Jaccora Ski & Beach association seeks town help as single access bridge nears end of life

Joel Molchan, president of the Jaccora Ski & Beach neighborhood association, told the Tamworth Select Board on Aug. 7 that the community’s bridge on Whittier Road East — the association’s only access point — requires an October repair and will probably need full replacement within eight to 10 years.

Molchan said engineers estimate a full replacement (including abutments) will cost between $1 million and $2 million in current dollars and that the community will likely need to increase association dues substantially to finance the work. He described a short‑term October repair scheduled to allow a temporary alternate egress via a privately owned former recycling center, emphasizing the owner’s cooperation but noting that access depends on that owner’s continued permission.

“Full replacement including the abutments is expected. We'll need to raise the current estimate is 1 to $2,000,000 … that will likely mean that we will essentially need to triple our dues from now until that time,” Molchan said. He added the immediate repair will not extend the bridge’s projected lifespan and compared it to treating a broken leg — necessary but not a cure.

Molchan asked whether the town could help in several ways: (1) formally notify emergency dispatch about the temporary alternate egress for the October repair, (2) provide help securing a reliable long‑term alternate egress or easement, (3) offer technical or planning guidance, and (4) collaborate on pursuing state or federal funding if the association moves toward replacement.

Select board members responded with immediate guidance on the October repair. A board member advised Molchan to contact Linda Eldridge at the police department to have alternate access formalized with dispatch so emergency services would be aware of the temporary route; the board member said dispatch would notify county/state/ fire/emergency responders.

Board members and staff recommended regional support channels for longer‑term planning. The board suggested the association contact the Lakes Region Planning Commission in Meredith for technical guidance on grants, engineering contacts and potential funding strategies; a Select Board member offered to make an introduction.

Molchan also raised concerns unrelated to infrastructure funding, including unauthorized off‑road vehicle traffic crossing private property that has previously disrupted alternate egress arrangements. Meeting participants said state fish-and-game officers have assisted at times but that enforcement resources are limited.

Molchan described three main risks if the town and association do not secure a durable solution: loss of the alternate access if the cooperating private owner withdraws permission; inability of the association to raise sufficient funds in time; and unexpected early bridge failure due to weather or accelerated deterioration. He asked the board to remain available for follow‑up discussions as the association prepares detailed engineering estimates this fall.

The board did not commit funding at the meeting but offered administrative support to formalize temporary access with dispatch and to connect the association with regional planning resources.

The association plans to provide a detailed cost estimate in the fall after obtaining engineer reports and construction estimates.