By Nicholas Brown
Staff Writer

The man behind a plan to turn the property of U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice David Souter into a hotel is visiting Weare for the first time on Saturday, Aug. 20.

Logan Darrow Clements said he intends to meet privately with supporters of the Lost Liberty Hotel project.

He’s also scheduled a public meeting for 6 to 8 p.m. at the Elm Street Radisson Hotel in Manchester on Monday, Aug. 22. The meeting will feature an open question and answer session.

Clements’ plan was hatched following the Supreme Court’s decision in the widely publicized Kelo vs. New London case, regarding eminent domain. In that case, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that private property could be seized by eminent domain if it benefits a community economically.

Since the decision, Clements’ plan has gained supporters nationwide.

“This is just for people to get to know me, and get to know the project,” Clements said of his visit. “I have a lot of supporters in Weare.”

Clements said he’s even gotten support from a former town selectman, though the town’s current board members have publicly opposed the plan, which now includes turning the matter into a ballot initiative for the next election cycle.