Forward Sunapee Committees
Thank you for signing up for a committee! We are so excited to have so many townspeople interested in the initatives and willing to serve on the committees. We look forward to working with you as we craft Sunapee’s future together. All committee memberships were increased to 10 members plus the facilitator due to the overwhelming interest.
All committee’s are full.
If you are not on one of the ‘Sunapee Six Committees’, but want to be informed on what is happening with ‘Forward Sunapee’… notifications of the posting of minutes, community meetings, needs for certain expertise, etc.
You can also opt in to be contacted as a subcommittee member if a ‘Sunapee Six Committee’ is looking for specific areas of expertise or skill sets as they explore options. Click here to sign up as a subcommittee member.
We greatly appreciate ALL the community involvement. Your response to sign-ups and participation has been profound as we continue to move forward!
Your Forward Sunapee Board of Directors,
Overall Connectivity & Route 11 Design
Trail & Harbor Tree Improvements
Economic Development
Harbor Reconfiguration
Public Relations and Events
Learn About These Committees
Connectivity/Route 11/Signage Committee
Objectives - Identify and pursue opportunities to increase safety and connectivity for pedestrians, bikes and vehicles at and around the intersection of Route 11 and Main Street AND enhance signage throughout the Sunapee Harbor area
Short Term Goals and Activities - Short term goals and objectives include, but are not limited to:
● Work with Upper Valley Regional Planning Commission to conduct a ‘trial’ of actions to slow traffic along Route 11 during the summer of 2026 (in process)
● Execute traffic calming exercise (in process)
● Collect and manage feedback
● Share feedback with key stakeholders - particularly Town staff and Boards, local businesses and nonprofits (LSPA, SHA, SHS, Project Sunapee, etc)
● Develop and socialize sign design concepts for signage in and around Sunapee Harbor and coordinate across other Forward Sunapee Initiative committees
● Overall - Participate in 2-3 feedback sessions to provide input on sample design concepts
● Determine impact, if any, of Town brand consulting project
● Identify priorities for specific signs within the Harbor area
● Socialize priorities/plans with Town staff
● Design and install new Landmark signs at Route 11
● Review sign designs including locations with relevant Town staff and Boards
● Determine approvals and permits necessary for installation of new signs
● Obtain cost proposals (Note - funding to be provided by FSI for prepare, install and maintain (for 10-20 years) signs
● Coordinate timing and oversight of sign installation
● Develop MOU with respect to funding on Town owned property (including ongoing maintenance)
Sugar River Walk Committee
Objectives - Identify and implement recommended improvements to the current Riverwalk trail from Sunapee Harbor three to the information booth at Route 11 and potentially beyond along the Sugar River. Raise funds for comprehensive trail enhancements, vegetation and appreciation of this invaluable historic resource of Sunapee’s tourism and manufacturing economies. Execute on envisioned improvements and public access easements.
Short Term Goals and Activities - Short term goals and objectives include, but are not limited to:
● Design and implement landscaping and related improvements to the section of the Riverwalk between the Livery building and the Sunapee Insurance company building (subcommittee formed)
● Implement the landscaping and excavation plans for the Harbor House lot between the Livery building and Fentons Landing property
● Determine designs and install signage specific to the Riverwalk (subcommittee formed)
○ Refine Sign Design concepts and update document
○ Share/socialize updated design concepts with key stakeholder groups
○ Work with LSPA and Historical Society regarding educational and heritage market signage
○ Create detailed set of sign types and locations
○ Review designs and detailed plans with Town personnel for feedback
○ Obtain permits
○ Procure and install signs
○ Develop and implement MOU with Town for signs on Town owned land including financial arrangements
34/36 River Road Development Committee
Objectives -Develop strategies and actions to solicit community input & feedback and develop recommendations for development of the combined parcel of 34 and 36 River Road. Emphasis is expected to be on year round businesses, focus on businesses that attract and provide activities for children and families, enable collaboration and balanced growth with the idea of creating a social center in town to increase face to face interaction and build enhanced sense of community. (Note that this is likely a 2-3 year initiative with key goals for 2026 below)
Short Term Goals and Activities - Short term goals and objectives include, but are not limited to:
● Solicit input and feedback from key stakeholder groups to inform the types of ‘highest and best use’ scenarios for likely a multi-use, multi-tenant building and/or boutique hotel
● Document and share results and ‘takeaways’ from feedback activities
● Meet with real estate developers to explore alternatives and pros & cons of different styles and building types to accommodate objectives
● Document and share results and recommendations with key stakeholders -
● Determine and document timeline for relevant interactions and approvals with Town staff and Planning and/or Zoning Boards, LSPA, SHA, SHS, Project Sunapee and other stakeholders
Harbor Reconfiguration and Parking Committee
Objectives - Identify, investigate and research potential development and/or redevelopment in the harbor area to promote a more vibrant village community in a manner consistent with its heritage and identified character in the Plan NH Charette report including expansion of parking strategies and options.
Short Term Goals and Activities - Short term goals and objectives include, but are not limited to:
● Identify opportunities to increase green space open to the public near the water
● Consult with LSPA with respect to stormwater management elements to incorporate
● Evaluate alternatives to the parking and traffic flow in the core areas of the Harbor
● Consider plausible locations for a new stage
● Consider revenue model for boat ramp including charges for nonresidents of Sunapee
● Work with the Town to explore addition of public access boat slips in the Harbor
● Explore 2nd means of egress off Burkehaven Hill Rd
● Coordinate with other Forward Sunapee Initiative committees on areas of common focus such as signage, planning & zoning, permitting, etc
Events, PR & Communications Committee
Objectives - Create and conduct additional events and PR/Comms designed to draw local residents and visitors into Sunapee Harbor to support Harbor businesses with emphasis on families & children and on ‘shoulder season’ and off-season activity in the Harbor
Short Term Goals and Activities - Short term goals and objectives include, but are not limited to:
● Solicit community input on types of desirable events particularly for ‘shoulder season’ and off season
● Coordinate event planning & execution with other community groups – Project Sunapee, SHA, Recreation Department, Town staff, SHS, LSPA, etc
● Establish and execute ‘rolling’ 90 day PR & Comms plans with Communications Consultant (Strategic Social Media has been hired) including visitsunapeeharbor.com and related analysis of results
Fundraising Committee
Objectives - Develop and execute on fundraising strategy and plan designed to:
● Launch early-stage fundraising prior to IRS 501(c)(3) determination
● Build a broad and economically diverse donor base
● Secure leadership-level gifts and Donor Advised Fund (DAF) contributions
● Create transparent, purpose-driven funding channels
● Establish a durable, multi-year development engine