After mediation of a tax dispute between the Marist Brothers and the Town of Effingham broke down, the religious order took the town to court, where a judge ruled the camp flunked all four state tests to qualify for charitable tax exemption. More than $200,000 in back taxes is now at issue.
NEWS
West Ossipee Gas Station Complex Opposed as Threat to Groundwater
A local environmental organization says a proposed gas station-convenience store at routes 16 and 41 is a potential threat to groundwater and should be denied. In 2015 the town’s Zoning Board granted a variance to install underground gas tanks for the development despite concerns that excavation could disrupt DES contamination mitigation work that has been ongoing at the site since 1993.
Morgan Eyes New Ossipee Town Beach
The Ossipee Selectman says the lack of a public beach on the town’s biggest body of water is “pathetic.” He says town officials have their eye on a possible site, and voters should authorize them to set aside town funds for an eventual purchase.
Mt. Whittier, a Blast from the Past
From 1949 to 1985, Mt. Whittier in West Ossipee was a skiing destination and off-season tourist attraction with gondola rides to the summit for scenic views of Ossipee Lake and the mountains beyond. A local writer takes a winter hike to the summit to savor memories of the property’s glory days.
Ossipee Selectmen Turn Down Free Build-Out Analysis
Ossipee Selectman Morgan may push for a new discussion at Town Meeting, Meanwhile, Dan Hole Watershed Trust will conduct the study on its own time and dime and post the results on its website.