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State introduces fracking regulations, one year ahead of ban’s end

The Hogan administration has proposed rules that would prohibit the gas-drilling technique known as fracking within 2,000 feet of a private drinking water well, require steel casings around gas bores to a depth of 100 feet, and require energy companies to replace any water supply that is contaminated by the practice.

The Maryland Department of the Environment submitted the measures Monday to a legislative committee that reviews regulations, a year before a state ban on fracking ends.

The plan was unveiled five days ahead of the Oct. 1 deadline set by lawmakers for the rules to be formally adopted. Department of the Environment officials now expect the approval process to finish by the end of the year instead.

Secretary Ben Grumbles said the rules “will be the most stringent and protective environmental shale regulations in the country.”

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End of Summer Residential Real Estate Market Update – Sales Statistics

Good news to report! 2016 has been a banner year thus far as we end the summer season and officially transition into fall. The Garrett County real estate market was on fire to start the year – the best start in nearly 5 years. After compiling the sales statistics through 9/15/16, it looks like we maintained that momentum and it should carry us to an even better 4th quarter of 2016 and close out possibly the best year we have had since circa 2008.

Our average sales price is up 6% over the same period last year (1-1-16–>9-15-16). Plus, we are up overall in sales 17% over last year! There have been 48 additional homes that have sold thus far – thats almost 2 full months of sales in a normal year! The only slight negative is that the days on market rose slightly, by about one month extra of market time. Homes are selling for closer to asking price, as well.

I’ll let the statistics speak for themselves:

mris-graphic

Download 2015 Detailed Stats here.

Download 2016 Detailed Stats here.

Other key metrics that show a vastly improving real estate climate:

If you are interested in buying or selling real estate in Garrett County, give me a call to discuss your real estate situation!

jay_garrett8_may2016

ARC Funding Will Help Build Water Treatment Plant At Keyser’s Ridge Business Park

The Appalachian Regional Commission has approved a $500,000 grant to the Garrett County Commission for water infrastructure at Keyser’s Ridge Business Park.Commissioners requested funding to construct the plant and associated infrastructure that will serve the business park and surrounding community. The plant will be constructed on Puzzley Run.

The project will leverage private investment, create jobs, improve the local community and provide 14 businesses and 22 households with improved access to water infrastructure, officials said. Construction of the plant will lessen the burden being placed on the existing Grantsville water treatment plant, which is operating with a negative production capacity.

In addition to ARC funds, state sources will provide $800,000, bringing the total project funding to $1.3 million.

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NEW LISTING: 140 Highline Drive

Check out my new listing on Highline Drive!

Front row 5BR 5.5BA chalet in Highline, boasting HUGE views of Deep Creek Lake and surrounding mountains!

Walking distance to ski slopes!

This home is packed full of features you will love: multiple stone fireplaces & living areas, mud-room, gourmet kitchen, game room, screened porch, spacious decking & hot tub.

Must see!

This is a Taylor-Made rental- Mountain Rendezvous! For a 3-D tour and more, click here.
For more information, click here.

 

Project aims to relocate section of Route 219

GRANTSVILLE, Md. — A proposed stand-along project to relocate 1.4 miles of U.S. Route 219 between Interstate 68 and Old Salisbury Road could provide access to a proposed industrial park, according to the U.S. 219 Planning and Environment Linkages study.

The proposed industrial park, which would be located in the Chestnut Ridge Corridor, will be a mix of residential and industrial usage, according to Deborah Carpenter, director of the Garrett County Department of Planning and Land Management.

“The project will provide transportation improvements that are responsive to economic development,” said Barrett Kiedrowski, division chief of the project management division of the Maryland State Highway Administration. “It will look at community access, how it’s integrated into the existing area.”

The lower half of the proposed 340-acre park would be for residential use and would be accessed by U.S. Route 40, according to Carpenter. The upper half, which would be industrial, would be accessed by U.S. 219, she said. The proposed industrial park is part of the 1995 Garrett County Comprehensive Plan.

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Rest in Peace, Jane Avery

Jane Avery, a beloved local teacher, has passed away.

Avery is well known in the community and was the artistic director at Our Town Theatre in Oakland.  Avery was also a retired English teacher and was elected into the Garrett County Women’s Hall of Fame in 1998.

In a statement on Facebook, the remembered one of their own, saying Avery touched many lives.

“We are very sorry to inform you that our Artistic Director and founder Jane Avery died earlier today. We know she touched many lives. We encourage you to leave remembrances here on this page and at the theatre if you’d like to do so. We will post details of arrangements as they become available to us.”

For more information, click here.