Trooper 5 relocating to Garrett airport during peak demand periods

43 percent of helicopter’s July missions were in county

From Staff Reports Cumberland Times-News

CUMBERLAND — Maryland State Police medevac helicopter Trooper 5, based at the Greater Cumberland Regional Airport, will temporarily relocate to the Garrett County Airport “during hours of peak mission demand,” according to Maj. Mark Gibbons, commander of the Maryland State Police Aviation Command.

The state police helicopter will temporarily relocate to the Garrett County Airport near McHenry beginning today during specified times when there is a larger potential for service due to increased activities within the county. The “dynamic deployment” will continue throughout the fall season, according to Gibbons.

State police helicopter crews in Cumberland have already conducted coordinated training with Western Maryland EMS providers in anticipation of the temporary relocation to Garrett County.

In the month of July, 43 percent of the missions handled by Trooper 5 were from Garrett County.

Seasonal changes in population and trends for requests for service indicate that a temporary relocation of specific aircraft may provide a more efficient service.

Historically, the hours between noon and 9 p.m. have been the periods the helicopter has been dispatched to emergency calls in the Garrett County region. The dynamic deployment program has been used in other locations where information indicates a surge in activity when state police aviation service may benefit first-responders and citizens in that area.

“Since opening the Cumberland section in 1978, we have had great relationships with and cooperation from all fire, EMS and law enforcement personnel, as well as elected officials in Western Maryland in supporting our service,” said Gibbons.

“The Garrett County Airport provides a location and airport support that will greatly increase the effectiveness of our helicopter crews as they perform their lifesaving missions in that region during peak periods of service. Trooper 5 will continue to have prompt response to calls for service for the entire Western Maryland and Appalachian Highlands region.”

Lt. Walter Kerr, state police aviation command helicopter operations, said Trooper 5 will be situated in the Garrett County Airport’s flight line rather than a hangar at the airport.

“The airport is providing temporary office space and we will be utilizing thier computers and weather instruments just like other pilots that come into the airport. We will also have our own computers,” said Kerr.

The temporary relocation from Cumberland to Garrett County was about two weeks in the planning. “Sgt. (Donald) Lehman in the aviation section at Cumberland did an excellent job putting this together and allowing us to launch it in time for the Labor Day weekend,” said Kerr.

Capt. James Pyles, Western Troop commander, said, “The process of this dynamic deployment is data-driven to better serve the citizens of our great state and the surrounding area. The crews of Trooper 5 are to be commended for their proactive approach to increase access to life-saving resources and to provide their invaluable resource on our fight on crime.

“The Aviation Command consists of an excellent group of men and women with whom I am honored to work beside daily. They are committed to upholding the high standards of the department. Whether you live in Maryland, are visiting here, or are just traveling through, every member of the Aviation Command and the Maryland State Police are committed to serving and protecting you.”

The Maryland State Police Aviation Command is an essential component of the Statewide Trauma and Emergency Medical Services System. The MSPAC works closely with the members of all Maryland first-response organizations as part of the state’s world-renowned, integrated emergency medical services system.

More here.

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Garrett County Airport @ Deep Creek Lake Expansion Project Finalized

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Seven-Year Long Airport Expansion Project Finalized

Mar. 11, 2010

The Garrett County Airport Runaway Extension Project is officially completed now that all the paperwork has been finalized, airport manager Ed Kelley told the county commissioners on Tuesday.
His announcement was part of a General Services departmental update report presented by director Gary Mullich.

Because of funding issues, the $17.5 million project was conducted in two phases over seven years. Design work and land acquisition began in 2003. Ground was broken in late 2004, and, finally, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the expanded airport last year.

"Construction was completed in 2009, but we were still in the process of completing the paperwork," Kelley said. He noted that pro-cess took about eight months.

Mullich said the commissioners signed off on the airport layout plan about four weeks ago.

"That was the last piece of paperwork to go, which documents everything we've done for the last seven years," the director said.

The project resulted in the airport length being increased by 2,000 feet. Construction there included a new 50-foot parallel taxiway, 24 airplane T-hangars, terminal and equipment buildings, and water/sewer lines. A new trackless vehicle, an upgraded AWOS (automated weather observing system), a new card reader system, and new security system were also added.

Funding came from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), about 82 percent, or $14.4 million; Garrett County, about 14 percent, or $2.4 million; Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA), about 4 percent, or $691,000; and Federal Emergency Management Agency, about .002 percent, or $37,500.

Kelley said he compiled some before-construction and after-construction statistics, which indicate the expansion costs were a "very good investment" for the county.

In 2004, total sales at the airport amounted to $28,889, compared to $183,476 last year, according to Kelley.

"So, you can see the large jump in total sales," he told the commissioners.

The average number of flights per day also increased. In '04, there were 4.55 per day, compared to 7.85 last year when the expansion project was completed.

Kelley also noted there was a "large jump" in jet A fuel and avgas sales. In '04, there were 8,465 gallons sold for a total income of $22,628. Last year, 24,349 gallons were sold, garnering the county $96,078.

More hangars at the airport also means more income for the county. In '04, the county had only four hangars and received $3,760 in rent. Last year's income was $76,806.

Read the rest of the article here.

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Local airport officials talk FAA shutdown

Matthew Bieniek
Cumberland Times-News The Cumberland Times-News Tue Jul 26, 2011, 12:07 AM EDT

— CUMBERLAND  — The impact of the partial shutdown of the Federal Aviation Administration would likely impact two local airports very differently.

While issues at the Garrett County Airport are likely to be minimal, those at the Greater Cumberland Regional Airport could be significant.

“The Potomac Highlands Airport Authority is greatly concerned with the shutdown of the FAA as it will further delay our ability to receive grant funding for the ongoing land acquisition project. ... The PHAA currently has a grant application pending with the FAA that cannot be processed as a result of the shutdown,” said Cindy Pyles, the authority’s chairwoman.

Those grants’ funds would go to help pay back a grant from the Maryland Aviation Administration, Pyles said.

The shutdown could also set back the remainder of the land acquisition program, said Pyles. That portion of the program includes “parcels located to the north of the airport in Swan Pond,” said Pyles.

In 2010, the authority garnered $417,752 in federal funds to put toward property acquisitions and easements that are required to expand the airport’s runway protection zone. The purchase process has been slowed by negotiations with landowners and funding issues, according to Times-News reports.

At the smaller Garrett County Airport, the shutdown shouldn’t cause problems, said Ed Kelley, the airport manager.

“No, it won’t have any impact,” Kelley said. “It might take pilots a bit longer to file a flight plan,” he said. Kelley said he knew some larger airports would face more problems because of the shutdown. It might also slow down the grant approval process, he said.

U.S. Sens. Ben Cardin and Barbara Mikulski issued a joint statement Friday outlining their concerns about the FAA shutdown.

“Failure to pass an extension will shut down the FAA, affecting approximately 4,000 employees who monitor safety and develop air traffic systems for both civil and military aircraft,” said Cardin, a member of the Senate Budget and Finance committees. “This shutdown will be unprecedented and it will severely harm our economy and everyone who depends on a thriving aviation system. It also is a clear attack on federal employees who manage our nation’s aviation and could have serious safety implications for air travelers.”

The senators said the shutdown could cause economic havoc.

“Without an extension, up to 4,000 FAA employees in 35 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico will be furloughed without pay and will lose their health benefits after 30 days. ... Additionally, $49.9 million in funding for projects in DC/Maryland/Virginia combined would be delayed. Without an extension, approximately $200 million a week in airline taxes will not be deposited into the Airport and Airway Trust Fund,” the statement continued.

The shutdown does not affect air traffic controllers.

Contact Matthew Bieniek at mbieniek@times-news.com

More here.

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Hearing Held On Comp Plan Draft; Residents Oppose Lake Hill Project

courtesy Republican News


Aug. 28, 2008

The Garrett County commissioners and Planning Commission members held a public hearing last Thursday evening at Garrett College on the county's Comprehensive Plan draft. About 100 people attended the event, with 13 voicing their concerns about the document.
The county's current comprehensive plan is more than 10 years old. In June 2006, Planning Commission members, county staff, and a contracted consulting firm, ERM, started working on a new plan that would reflect new societal trends and government policies. Local residents and organizations have also provided input over the years.

"It's looking pretty good," Planning Commission chair Troy Ellington said Tuesday night about the latest draft. "Can it be improved? Yes, it can. But most of us are very happy with it, so far."

This text proposes goals, objectives, principles, and standards, and establishes county policy with respect to land use, transportation, community facilities, water resources, housing, mineral resources, sensitive areas, and economic development, and includes recommendations for implementing the plan.

Director John Nelson, Garrett County Department of Planning and Land Development, said state agencies reviewed the latest draft in April and returned their comments about it in June. Local residents and town officials in Garrett and other Maryland counties have also submitted opinions.

So far, ERM's Clive Graham has compiled 14 pages of comments about the proposed document.

"Most of the comments, I would say, were relatively minor," he said. "In many cases, the state agencies are asking for additional information, clarification, things like that."

Graham said "signifi-cant" comments, however, were made about some issues that will require more careful review by the commissioners and Planning Commission.

The Maryland Department of Planning recommended that the county lower its density requirement in rural areas to one unit per 20 acres.

"We were not surprised to see that comment," Graham said, adding that the department frequently makes that recommendation.

Numerous comments were also received about the water resources chapter, which is a new state requirement for comprehensive plans. Graham noted that Garrett County is the first to submit a water resources chapter, and, despite the many comments, the state is very pleased with that section of the plan.

Graham said several comments were also made about environmental issues, in particular the need for the county to include wetlands in its Sensitive Areas Ordinance, which was adopted in 1997. The edict does address steep slopes, stream buffers, rare and threatened species, and flood-prone areas, and development/permitting issues concerning those areas. Wetlands are not mentioned.

Most of the public comments at Thursday's hearing were about a proposed workforce housing project mentioned in Chapter 9 of the draft plan. It notes that "the White Face Farm property northeast of McHenry was acquired by the county and is intended as a joint economic development and housing site."

Although the housing component is in the very early planning stage, Community Action intends to construct several hundred homes for low- to middle-income workers on 50 acres of the White Face property near the Garrett County Airport. The housing development has been dubbed Lake Hill.

The proposed McHenry Business and Technology Park will also be built on the White Face land near the proposed community.

Del. Wendell Beitzel of Accident was one of six local residents who voiced their opposition to Lake Hill.

"I urge the Planning Commission and commissioners not to change the classification of all of the White Face Farm to permit high-density housing projects near the airport," Beitzel said.

The delegate noted that he and his 10 siblings grew up near the airport in the Bear Creek drainage basin, a rural community which consisted of 16 or 17 family farms at that time. Today, he said, there are still only about 50 or 60 homes in the entire basin.

Beitzel indicated that reclassifying that area to enable high-density housing to be constructed would change the character of the rural community, which is not the purpose of a comprehensive plan.

"What we're looking at is a change in this plan that would allow a project that is proposing to put in excess of 200 homes on the White Face Farm, which is county property, which is a buffer to the airport," Beitzel said. "And these 200 homes would be five times the number of families who live in that entire area, and if this doesn't change the character of a neighborhood, I don't know what does."

Chairperson Criss Kepple, Oakland, voiced the Garrett County Development Corporation's support for the reclassification. Her group is a nonprofit organization formed in the 1960s to further economic development.

One of the corporation's main goals is workforce housing and workforce development, Kepple noted.

"There is no question that in order to have a strong and viable workforce in the county, those folks have to have affordable places to live," she said.

Kepple said the proposed changes to the current comprehensive plan that expand the priority funding areas would allow the county to create affordable workforce housing for workforce ownership throughout the county, including Mc-Henry.

"With the costs of commuting and transportation, having affordable housing near where people actually work is going to be very important for the affordability of that workforce housing," Kepple said.

She added that the Lake Hill project is still in its infancy and details about it will emerge. Kepple also noted that there are misconceptions about the project and the type of housing that is planned.

"The goal of that project is to create housing that the workforce can, in fact, afford to own, not low-income housing," she said.

Some residents voiced their concerns about environmental issues in the comprehensive plan draft. Scott Johnson, Deep Creek Lake, said he hopes that Chapter 7: Sensitive Areas stays intact so that its integrity remains.

"It will take a lot of courage, but I hope that the commissioners will support that completely and not tear it apart," Johnson said.

The chapter discusses future growth/development and policies/actions for protecting sensitive areas, including establishing a "framework for regulatory control of ridgetop development through subdivision, sensitive area, and, possibly, zoning controls."

Long-time Deep Creek Lake property owner Barbara Beelar said she supported the proposed plan's section about the lake. But she said she was concerned about Section 12, "the action plan," in which the section about Deep Creek Lake disappears from the document.

"Given the role that the lake plays in Garrett County – economically, in recreation, tourism, environmental issues – I'm concerned that the "golden egg" is not well tended in this process," Beelar said.

She added that she understood that lack of attention, given the confusion as to who is responsible for the watershed. The Department of Natural Resources and state own the lake and buffer zones, but they do not own the watershed or own/control many of the streams that run into the lake, she said.

Beelar encouraged the Planning Commission to include these privately owned wetlands and other sensitive areas into the plan to help protect the lake from runoff and harmful excess plant growth.

She noted that she was in the process of forming a nonprofit protection group call the Friends of Deep Creek Lake and was developing a web site.

At the conclusion of the hearing, Nelson said the commissioners and Planning Commission would hold a work session on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 1:30 p.m. at the courthouse. The officials will review the public's and state's comments and make a decision as to which of those suggestions will be included in the final draft plan.

"Our consultant will adjust the plan according to the outcome of that Sept. 10 meeting," Nelson said.

The Planning Commission will then "take action" on the final draft at its October meeting, he said.

The draft plan is available for review in the county's Planning and Land Development office at the courthouse and online at garrettcounty.org by clicking on "Comprehensive Plan" under "News." Copies are also at the Accident, Grantsville, and Oakland libraries.


If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Long & Foster Real Estate for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

Flying over Deep Creek Lake

A good friend and client of mine, Rick, offered to take me up in his Cirrus sr20 yesterday at the Garrett County Airport (by the way, the renovations are GREAT). Rick has a vacation rental property (Cloud 10) here at the lake that he flies up to check on & make repairs. (Shameless plug: the house is awesome: indoor pool, views of the lake & ski slopes, full arcade, more).

We spent the morning looking at other homes for sale - he insists that the market conditions are ripe for some unbelievable deals (I agree) and plans on investing in several more rental properties in the coming years.

We took off from the airport around 12:45 or so and spent a half hour cruising the skies. His plane is impressive, it even has a parachute! As you can tell from some of the photos, I got to see the Lodestone golf course from the air (looks great), the Adventure Sports Center (ASCI) & the Wisp golf course (I had two of my good buddies playing at the time - didn't see them, though). It's really neat how it all pieces together. Another thing that was unique is seeing just how high these hills are - there is a considerable drop off in elevation when flying over Marsh Mountain and then seeing how far the lake is below. It gave me a better feel of the terrain, as well as the 'hidden' things you don't see from land. A few examples of this: a large, cleared out spot near Lodestone golf course, perhaps the cleared out spot for the future clubhouse or where they keep their sand, etc; a large pond/lake near Mosser Rd with some sort of rock wall in the middle of it (had NEVER seen that before); and lots of carved out spots in dense woods & forests for farms & crops. It's a great perspective of the terrain we are all familiar with.

Of course, I was able to get a good view of the windmills as we flew overhead. I'm starting to get used to seeing them on the horizon now, but it was interesting to see just how high they were in the sky when flying beside them. The southern part of the lake is pretty flat, save for these few ridges and a towering 'hill' at Thousand Acres. I remember seeing the golf course there, as well, but due to the flight path, I couldn't get a clear shot of it. I'm sure Bill Franklin has a photo or two...

Overall, it was a spectacular opportunity to see Deep Creek Lake from a bird's point of view. I'm sure someone offers flights over the county, I'll check into it and report back. Also, go up and check out the 'new' airport - it can accommodate private jets, which is really neat, and makes our area that much more accessible. It's also nice to see federal tax dollars at work in Garrett County. Thanks again to Rick for the flight! Check out his vacation house - Cloud 10.

Here are some photos and a link to the full gallery on Facebook.

If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350

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County Landfill, Airport Usage Down For 2009

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County Landfill, Airport Usage Down For 2009


Jan. 21, 2010

Garrett County landfill usage was down last year, General Services director Gary Mullich told the county commissioners during a departmental update report on Tuesday afternoon. The director also reported on airport usage and a possible location for the roads department office.
Mullich said the amount of construction waste being brought to the landfill was down 21 percent in 2009, compared to the previous year.



If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Long & Foster Real Estate for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

THE LAKE HILL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

Jul. 17, 2008
THE LAKE HILL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT project is being planned by Garrett County Community Action Committee to help low- and middle-income workers buy homes. Located near the proposed McHenry Business and Technology Park and the county airport, the development will feature a variety of housing types and prices on about 50 acres. Adjacent ball fields, trails, and picnic sites will preserved as "green spaces" for Lake Hill and other residents. The Garrett County commissioners recently transferred 50 acres of county-owned property known as the White Face Farm for the development project. This week, Community Action president Duane Yoder provided the architectural renderings pictured and discussed some of the details about the project.

Affordable workforce housing for low and moderate income people may soon be available at a proposed development called Lake Hill. Spearheaded by the Garrett County Community Action Committee, the community will be located near the proposed McHenry Business and Technology Park and the airport.
Community Action president Duane Yoder recently reviewed the Lake Hill development for the Garrett County commissioners, who approved the transfer of about 50 acres of the White Face Farm property for the project.
This week, Yoder provided more details about the project for the media, along with two architectural renderings of the proposed community.
Yoder called the commissioners' support for Lake Hill "a great demonstration of how teamwork can be used to create affordable workforce housing in the McHenry area, close to where jobs are located."
The president also noted that despite unemployment dropping in the county, the cost of housing has made it very difficult for young working families and even middle income persons to acquire a home in a market where the median home sales exceed affordability ratios of median household incomes by 10, when generally accepted rates are between two and three.
Yoder also pointed to the fact that existing employers seeking to expand or recruit workers for new businesses are increasingly expressing concern over housing affordability.
"Housing is a critical economic development issue" stated Jim Hinebaugh, director of the Garrett County Department of Economic Development.
He also noted that because of the importance of housing to employers, the Garrett County Development Corporation and the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce have both made housing a priority.
Community Action's proposal will utilize 40-50 acres and yield over 200 homes, according to Yoder. Approximately 170 additional acres will be placed in a permanent development ban as either a conservancy or a buffer around the airport. Additionally, softball and soccer fields adjacent to the development will be improved, and trail and picnic sites will be preserved as "green spaces."
Yoder describes the appearance of the Lake Hill development as "an attractive and pleasing small town."
"The uniqueness of this initiative is that it builds an attractive, sustainable community in an area rich with amenities," Yoder said. "At the same time it builds a trust fund that will enable sustained work throughout the county."
He added that the commissioners' land transfer action was a state model for "Smart Growth."
The Lake Hill plan calls for a mix of house types and prices, with the primary market being persons earning less than 150 percent of the area's household median income, which is currently $60,000.
Only persons earning less than 150 percent of the median income will be eligible for reduced home prices. Higher income buyers will pay the full appraised market value, Yoder said.
The county's land transfer, as agreed upon by the commissioners, will be made into a nonprofit land trust that will hold title to the property and provide land lease agreements to buyers.
"The cost of the land is removed from the price of the house, making the home more affordable to buyers," Yoder said.
Additionally, development income will go to the land trust to rehabilitate or develop housing in other parts of the county.
The Lake Hill project grew out of local efforts to find solutions to the problem of affordable workforce housing. The Development Corporation and Community Action led a three-year effort through a task force of more than 30 people to devise such a plan, Yoder said.
According to Development Corporation chair Criss Kepple, the core of that plan describes strategies on how the community can work together to build and maintain housing that is affordable to people who work in the county and for young residents getting careers started in the community.
"The plan specifically recommends that the county look for ways it can provide land and infrastructure to achieve that goal," Kepple said. "I believe Lake Hill provides an almost perfect site for a workforce housing community and clearly is consistent with the plan recommendation."
She pointed out that the McHenry area is a major employment center, where workers living in the new housing development will not have to travel far to work.
"There is access to public utilities, and the area is designated as a growth zone," Kepple added. "It also provides our workers who help make Deep Creek Lake a very attractive place to also enjoy its amenities while saving on energy and transportation."
Yoder said he expects it will take several years to obtain the necessary funding and approvals for the Lake Hill project. He added that he anticipates a number of realtors and builders will participate in the build out and marketing of the development.
"The McHenry Business and Technology Park is expected to eventually attract businesses with higher wages," Yoder add. "The Lake Hill housing development will not only support the county's efforts to build the employment center by creating attractive housing for these future jobs, but will also create housing for those already working in McHenry and at Garrett College as well."

Update on Public Works - Republican News

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Updates on McHenry, Ridgeview Valley, Airport & Wisp

"All construction work is complete, and the Ridgeview Valley and airport water storage tanks are online," she said.

The director noted that a 32,000-gallon steel water storage tank from the Gorman system is now being used by McHenry. Gorman has a new concrete tank and no longer needs the steel one. The Gorman tank was dismantled, rehabilitated utilizing one half of its storage space, placed next to McHenry's steel water storage tank, and put into service on June 1.

"With the addition of the second tank, a savings in electric costs will be realized due to a reduction in the pump cycles required to relay water to the 500,000 gallon tank on Wisp Mountain," Lindsey said.

She added that having the second tank will enable the original tank to be taken offline for a short period in order to address operational problems and to allow for repainting.

Read the whole article here.
If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350 Deep Creek Lake Info, Business Directories, Classified Ads, Events & more! Advertise on http://www.deepcreekalive.com/!

Lucky Pilot survives crash at Garrett Airport

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It was right at press time last Thursday that the pilot of this single-engine Piper Cherokee narrowly escaped disaster, as his plane left the runway at the Garrett County Airport and went over a small embankment. According to a report from the Maryland State Police, Nathan Wasser, 70, of Ridgeley, W.Va., was the pilot of the aircraft, which crashed at approximately 3:25 p.m. while landing. There were no passengers on board the plane, and Wasser walked away uninjured. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board were notified and conducted an investigation, but the cause of the accident has not been released. The aircraft was hauled away from the scene Tuesday morning. Photo by Lisa Broadwater.

If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350

Deep Creek Do It All specializes in cleaning services in Garrett County & @ Deep Creek Lake. Give them a call (301-501-0217) or visit the website - competitive rates and quality results from a locally owned & operated company!

NOT A TORNADO?

Feb. 14, 2008

NOT A TORNADO? Although no official determination was made or announced this week, photographic evidence of the weather events of Feb. 6 seem to indicate the possible touch-down of a tornado, or at least a "micro-burst," in Garrett County that evening. In this aerial photo of the Youghiogheny Mountain Resort (YMR) area, taken by Bob Browning, rows of large trees are shown clearly uprooted. Browning said from the air, it looked as if the powerful wind, or probable tornado, touched down at the northeast corner of the YMR, went across the Youghiogheny River, and over Oakland-Sang Run Road, and then touched down again near the Garrett County Airport, and again about three miles beyond the airport toward Grantsville. Browning took several photographs of severe damage to forestland throughout this area.

Garrett restructuring government

Action to save county about $125,000 per year
For the Cumberland Times-News
Cumberland Times-News The Cumberland Times-News Thu Jun 30, 2011, 10:46 PM EDT

OAKLAND — The Garrett County commissioners are reorganizing county government to assure that it will remain solvent while providing quality public services, according to County Administrator Monty Pagenhardt.

The Department of General Services personnel have been reassigned to other departments and offices within county government. The county will now have an Engineering Department to consolidate all engineering staff. County Engineer Dwight Emory has been named director of the new department.

The Department of Solid Waste and Recycling will operate independently with Dave Baker assigned as the manager. Edgar Uphold will be assigned to the Facilities and Maintenance Department as manager. All three supervisors will report to Pagenhardt. The county airport will now be under the authority of the Garrett County Roads Department. Ed Kelley will be retained as airport manager.

The Liquor Control Board will be placed under the authority of the Department of Planning and Land Development-Licensing and I-spection Division.

The commissioners continue to evaluate all areas of government to assure that the expenditure of public funds is appropriated in a manner that will provide public service in an affordable system, according to Pagenhardt.

“Over the past two fiscal years the county has reduced total employment by 20 employees,” Pagenhardt said in a news release. “The restructuring and realignment of services that will be put in place will result in an additional decrease of three positions and generate a cost savings of more than $125,000 per year. All 23 positions were the result of employee retirement or resignation. The total cost savings is approximately $1.4 million.”

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Upcoming Events @ Deep Creek Lake

Sep 2 - Sep 5 41st Annual Rudy's Labor Day Sale
Celebrate the official kickoff to the 2011 ski and board season at the 41st annual Rudy?s Labor Day Sale! The area?s largest ski & snowboard sale offering an extensive selection of wintersports equipment, apparel & accessories at discount warehouse prices.
Date: September 2, 2011
Website: http://www.rudysclothing.com
Location: Wisp Resort in the Main Lodge
Contact: 301-387-4640
EMail: info@rudysatwisp.com
Date/Time Details: Friday & Saturday 9am to 8pm
Sunday 9am to 6pm
Monday 9am to 4pm
Fees/Admission: None


Sep 2 - Sep 5 Wisp Outdoors Used Equipment Sale.

Date: September 2, 2011
Website: http://www.wispresort.com
EMail: info@wispresort.com


Sep 2 Little Yough Summer Music Festival
Concerts are free.....bring your lawn chair & enjoy the music. Food Vendors On Site 6:00pm - ?. Tonight - Remedy
Date: September 2, 2011
Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: MountainFresh Pavilion, Second & Alder Streets, Oakland
Contact: Lillian Steele (301) 616-9790
EMail: steelebeatrice@gmail.com
Date/Time Details: September 2, 2011 - 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Fees/Admission: Free



Sep 4 Dogsledding Presentation and Kennel Visit
Enjoy an educational and entertaining dogsledding presentation. Grill mushers; see equipment; hug Huskies; watch films. No reservations needed today.

Date: September 4, 2011
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Website: http://www.HuskyPowerDogsledding.com
Location: Husky Power Dogsledding at Mountain MD Kennels, LLC
Address: 2008 Bumble Bee Road, Accident, MD 21520 -- Three Miles from Wisp – near the Airport in McHenry
Contact: 301-746-7200
Date/Time Details: 10 am - noon
Fees/Admission: $20


Sep 4 Family LEGO SuGO Event
Come design, create, and build a LEGO robot that will push your opponent off the SuGO ring. All ages are welcome. The G-FORCE FTC team also demonstrates their robot. http://sugo.gearsinc.org/.

Date: September 4, 2011
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Website: http://sugo.gearsinc.org/
Location: GEARS Center in Accident


Sep 10 Art & Wine Festival
Benefiting the American Red Cross, the festival includes wine, regional artists, children’s area, silent auction, live music and lots more!
Date: September 10, 2011
Website: http://www.deepcreekwinefest.com
Location: Garrett County Fairgrounds


Sep 11 Dogsledding Presentation and Kennel Visit
Enjoy an educational and entertaining dogsledding presentation. Grill mushers; see equipment; hug gorgeous and friendly HUSKIES; watch an exciting film of them working/pulling (or see a real team run if it's cold enough) and learn a lot! No reservations required this day. It is a two hour program starting at 10 am. Price: $20 each.

Note: We offer this same tour (but by reservation only and with a minimum price) almost every day. Please see our website for more info: "Tours" page.

Date: September 11, 2011
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Website: http://www.HuskyPowerDogsledding.com
Location: Husky Power Dogsledding at Mountain MD Kennels, LLC
Address: 2008 Bumble Bee Road, Accident, MD 21520 -- Three Miles from Wisp – near the Airport in McHenry
Contact: 301-746-7200
Date/Time Details: 10 am - noon
Fees/Admission: $20



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!

877-563-5350 - toll free

Community Action Details Plans For McHenry Workforce Housing Project

courtesy the Republican News

Jul. 17, 2008

Affordable workforce housing for low and moderate income people may soon be available at a proposed development called Lake Hill. Spearheaded by the Garrett County Community Action Committee, the community will be located near the proposed McHenry Business and Technology Park and the airport.

Community Action president Duane Yoder recently reviewed the Lake Hill development for the Garrett County commissioners, who approved the transfer of about 50 acres of the White Face Farm property for the project.

This week, Yoder provided more details about the project for the media, along with two architectural renderings of the proposed community.

Yoder called the commissioners' support for Lake Hill "a great demonstration of how teamwork can be used to create affordable workforce housing in the McHenry area, close to where jobs are located."

The president also noted that despite unemployment dropping in the county, the cost of housing has made it very difficult for young working families and even middle income persons to acquire a home in a market where the median home sales exceed affordability ratios of median household incomes by 10, when generally accepted rates are between two and three.

Yoder also pointed to the fact that existing employers seeking to expand or recruit workers for new businesses are increasingly expressing concern over housing affordability.

"Housing is a critical economic development issue" stated Jim Hinebaugh, director of the Garrett County Department of Economic Development.

He also noted that because of the importance of housing to employers, the Garrett County Development Corporation and the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce have both made housing a priority.

Community Action's proposal will utilize 40-50 acres and yield over 200 homes, according to Yoder. Approximately 170 additional acres will be placed in a permanent development ban as either a conservancy or a buffer around the airport. Additionally, softball and soccer fields adjacent to the development will be improved, and trail and picnic sites will be preserved as "green spaces."

Yoder describes the appearance of the Lake Hill development as "an attractive and pleasing small town."

"The uniqueness of this initiative is that it builds an attractive, sustainable community in an area rich with amenities," Yoder said. "At the same time it builds a trust fund that will enable sustained work throughout the county."

He added that the commissioners' land transfer action was a state model for "Smart Growth."

The Lake Hill plan calls for a mix of house types and prices, with the primary market being persons earning less than 150 percent of the area's household median income, which is currently $60,000.

Only persons earning less than 150 percent of the median income will be eligible for reduced home prices. Higher income buyers will pay the full appraised market value, Yoder said.

The county's land transfer, as agreed upon by the commissioners, will be made into a nonprofit land trust that will hold title to the property and provide land lease agreements to buyers.

"The cost of the land is removed from the price of the house, making the home more affordable to buyers," Yoder said.

Additionally, development income will go to the land trust to rehabilitate or develop housing in other parts of the county.

The Lake Hill project grew out of local efforts to find solutions to the problem of affordable workforce housing. The Development Corporation and Community Action led a three-year effort through a task force of more than 30 people to devise such a plan, Yoder said.

According to Development Corporation chair Criss Kepple, the core of that plan describes strategies on how the community can work together to build and maintain housing that is affordable to people who work in the county and for young residents getting careers started in the community.

"The plan specifically recommends that the county look for ways it can provide land and infrastructure to achieve that goal," Kepple said. "I believe Lake Hill provides an almost perfect site for a workforce housing community and clearly is consistent with the plan recommendation."

She pointed out that the McHenry area is a major employment center, where workers living in the new housing development will not have to travel far to work.

"There is access to public utilities, and the area is designated as a growth zone," Kepple added. "It also provides our workers who help make Deep Creek Lake a very attractive place to also enjoy its amenities while saving on energy and transportation."

Yoder said he expects it will take several years to obtain the necessary funding and approvals for the Lake Hill project. He added that he anticipates a number of realtors and builders will participate in the build out and marketing of the development.

"The McHenry Business and Technology Park is expected to eventually attract businesses with higher wages," Yoder add. "The Lake Hill housing development will not only support the county's efforts to build the employment center by creating attractive housing for these future jobs, but will also create housing for those already working in McHenry and at Garrett College as well."


If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, call Jay Ferguson of Long & Foster Real Estate for all of your real estate needs! 877-563-5350

Photos of Downburst on Oakland Sang Run Rd

DSC00921, originally uploaded by deepcreeklocal.

Photo Gallery

After turning on WKHJ in the morning on Thursday, I heard that a tornado (it was later determined to be a 'downburst') had touched down on Oakland Sang Run Rd from the storms the night before. It's not every day that this happens in Garrett County, so I jumped in my car to see what had happened.

It brought back memories for me, as some friends of mine and I had searched for remnants of a tornado many years earlier. I think it was 1999 or 2000, but a tornado had touched down near the Garrett County airport (among other places) and we were driving up to check on my friends airplane. When we got to the entrance fo the airport, there were 3 or 4 huge trees down, blocking the road. We climbed over the trees and walked up to the runway. Had I not seen this, I never would have believed it:

As we walked up to runway, there was a Cessna chained down to the asphalt. In the middle of the wing, there was a twig - not a stick or a branch - but a twig that had been 'pushed' through 2 feet or so of the fiberglass wing on the airplane. It was quite a sight, and it was inconveniently before time were digital cameras were prevalent, so I have no photos. Anyway, seeing that I have credentials as a day-after 'tornado chaser', I was anxious to see what happened near the Wisp Ski Resort.

As you can see from the photos, whatever it was was powerful enough to break off these mature trees near mid-trunk. Thankfully, the damage was not extensive and there were no major injuries, but it doesn't really compare to the fallout from the tornado in 1999/2000.

Myers Inducted Into Chamber Hall Of Fame

Support the Republiucan Newspaper! It's only $9.95/year for the online edition!

Apr. 29, 2010

Karen Myers, president of Recreational Industries Inc., the firm which owns and operates Wisp Resort, and president of Mountaineer Log & Siding Company Inc., was one of three Marylanders formally inducted last night into the Maryland Chamber of Commerce's Maryland Business Hall of Fame. The ceremony was held at the Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport and attended by an estimated 500 of the state's top business leaders.
Myers is the first Western Maryland business leader to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, which now includes 32 members. The Hall of Fame was established to recognize entrepreneurs and business executives whose contributions have helped advance the quality of life for Marylanders and improve the state's business climate.

Myers, who represents the 10th generation of her family in Garrett County, is a member of a number of boards and organizations, including the Garrett Lakes Arts Festival, Garrett County Board of Realtors, Garrett County Development Corporation, and Garrett County Chamber of Commerce, on most of which she has served as a director and/or officer. She was twice named to the Daily Record's Maryland's Top 100 Women, and was selected Garrett County Woman of the year and Garrett County Employer of the Year. She is an active member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Oakland, and of the Garrett Community Concert Band.

"It is my high honor to accept this recognition on behalf of my partners at Wisp, Steve Richards and Gary Daum; the Wisp management team; and our 125 year-round employees and 700 seasonal employees," Myers said in her acceptance speech. "We're in the 'fun' business, and it is our goal to generate smiles on [the faces of] each of our customers. It is not a one-person show; it is a team…

Read the rest here.

If you are thinking of 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! 877-563-5350

Garrett officials approve changes to building code

County opts out of sprinkler requirement

Elaine Blaisdell Cumberland Times-News

OAKLAND — The Board of Garrett County Commissioners unanimously voted to enact the 2012 editions of the International Residential, International Building and International Energy Conservation codes, with all local amendments, to become effective Sept. 28.

The amendments include the deletion of the requirement for automatic sprinkler systems in one- and two-family dwellings and the stairway geometry requirements in the new code. The deletion of the stairway geometry requirement returns the code to the steeper stair requirements that were made prior to 2009, according to Commissioner Gregan Crawford, who made the motion to approve at Tuesday’s meeting.

Jim Torrington, chief of the Permits and Inspections Division, explained the stairway geometry dimension to the commissioners.

A public hearing on the codes was held Aug. 21 and the commission decided to leave the public record open for 10 days because some county builders just learned of the stairway amendment. Comments included six requests for the steeper stair geometry and two for the opt-out provision for the residential fire sprinklers, according to Torrington.

“What we are being told (by the building industry), is sometimes this geometry lends itself to being very tricky and complex, especially in smaller homes,” said commission chairman Jim Raley.

The readoption of the building code will allow the county to opt out of the sprinkler mandate until 2015, according to a news release. Earlier this year, Gov. Martin O’Malley signed legislation that mandated sprinklers in new residential housing. In late June, John Nelson, director, department of planning and land development, and Torrington learned that if the county adopted its building code ordinance before Oct. 1, it could opt out of the new sprinkler requirement.

Also during the meeting, the following was discussed or approved:

• Heard a departmental update from the County Board of Elections.

• Heard an organizational update from the Chamber of Commerce.

• Heard an agency update from Garrett County Action Committee.

• Approved a $62,652 bid award from Timbrook Ford in Keyser, W.Va., for a dump truck for the facilities and maintenance department.

• Approved a bid award to Environmental Resources Management for a water and sewage master plan to be completed in October 2013. The total project cost is $99,943 and currently the finance department is preparing a $100,000 budget amendment.

• Approved 19 acres of standing timber located at the airport as surplus property. The area needs to be clear-cut in order to be in compliance with state licensing standards.

Contact Elaine Blaisdell at eblaisdell@times-news.com.

More here.

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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!

877-563-5350 - toll free --- 

 

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Upcoming Events at Deep Creek Lake & Garrett County

Events for October 2011

Garrett County Chamber of Commerce
Oct 1 The Haunted Shack

Date: October 1, 2011
Website: http://www.wispresort.com EMail: info@wispresort.com


Oct 1 Fall Festival & Open House
Pumpkin carving, hay rides, dutch oven cooking, candle making, apple cider pressing & more! Friend's Store will be open with craft demonstrations.
Date: October 1, 2011
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Friend's Store
Contact: 301.387.7067
Date/Time Details: 10 am - 4 pm


Oct 1 GFWC Civic Club of Oakland Centennial Celebration
The GFWC The Civic Club of Oakland, Inc. is celebrating its 100th Anniversary. More details will follow as the planning for this event is just beginning.
Date: October 1, 2011
Time: 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Location: TBD
Contact: Barbara Frantz, President
EMail: barbarafrantz@verizon.net
Date/Time Details: October 1, 2011/6 PM
Fees/Admission: TBD


Oct 2 SuGO Sunday. Family LEGO Robotics
Design & build a LEGO Sumo Robot to push your opponents off the competition ring. Rookies welcome.
Date: October 2, 2011
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Website: http://www.SuGObot.com Location: 116 Industrial Park Dr., Accident, MD
Contact: 301.387.2331
Date/Time Details: 1 pm - 4:30 pm
Fees/Admission: $10 per team


Oct 4 Tuesday $3.50 Movie of the Week Special
Bring the entire family to Garrett 8 Cinemas for our select movie of the week for only $3.50. Movie showtime listings are available online at www.garrett8cinema.com or 301.387.2500.
Date: October 4, 2011
Website: http://www.garrett8cinema.com Location: Garrett 8 Cinemas

Contact: 301.387.2500
Date/Time Details: All Day
Fees/Admission: $3.50 per person


Oct 7 Day of Caring/Sharing
United Way of Garrett County will have volunteers working at various locations in the county. Free to participate. Free t-shirts, breakfasts and lunch for participants.
Date: October 7, 2011
Location: Oakland Fire Hall
Contact: 877.597.2700
Date/Time Details: 8 am - noon


Oct 7 - Oct 9 The Haunted Shack
Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday night.
Date: October 7, 2011
Website: http://www.wispresort.com EMail: info@wispresort.com


Oct 7 Relay For Life Interest Rally
Residents of Garrett County—we need your help! We want to make the 2012 Relay For Life of Garrett County the best one yet, but we need committee members and teams to make that happen! Come learn about all the exciting ways to get involved in your Relay For Life event. All are welcome!

Date: October 7, 2011
Time: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Website: http://www.cancer.org Location: Grantsville, MD - Ruth Enlow Library
Contact: Brittany Friend
EMail: brittany.friend@cancer.org
Date/Time Details: October 7th / 3:30-5:00 PM
Fees/Admission: None


Oct 8 Geocaching 101
The Maryland Geocaching Society will be presenting an introductory course for those interested in geocaching. The class is free of charge and a limited supply of GPS units will be available for loan during the class.
Date: October 8, 2011
Location: New Germany Lake House
Contact: 301.895.5453
EMail: park-new-germany@dnr.state.md.us
Date/Time Details: 9 am


Oct 11 Relay For Life Interest Rally
Residents of Garrett County—we need your help! We want to make the 2012 Relay For Life of Garrett County the best one yet, but we need committee members and teams to make that happen! Come learn about all the exciting ways to get involved in your Relay For Life event. All are welcome!

Date: October 11, 2011
Time: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Website: http://www.cancer.org Location: Kitzmiller, MD - Town Hall
Contact: Brittany Friend
EMail: brittany.friend@cancer.org
Date/Time Details: October 11th / 3:30-5:00
Fees/Admission: None


Oct 12 - Oct 16 44th annual Autumn Glory Festival
Listed the #1 Fall Festival in the world by msn.com, this five-day celebration with beautiful fall foliage, parades, craft shows, live entertainment, car show and pumpkin festival. Additional information about specific events will be added as they are confirmed. Call 301.387.4386.
Date: October 12, 2011
Location: Garrett County, Maryland
Contact: 301.387.4386


Oct 12 Dogsledding Presentation and Kennel Visit
Enjoy an educational and entertaining dogsledding presentation. Grill mushers; see equipment; hug gorgeous and friendly HUSKIES; watch an exciting film of them working/pulling (or see a real team run if it's cold enough) and learn a lot! No reservations required this day. It is a two hour program starting at 10 am. Price: $20 each.

Note: We offer this same tour (but by reservation only and with a minimum price) almost every day. Please see our website for more info: "Tours" page.

Date: October 12, 2011
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Website: http://www.HuskyPowerDogsledding.com Location: Husky Power Dogsledding at Mountain MD Kennels, LLC
Address: 2008 Bumble Bee Road, Accident, MD 21520 -- Three Miles from Wisp – near the Airport in McHenry
Contact: 301-746-7200
Date/Time Details: 10 am - noon
Fees/Admission: $20


Oct 12 Relay For Life Interest Rally
Residents of Garrett County—we need your help! We want to make the 2012 Relay For Life of Garrett County the best one yet, but we need committee members and teams to make that happen! Come learn about all the exciting ways to get involved in your Relay For Life event. All are welcome!


Date: October 12, 2011
Time: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Website: http://www.cancer.org Location: Garrett College - Continuing Education Building, Room 203
Contact: Brittany Friend
EMail: Brittany.Friend@cancer.org
Date/Time Details: October 12th / 3:30-5:00 PM
Fees/Admission: None


Oct 12 Autumn Glory Festival Kick-Off Dinner
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce invites you to kick off the 44th Annual Autumn Glory Festival at the Lodge at Wisp Resort. The Dinner is sponsored by Clear Mountain Bank. Music will be provided by The Remedy and is sponsored by Wisp Resort.
Date: October 12, 2011
Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: The Lodge at Wisp Resort
McHenry, MD
Contact: Charlotte Sebold 301-387-6171 Fax 301-387-2080
EMail: charlotte@garrettchamber.com
Date/Time Details: 6:00 pm Social Hour
7:00 pm Dinner
8:00 pm Program
8:30 pm Music
Fees/Admission: Tickets ($195 per couple)
Tickets ($100 per individual)
Corporate Table Seating 8 ($750)


Oct 12 Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra "Ballroom With A Twist"
Be dazzled as an astonishing line-up of stars from American Idol, Dancing With The Stars, So You Think You Can Dance and High School Musical joins Marvin Hamlisch and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in "Ballroom With a Twist". Call the Garrett Lakes Arts Festival for tickets ($35 each) and details about carpooling from Garrett College
Date: October 12, 2011
Time: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Website: http://www.artsandentertainment.org
Location: Morgantown, WVU Creative Arts Center
Contact: Garrett Lakes Arts Council 301.387.3082
EMail: glaf@artsandentertainment.org
Date/Time Details: October 12, 2011 7:30 PM
Fees/Admission: $35.00


Oct 13 Relay For Life Interest Rally
Residents of Garrett County—we need your help! We want to make the 2012 Relay For Life of Garrett County the best one yet, but we need committee members and teams to make that happen! Come learn about all the exciting ways to get involved in your Relay For Life event. All are welcome!

Date: October 13, 2011
Time: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Website: http://www.cancer.org Location: Oakland, MD - Ruth Enlow Library
Contact: Brittany Friend
EMail: brittany.friend@cancer.org
Date/Time Details: October 13th / 3:30-5:00 PM
Fees/Admission: None


Oct 14 - Oct 15 The Haunted Shack
Open Friday, Saturday night.
Date: October 14, 2011
Website: http://www.wispresort.com EMail: info@wispresort.com


Oct 15 - Oct 16 Autumn Glory Craft & Gift Sale
We have a new and expanded location for this year's Autumn Glory Craft & Gift Sale presented by Susquehanna Bank. The show will be located in the New Exhibit Hall at the Garrett County Fairgrounds on Route 219 (Garrett Highway) in McHenry, MD. This year's Craft and Gift Sale will be October 15-16, 2011. The new location allows more space for crafters, all exhititors will be in the centralized location and we will have plenty of parking spaces for our shoppers. We will have a wide variety of crafts and gifts including woodworking, candles, painted decor, jewelry, specialty foods and much more. Hours are 10 AM - 6 PM on Saturday and 10 AM - 4 PM on Sunday. You will love our new show and our new location.
Refreshment sales benefit Hospice of Garrett County.
Free admission.

Date: October 15, 2011
Location: New Exhibit Hall
Garrett County Fairgrounds
Route 219, Garrett Highway
McHenry, MD 21541

Contact: Charlotte Sebold 301 387-6171
EMail: charlotte@garrettchamber.com
Date/Time Details: Saturday, October 15, 2011 10 AM - 6 PM
Sunday, October 16, 2011 10 AM - 4 PM
Fees/Admission: Free Admission


Oct 16 Great Pumpkin Festival
Pumpkin, Hooligan races plus Kayak and Raft races. Benefits the Dove Center.
Date: October 16, 2011
Website: http://www.adventuresportscenter.com Location: Adventure Sports Center International


Oct 16 Dogsledding Presentation and Kennel Visit! (2)
Enjoy an educational and entertaining dogsledding presentation. Grill mushers, see equipment, hug gorgeous and friendly HUSKIES, watch an exciting film of them pulling (or the actual team running when it's cold enough) and learn alot! No reservations required this day. It is a two hour program, starting at 10:00am. We offer this same tour (but by reservation and minimum price) almost every day. Please see our website for more info. $20/person.
Date: October 16, 2011
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Website: http://www.HuskyPowerDogsledding.com Location: HUSKY POWER DOGSLEDDING's home kennel

2008 Bumble Bee Road

Accident, MD 21520

ONLY FIVE MINUTES FROM THE WISP, near the GC Airport
Contact: Linda or Mike Herdering
EMail: Linda@HuskyPowerDogsledding.com
Date/Time Details: Wednesday Oct. 12, 2011

10:00 am to noon
Fees/Admission: $20 per person


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!

877-563-5350 - toll free

GC Community Action Requests Land For Workforce Housing Development

Jul. 3, 2008
Community Action Committee president Duane Yoder asked the county commissioners last week to transfer county-owned land to his agency for a workforce/affordable housing project.

The initiative is being planned in conjunction with the proposed McHenry Business and Technology Park, slated for the county's White Face Farm property near the airport. Yoder noted that the housing site would be a prime location for business park employees to live.

"We are asking for a contribution of approximately 50 acres," he said. "This is based on discussions with Economic Development (Garrett County) in terms of how much land they will need for the business park."

The original housing project has been scaled back because of the needs of the park and Federal Aviation Administration, Yoder said.

Community Action's vice president for development, Cherie Ross, presented the commissioners with a preliminary rendering of the site plan created by architect Doug Devlin.

Between 250 and 300 units would be constructed for people of various income levels. The actual number of units, however, would depend on the county's planned residential development stipulations (PRD) and the amount of "green spaces" that can be incorporated into the project.

"We're looking at and exploring various housing types," Devlin said. "We think modular is going to be a major player in terms of being able to provide affordable housing."

The units would be a mix of single-family and multi-family homes, duplexes, and, perhaps, "miniature" cottages, ranging from 450 to 1,000 square feet. Some of the residents would own their homes, while others would be renters.

The idea is to create a place with a traditional, neighborhood or village-type of feel. Devlin said, however, that a market study was needed to calibrate the best mix of housing types for the project.

Yoder also noted that the study was needed to see where the business park employees would fit into the housing arrangement.

The president added that one of the main features of the housing project is a parcel on the west side of the proposed site. That area is too steep to be developed, he said.

"We would ask that [parcel] also be added to the contribution by the county for the purpose of allowing us to use it to meet the PRD formula and requirements," Yoder said.

But ultimately, he said, the parcel would be put into some type of conservation district and never developed.

"Although, we would use it for recreational purposes, trails, and so on," Yoder said.

Other nearby green spaces that could be used in conjunction with the housing project are two ball fields that were established through Program Open Space. The POS sites, undeveloped parcel, business park, and other places in McHenry could all be connected with public walking trails, Devlin noted.

Yoder said the primarily targets for the homes would be the workforce and for-sale housing markets. Some of those dwellings would be sold/rented through a subsidy program, while others would be available at the market rate.

"Without those subsides, I don't think we can do it," he said about providing affordable housing for local workers. "With them, I think we can."

Under the subsidy program, homeowners and renters would have to meet certain income guidelines.

"I think we all agree that we want to promote home ownership, and, ideally, we'd like to do that through the market," said Director Jim Hinebaugh, Economic Development.

But, he noted, while local wages have increased somewhat in recent years, they have not kept up with inflation and increased housing costs. As a result, many cannot afford a home at market prices.

"I think Duane's proposal is one way to get there," Hinebaugh said about helping workers obtain affordable housing.

Yoder presented the commissioners with a workforce housing proposal, outlining ways to assure that the subsides go to the target population and that they are not misused. The proposal includes creating a land trust to provide sustainable affordable housing for the future and provisions for home sales.

If a home is sold under an appraised market, Yoder explained, a certain percentage of the appreciated value would go toward the land trust, based on the number of years of ownership.

He also told the commissioners that Community Action wants to encourage developers to be a part of the housing project. Yoder indicated that his agency did not have the time that is necessary to finish the initiative in short period of time. To speed up the project, developers could buy three or four lots and construct the homes following Community Action guidelines.

Yoder noted that Economic Development needed to know the basic boundary lines of the housing project so that it could move forward with the business park.

The commissioners discussed the issue further this week and approved the transfer of about 50 acres to Community Action for its project.

"The county is also considering transferring an additional 50-70 acres of property that has less/little development potential into a conservation easement," Hinebaugh said yesterday. "This would potentially increase the density and number of residential units in the Community Action residential development."

County administrator Monty Pagenhardt noted yesterday that the county will now benefit from real property tax revenue on the developed land that it most likely would not have received had the transfer not been approved.