Seven injured in Wisp Resort race
Posted: 03/17/2012
Last Updated: 6 hours and 11 minutes ago
MCHENRY, Md. – Seven people were injured in a sledding race at Wisp Resort in Garrett County on Saturday.
The accident happened during Wisp’s annual ‘Beachin Weekend’ during which the Cardboard Box Derby serves as a fundraiser for a blind skier program. The event which is open to adults and children involves racing a decorated cardboard box down Wisp’s tubing lanes. According to derby rules, the contestants’ “vehicles” must be constructed with cardboard boxes, tape and string.
A Wisp spokesperson said a derby participant called the “Dragon Wagon” was carrying fourteen people down a steep snow covered tubing lane. Halfway down, the box lost control and collided with metal pipes that support a snowmaking machine.
Read more: http://www.abc2news.com/dpp/news/state/accident-at-wisp-resort#ixzz1pa6M0HlK
Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
Park Service Superintendent Cancels State Park Walkway Canopy Project
Mar. 15, 2012
by Renée Shreve
The Western Garrett County State Park Volunteers learned last Friday that an initiative they have dreamed about, promoted, and raised money for since 2005 may never become a reality. Western Regional Park Service manager Cindy Ecker, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, explained during the group’s quarterly meeting at the Discovery Center Tuesday evening why the Deep Creek Lake State Park Forest Canopy Walkway (FCW) has been canceled.
Support the Republican Newspaper! It’s only $9.95/year for the online edition!
“It’s been a rough couple of days,” Ecker said. “I know that you all are very emotional about the Forest Canopy Walkway; you’re passionate about it; I’ve known that since I’ve taken this position.”
The DNR has modified the project several times since the volunteers proposed it, but its basic concept involves a boardwalk to allow public access to the upper parts of the park’s forest canopy – where flora and fauna can be viewed – and to provide an outdoor nature classroom. The 20-foot high wheel-chair accessible walkway would begin off the rear deck of the Discovery Center and loop around the park.
Included in the current design is an 80-foot observation tower. That structure is why Park Service superintendent Nita Settina has axed the entire project. Ecker explained that stricter Americans With Disabilities Act regulations regarding new projects constructed by state and local governments become mandatory on March 15. As a result, new Park Service projects and alterations must be fully and physically accessible.
“The requirements of the law to provide full accessibility to people with disabilities to all levels of the 80-foot Forest Canopy Walkway tower made the project impractical from a construction and maintenance standpoint,” Ecker said.
The DNR Engineering and Construction Division, the Maryland Attorney General’s Office, Maryland Department of Disabilities, and the U.S. Access Board recently reviewed the tower to see how it fared under the new law.
“Based on the new regulations and guidance from the U.S. Access Board, it is our opinion that you will have to include an elevator to the upper levels of the Forest Canopy Walkway observation tower to meet current regulations or only build as high as the planned accessible ramp and boardwalk,” Director Jordan Loran, DNR Engineering and Construction Division, informed Settina in a memorandum dated March 12.
Ecker told the volunteers, however, that the DNR feels it is not practical to build the tower with an external elevator. She added that providing a remote video station at the bottom of the tower with cameras at the top of the structure was not approved by a U.S. Access Board specialist. All observation levels of the tower would have to be physically accessible, Ecker said.
In addition, Settina will not approve a 20-foot high walkway without the tower, as the project would not fulfill its original mission of providing an observation component, Ecker indicated.
The estimate for the current draft design of the walkway and tower is about $989,000. An alternative, incomplete design concept is estimated at $289,000.
Approved by the DNR in the 2005-2006 time frame, the walkway was to be built and maintained by the volunteers. The group raised more than $100,000 prior to 2011, according to WGCSPV president John Pucciano.
“Much of that money (about $75,000) went toward design and engineering studies,” he wrote in an e-mail prior to Tuesday’s meeting. “In 2011, coinciding with the kickoff of the Decorated Bear fundraising event, Brookfield Energy donated $50,000 to the project, with a promise of $50,000 more. The Decorated Bear project netted just over $40,000. So, as you can see, the organization was well on its way to raising the money needed to build the project.”
More here.
Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
Buyers are returning to housing market
The number of foreclosures fell and home sales rose in February in Frederick County.
The drop in foreclosures, according to a local attorney, is due to willingness by mortgage companies to streamline the short sale and loan modification process as an alternative to foreclosure.
“The mortgage companies still take a loss on a short sale, but not as much as they would if they have to wait until the expensive and time-consuming foreclosure process is over, which takes about a year before they get the property back to market it,” said Patrick McLister of Salisbury and McLister.
“Some lenders are also accepting deeds in lieu of foreclosure from distressed homeowners to shorten the time it takes to resell the property.”
More here.
Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
Lake House Destroyed By Fire
Mar. 15, 2012
An accidental fire reportedly started by an electrical problem resulted in the total destruction of a house and contents along Deep Creek Drive, just north of the U.S. Rt. 219 Deep Creek Lake bridge, Saturday morning. Eric and Maria Jacoby, occupants of the single-family structure, escaped the blaze uninjured, but lost nearly all of their possessions. Two unexpected “spectators” at the fire can be seen in the large oak tree in the above photo submitted by Jennifer Wampler.
Support the Republican Newspaper! It’s only $9.95/year for the online edition!
The pair of black bears remained in the tree throughout the firefighting operation, and for most of the day, as work crews came in to restore damaged utility lines. Some close-ups of the bruins are included in today’s hard copy of The Republican.
More here.
Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
Garrett continues to review land use
Garrett continues to review land use
MCHENRY — The Garrett County commissioners will conduct the third administrative work session to review the draft land management ordinance April 10 at 10:30 a.m. in the commissioners meeting room in the courthouse.
John Nelson, director of the Department of Planning and Land Development, will facilitate the public session.
North Hill Road work to begin Monday
KITZMILLER — Work to begin replacement of the wash-out site on North Hill Road is scheduled to begin Monday, according to the Garrett County Roads Department.
The road will be closed during the construction phase, which should eliminate further erosion and damage to the road.
State Route 135 to state Route 38 will be the alternate route of travel. Questions can be directed to the Oakland Roads Garage at 301-334-9337.
More here.
Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
http://times-news.com/local/x2029127043/DNR-Forest-canopy-walkway-project-at-Discovery-Center-not-practical
Plan doesn’t meet accessibility needs for people with disabilities
Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News
SWANTON — The forest canopy walkway project at the Discovery Center located at Deep Creek Lake State Park was nixed because it does not meet the accessibility needs for individuals with disabilities, according to Nita Settina, superintendent of the Maryland Park Service.
“The Maryland Department of Natural Resource has concluded that it is not practical to build an observation tower of 70 to 80 feet in height with an external elevator,” said Settina, in an email to the Times-News.
It was determined by the DNR Engineering and Construction Division in consultation with the Attorney General’s Office, Maryland Department of Disabilities and the U.S. Access Board that the walkway is not in accordance with the 2010 Standard for Accessible Design, which became mandatory March 15, 2012, according to Settina.
Money already spent on the design and engineering studies for the walkway will not be returned, according to Settina.
“The department sought the guidance and advice of the Attorney General’s Office and determined that funds spent on the design and engineering studies for the walkway will not be returned as these expenses were directly in support of the walkway project and, therefore, are considered a legal and legitimate expense associated with the project for which the funds are raised,” said Settina.
The estimate for the original draft design for the project was $989,233, according to Settina. The Western Garrett County State Park Volunteer Group had raised and dedicated $72,705 in cash to the project.
Money that was not spent on the project will be returned, according to Settina.
Prior to 2011, more than $100,000 was raised for the project, according to John Pucciano, president of the volunteer group. In 2011, bears were decorated by local artists and auctioned off at the Discover the Bears Gala fundraiser, which netted more than $40,000. The money from the gala was raised to benefit all Deep Creek Lake State Park projects, according to Settina.
“The Maryland Department of Natural Resources recognizes and appreciates the tremendous volunteer and community support for the Forest Canopy Walkway project,” states a DNR news release. “We understand the disappointment that many feel regarding the decision to discontinue fundraising and development of this laudable project.”
The project and fundraising was suspended in June 2011 by the DNR due to concerns regarding the scale, expense, lack of funds raised to meet the target and the visual impact of the design on the natural landscape, according to Settina.
“An alternative design concept was discussed with the volunteers and a new independent cost estimate was developed of $288,605,” said Settina. “The revised cost estimate, however, was incomplete and was still under review by the Department’s Engineering and Construction Division as of March 2012.”
The DNR news release states that the mission and goals of the project were commendable and inspired.
“As a state agency, the department strives to support visionary ideas that move Maryland forward; however, we must also operate responsibly and within the confines of the law,” the release said.
The Maryland Park Service is willing to work with the volunteer group to develop a plan to support alternative projects at Deep Creek Lake State Park, according to Settina.
“There are numerous project needs to improve public recreation facilities or restore natural and cultural resources within the state park that would benefit from funding support,” said Settina.
Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com
More here.
Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
February 2012 Market Update - Residential Real Estate Sales
16 properties sold in February 2012. Sales were up considerably from February 2011 (9). In fact, this is the best February we’ve had in 5 years:
February 2012 – 16
February 2011 – 9
February 2010 – 6
February 2009 – 8
February 2008 – 18
Go figure – one of the worst winters on recent record and we have a great end-of-winter run. Perhaps we’re turning another corner? I blogged the other day about the 42 year high for the Housing Affordability Index – great info.
Let’s take a look at the rest of the stats:
There are 48 homes under contract right now (46 last month).
The average list vs. ORIGINAL sales price was 82.16% – (last month 78.69%).
The ADJUSTED list vs sale price was 89.82 (last month 86.67%).
The current # of active/for sale listings in MRIS (minus timeshares) is 575, up from last months 562. We have a 35.93 month supply of homes available (minus timeshares) based solely on the February sales numbers.
Random observations:
•1 ‘newer’ home sold in February (5 years old or less)
•It appears that 12 or so of these sales were vacation homes
•8 homes sold under $300,000 (last month was 17)
•12 homes sold under $400,000 (last month 19)
•0 homes sold over $ 1 million (1 last month)
•0 homes sold for higher than full price or at full price (last month was 1)
•One house sold for 58.06% of asking price – 4396 Kempton Rd
•The oldest home that sold was 112 yrs old (4396 Kempton Rd)
•The average age of the homes that sold was 27 years (26 last month)
•5 condo/townhouse properties sold (3 last month)
Here are the statistical breakdowns:
Average Sale Price: $278,250 (last month $333,937)
Average Days on Market: 199/227 (last month 250/264) (days on market with current broker/total days on market)
Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
Garrett park group to hear why forest canopy canceled
Volunteers well on way to raising funds for project
Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News
SWANTON — Members of the Western Garrett County State Park Volunteers will hear why the forest canopy walkway project at the Discovery Center has been nixed during their quarterly meeting today at Deep Creek Lake State Park.
John Pucciano, president of the volunteer group, said Maryland Park Service superintendent Nita Settina is responsible for the cancellation of the volunteer project.
“In the spring of 2011 when it looked likely that the organization would be successful in raising the necessary funds to build and maintain the structure, the current superintendent of the Park Service … began to erect roadblocks,” said Pucciano in an email to the Times-News. “Each (roadblock) was met with the expenditure of additional money to produce revised designs at DNR’s request.”
A representative of the Department of Natural Resources will attend today’s meeting at 6 p.m. to explain what happened to the project, Pucciano said.
The canopy walkway, which was spearheaded by the Western Garrett County State Park Volunteers, was approved by the DNR in a 2005-to-2006 timeframe, according to Pucciano.
“It was to be built and maintained by the volunteer organization,” said Pucciano.
Money for the project has come from various fundraisers. Prior to 2011, $100,000 was raised, with about $75,000 going toward design and engineering studies, according to Pucciano. In 2011, a decorated bear fundraising event netted more than $40,000 as well as a $50,000 donation from Brookfield Energy with a promise of $50,000 more.
“The organization was well on its way to raising the money needed to build the project,” said Pucciano. “Many people from Garrett and Allegany counties and those from the surrounding West Virginia and Pennsylvania areas as well as visitors from all over have donated money to the idea of a forest canopy walkway to be used as an outdoor nature classroom for school children.”
Bears for the 2011 fundraising event that were decorated by 20 local artists were adopted by local businesses and organizations and in November were auctioned off to permanent owners, according to a previous Times-News article.
The walkway would have allowed the public access to the upper parts of the forest canopy, according to the park volunteer website. The canopy is where many birds, butterflies, flowers and various other species would live and could be seen up close.
Attempts by the Times-News to contact Settina were unsuccessful.
Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com.
More here.
Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
Lakefront vacation rental home for sale!
22181 GARRETT HWY #H
MC HENRY, MD 21541
EVERYTHING you want in a Deep Creek Lake vacation home can be found ‘At Lake’s Edge’. Stunning lakefront views from virtually every room in the house. Picturesque waterfront, deep water & dock slip. Impressive rental history, nearly the highest you’ll find in this price range. Lakeside decks, hot tub, 6BR 5.5BA, well appointed & virtually turn-key. A rare combination of the best DCL has to offer!
Contact Jay Ferguson @ 301-501-0420 or DeepCreekLaker@Gmail.com for more information or to setup a private showing for this property.
Subdivision: LAKEWOOD VILLAGE
Bedroom(s): 6
Bathroom(s): 5 Full, 1 Half
Year Built: 1999
Levels: 3
Approx Finished Sq Ft: 3,204
Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
Deep Creek Lake, MD now has its second private residence club with the announcement of The Creekside Club.
March 12, 2012
by Residence Club Partners
The Smarter Way to Own a Vacation Home on Deep Creek Lake Scheduled to Open Spring 2012
Deep Creek Lake, MD – March 12, 2012 – (RealEstateRama) — The Creekside Club, a fractional private residence club, is coming soon to beautiful Deep Creek Lake in Garrett County, MD. This very popular four-season vacation area has been a destination for a generation of families from the Washington D.C. area, Northern Virginia and Pittsburgh looking for a retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city living.
Offering a smarter way to own a vacation home at Deep Creek Lake with fractional ownership, The Creekside Club is scheduled to open Spring 2012 but is taking reservations now for ownership. Only 36 ownerships will be available at The Creekside Club. Since 1986, the residence club ownership model has proven to be a smarter way to own a luxury vacation home without all the traditional hassles associated with second home ownership. Private residence clubs can be found in other luxury vacation destinations such as the Rocky Mountains, the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina and some tropical paradises as well.
The Creekside Club’s ownership model truly fits this new real estate market – by being the “smarter way to own” a lakefront vacation home. A luxuriously furnished four-bedroom villa, complete with private dock, starts at only $139,000 for a one-eighth deeded share, and allows you to use your lakefront home as much as you want based on availability. And if that is not enough, it comes with a brand new 24’ top-of-the line Bennington boat to cruise and play on the crystal clear waters of Deep Creek Lake, right outside your back door.
More here.
Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
