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The Hampton Beach Casino is poised for a significant redevelopment. In June, the Hampton Beach Village District commissioners unanimously endorsed a redevelopment proposal from majority owner Sal Lupoli, which includes plans for a new hotel, convention center, and concert venue, with an investment up to $600 million. Despite these plans, no official proposals have been submitted to the town's planning and building department yet.
Lupoli, alongside part-owner Freddie Schaake, aims to rejuvenate the outdated Casino building, originally constructed in 1899. The project would stretch from C to F Street, necessitating the removal of D Street. A state bill intended to expedite the street’s removal without a Town Meeting vote was defeated, meaning the issue will likely go to a town vote, at the March 2025 town election. Early designs presented to the Planning Board show a year-round destination with a 500-room hotel, an expanded ballroom, and a new parking garage. The project’s developers may push for a special Town Meeting if they wish to advance sooner.
Commissioners Chuck Rage, Maureen Buckley, and Bob Ladd have expressed support for the project, acknowledging the importance of revitalizing the Casino for the beach’s success and community integration. Their support is understandable; however, the Board of Selectmen, to date, has not endorsed this proposal, as its details have not officially been presented to the Town. Chuck Rage also sits as a Hampton selectman, some could argue that if he is taking a position as chairman of the Hampton Beach Village District, he should consider abstaining when the decision comes before the Selectmen. I see in this article Hampton Beach leaders back major Casino redevelopment: 'It needs to be revitalized' (yahoo.com); Rage is hoping that the Board present the warrant article at the next town meeting. My question is how the board could consider proposing ANY future warrant article, when the details of the article have yet to be presented to the town.
Concerns remain about the impact of construction on what is left of the natural resources at Hampton Beach and coordination with local taxpayers and perhaps events. The redevelopment is seen by many as a potentially transformative project for Hampton Beach.
From a Hampton taxpayer;
Are they crazy or what? And Chuck Rage should abstain and leave Hampton for good and his whole family - but anyways Hampton tax payers should get 1/2 of revenue; free repairs to all roads in Hampton ; separate trash pick up not Hamptons, meaning - a hired company - anyways should be for the beach; and a one way drive in and out that does not effect the traffic in Hampton; Repairs and environmental replacement; and no selectman is associated legally or money's earned from; this or All of the above and probably even more restrictions should be included with the above., if this monstrosity goes through.
Idea, had a long time ago living in…
Conflicts of interest at work I'm Hampton, NH.
I've been told that $600 million is an "ego" estimate.