New Hampshire Business Men Propose Lakes Region Rest Stop

BEDFORD, NH - Two New Hampshire businessmen who built welcome centers in Hooksett are proposing a new full-service rest area in New Hampton. According to New Hampshire.com, Alex Ray and Rusty McLear are proposing the area called New Hampton Commons be located on the north side of Route 104 in New Hampton.

It would extend from just below the Exit 23 northbound onramp and stretch east to the current Irving gas station/Circle K convenience store, to which it would be linked by a connecting road.Ray, who is the founder of the Common Man Family of Restaurants, and McLear, who developed the Inn at Mill Falls in Meredith as well as several other hotels in the town, said the proposal, which they presented to the NHDOT along with Brad Pernaw on Monday, is still in its earliest stages.

During a telephone interview, Ray said the idea for New Hampton Commons is something he’s had in mind for several years. In 2015 he presented a conceptual plan to both the New Hampton Planning Board and Board of Selectmen, said Town Administrator Barbara Lucas, with both boards responding positively and eager to learn more details.At that time, however, Ray didn’t own the property that is crucial to his proposal — the historic Washington Mooney House, built circa 1796, that directly abuts the Exit 23 northbound onramp, and that until recently was owned by his longtime friends John and Nancy Conkling.

Initial plans for the project call for a visitor’s center containing food, concessions and restrooms; four stand-alone buildings, three for retail and one that would sell ice cream; a courtyard; and a parking lot for RVs and 100 cars.

To read the full story, visit New Hampshire.com.

Courtesy Photo / New Hampton Commons