George Eisner of Swampscott, MA passed away in November 2019 at the age of 93. The retired General Electric executive and building developer cherished summers at his lakefront cottage on Long Sands in Ossipee, so much so that he left in his will a $2 million bequest to the Town of Ossipee Conservation Commission for the specific purpose of purchasing conservation land.
Five years later the town of Ossipee has used funds granted by the George Eisner Trust – $250,000 to purchase Loon Island on Leavitt Bay. The purchase brings a close to a contentious year in which environmental organizations including GMCG were joined by hundreds of local residents and property owners in opposition to NH DES approval of a five-pier, 9-slip dock on the tiny undeveloped 0.9 acre island, well known and documented as a loon nesting area.
The saga culminated at a lively August 9th public hearing at Ossipee Town Hall convened and moderated by Executive Councilor Joe Kenney. Well over 100 people heard the property owner’s attorney defend their right to pursue their plans, and Deputy DES Commissioner Adam Crepeau explain the process that resulted in the permit approval. The vast majority of attendees were unsatisfied with what they heard, and several times Councilor Kenney had to call for order.
Following the hearing, private discussions commenced on the potential for a conservation outcome for the island. On Monday, October 28, Ossipee Town Selectmen Chair Jonathan Smith announced that the Town had closed on the property on October 23rd.
Questions remain about the future management plan (and enforcement of it) for this fragile island on a busy lake, but for now we give praise to the vision and generosity of Mr. George Eisner.
