from the electric substation to the Depot Camp parking area and overlaying Packard’s Road as planned. Funds were allocated to repair and overlay Noon Peak Road near the school and Ray Center to address drainage and settling issues observed over the winter. Jennings Peak Road’s repaving will proceed, with wetlands permits secured from the Department of Environmental Services (link).

These changes aim to address immediate infrastructure needs while allowing time for further study and funding for deferred projects.

Boulder Path Road Reconstruction Plan

A significant portion of the meeting focused on the Boulder Path Road reconstruction, budgeted at $1.8 million for 2026. The board approved a design featuring a multi-use path on the west side, adjacent to the golf course maintenance building, extending toward the tennis center. Granite curbing will improve drainage, a critical component. The plan includes rebuilding driveway entrances, adding pedestrian and golf cart crossings, and adjusting easements near Snow’s Mountain Road. The existing sidewalk along the tennis courts will be replaced with an eight-foot-wide multi-use path to enhance drainage and accessibility (link).

The full box reconstruction, which may include water and sewer lines, could exceed the $1.8 million budget. Final engineering plans and cost estimates are expected in fall 2025, with bidding and approval targeted for the 2026 town meeting. The project aims to address drainage issues and improve pedestrian safety while maintaining the road’s alignment.

Proposed Waste Management Surcharge

The board proposed a $5 per quarter surcharge for properties with 24/7 dumpster access, such as condominiums, to offset the costs of frequent servicing. This could generate an additional $24,000 annually. The surcharge would apply based on access, not usage. A public hearing is planned for June 2025 to finalize the rate. The board also discussed a per-tip billing model to encourage use of the central transfer station but referred it to the solid waste working group for further analysis due to administrative complexities and variability in dumpster usage (link).

Beer Garden Proposal

The board discussed a proposal to establish a beer garden in the town, which would serve alcohol and operate as a social venue. The concept was presented as a potential addition to Waterville Valley’s recreational offerings, aiming to attract visitors and provide a new gathering space. However, the board raised concerns about the scale of alcohol sales and consumption, questioning how the beer garden would align with the town’s family-oriented character. Some members expressed reservations about the impact on the community’s image and the need to ensure the venue would complement existing businesses without overshadowing them. No final decision was reached, and the board indicated that further review is needed to assess the proposal’s feasibility and community impact (link).

Community and Infrastructure Concerns

The board addressed several community issues, including the status of whiskey barrels used for beautification. These barrels, which enhance the town’s aesthetic, must be maintained or removed by May 2025 to prevent them from becoming trash receptacles. Ownership is under investigation, with some potentially belonging to the Ray Center, and the board will determine next steps to ensure they remain an asset (link).

Concerns were raised about a construction site at the Villas, where a porta-potty, dumpster, and man lift have been present for over two years. The project remains within the four-year statutory completion period, but the board will request screening to reduce visual impact and address construction materials scattered onto neighboring properties due to high winds (link).

A fallen tree at the corner of Beanbender and Cascade Ridge Road, caused by high winds, was reported as a safety hazard on private property (Lot 11). The board will assess responsibility for its removal to prevent it from falling across the road (link).

Easement and Maintenance Discussions

The board discussed easement negotiations, particularly with Golden Eagle and Corcoran Pond, related to the town’s trail system and parking lot maintenance. Concerns were raised about the town’s financial exposure if maintenance costs, such as parking lot paving, escalate without clear limits. The board proposed forming a committee to review easements and establish stipulations to cap the town’s obligations, ensuring fiscal responsibility and fairness (link).

Looking Ahead

The Waterville Valley Select Board’s meeting highlighted efforts to balance infrastructure improvements, fiscal management, and community priorities. The proposed waste surcharge, road projects, and easement reviews aim to enhance services and safety, while the beer garden proposal sparks discussion about the town’s future character. Residents are encouraged to participate in the June 2025 public hearing on the dumpster surcharge and stay engaged with the 2026 town meeting for major project approvals.