NAR Housing Affordability Index hits 42-year high in January
Index based on home price, income, mortgage interest rate data
By Inman News
Inman News®
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The National Association of REALTORS®’ (NAR) Housing Affordability Index reached a record high this January, at 206.1. January 2012 is the first month since the index’s inception in 1970 that the index has hit or passed 200, the group announced this week.
The index, calculated monthly by NAR, is built from the relationship among three data points: median home price, median family income, and average mortgage interest rate. The higher the index score, the greater the affordability.
The index aims to measure the affordability of a median-priced, existing single-family home by a median-income-earning family. An index of 100 represents a family’s ability to exactly afford such a home, with a 20 percent down payment and mortgage payments at 25 percent of the family’s gross income.
Late 2011 saw a steady monthly rise in the index from June’s 172.4, the 2011 low, to 197.9 in December 2011. The index has risen from 169.4 in 2009 to 174 in 2010, and to 184.5 in 2011.
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Local Residents Testify
Mar. 8, 2012
Garrett County residents were among those who testified this week in Annapolis before the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee of the Maryland Senate. At issue were 20 different bills that have to do with the drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus shale layer in western Maryland.
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Among those who testified were members of the local advocacy group CitizenShale, business owners, and private citizens. Pictured at the table above, from left, are CitizenShale members Eric Robison of Garrett County, Jacquelyn Sams of Allegany County, and Nadine Grabania and Paul Roberts, both of Garrett County. The various pieces of legislation cover issues of property leasing, potential damages, disclosure issues, and taxation of drilling companies.
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Access Currently Restricted To Casselman Bridge
Mar. 8, 2012
The Maryland Park Service (MPS) has restricted access on and around the Casselman River Bridge in Grantsville until further notice because of safety concerns related to the failure of a portion of one wall. MPS installed fencing and signs to prevent public access to the bridge and the surrounding area.
“The closure is a precautionary measure in response to structural deterioration along the west wall of the bridge,” said Jordan Loran, director of the Engineering and Construction Unit of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). “While the structure appears to be relatively stable at this time, there is some danger that stones may continue to fall.”
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Engineers conducted a thorough inspection of the bridge last week and determined that the damage is repairable. MPS remains committed to preserving and protecting this historic landmark and will begin the necessary repairs as soon as possible.
The Casselman River Bridge is one of the oldest surviving bridges in the country. The 80-foot stone-arch bridge was originally built in 1813 as part of the old National Road. At the time of its construction, the Cassleman River Bridge was the longest single-span bridge in the United States. The bridge served as an important transportation link until 1933, when a new steel bridge was built nearby. The bridge was closed to vehicles in 1953, and the area became established as a state park in 1957.
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Commissioners Sign North South Hwy. Resolution
Mar. 8, 2012
The Garrett County commissioners signed a resolution on Tuesday pledging to work in partnership with the North South Appalachian Highway Coalition to advocate for the North South Appalachian Highway. Local resident David Moe, a member of the coalition, requested the resolution.
Garrett County’s portion of the multi-state project involves the reconstruction/relocation of U.S. Rt. 219 from I-68 to the Pennsylvania state line (2.54 miles).
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“We’ve designated it as our No. 1 state highway project,” Commission chair Jim Raley noted.
The previous Board of Garrett County Commissioners’ No.1 priority was the Rt. 219 Oakland bypass.
The coalition’s mission is to advance the project, ensuring its completion as the connection transportation corridor from I-68 in Maryland to the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Corridor H in West Virginia. Lack of funding has stalled the project for several years. The coalition is calling upon the U.S. Congress to support the completion of the project with continued funding.
The commissioners’ resolution notes that the highway is a critical infrastructure project intended to increase mobility and regional economic development throughout the Appalachian regions of Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
“The lack of progress on the highway has seriously hindered the region’s growth,” the resolution states. “U.S. Route 220 South from I-68 to Corridor H and U.S. Route 219 North from I-68 to I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike would provide the greatest potential for benefiting our Appalachian region and rejuvenating the economy with commercial activity. Improvements in the north-south travel would serve to link the area’s two most east-west transportation facilities, I-68 and Corridor H.”
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FireFly Farms Receives Blue Ribbon Small Business Award from U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Accident, MD (PRWEB) March 11, 2012
FireFly Farms (http://www.fireflyfarms.com), producer of artisan goat cheeses from Maryland’s Allegheny Plateau, received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Blue Ribbon Small Business Award. Seventy-five companies across the country were named winners on March 1, 2012.
“These award winners embody the spirit of American free enterprise,” said Tom Donohue, U.S. Chamber president and CEO. “More important than profits, their successes have provided much-needed jobs and hope to the people in their communities.”
The awards program, sponsored by Sam’s Club®, honors companies that demonstrate excellent business practices in several areas, including strategy, employee development, community involvement, and customer service.
“FireFly Farm’s success is directly due to the talents and diversity of its staff and its local farming partners,” commented Mike Koch, FireFly Farms president and co-founder. “We are so very honored to be recognized by our community and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce through this award. All of us are committed to strengthening our local economy, sustainable agriculture, and the local food movement – especially local artisan goat cheeses!”
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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!
Elections Board In "Good Shape" For April Primary
Mar. 8, 2012
The Garrett County Board of Elections is gearing up for Maryland’s primary election on Tuesday, April 3, director Steve Fratz indicated during an update report to the county commissioners on Tuesday. Commission chair Jim Raley and Fratz also briefly discussed code home rule.
“We have currently 106 judges who perform election duties on election day,” Fratz said. “We have all of them trained and assigned. So for the primary and general election cycle, we’re in good shape.”
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He added that logic and accuracy testing for the board’s voting units will begin on Monday, March 12.
He noted the last day to register to vote before the primary election is Tuesday, March 13, at 9 p.m. Registration forms are available in all local libraries, post offices, the county courthouse, and online at the Maryland State Board of Elections web site: elections.state.md.us.
The last day to apply for an absentee ballot is Tuesday, March 27, at 8 p.m.
Early voting for the primary is Saturday, March 24, through Thursday, March 29. Garrett County voters may cast their ballots at the Oakland Community Center on Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Sunday from noon until 6 p.m.
On primary election day, the county’s 19 polling sites will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Fratz said the Board of Elections would canvass the primary absentee ballots on Thursday, April 5, beginning at 10 a.m. at its office in Mountain Lake Park.
“Of course, that’s open to the public,” he noted about the canvass.
The board will canvass provisional ballots on Wednesday, April 11, at 10 a.m. It will then canvass the final absentee ballots and certify the election on Friday, April 13.
“Voter registration opens back up on Monday, April 16,” Fratz noted.
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Commissioners Approve Additional Funding For Deep Creek Lake Study
Mar. 8, 2012
The Board of Garrett County Commissioners met in an emergency administrative session on Monday to review additional funding for Phase II of the Deep Creek Lake Sediment Study. By a vote of two to one, the commissioners approved allocating another $40,000 toward the Maryland Department of Natural Resources project.
Last year, the commissioners committed $65,000 from the county budget rollover to help fund the study, which will be conducted by the DNR at a total cost of $180,000. The DNR and such private entities as the Deep Creek Lake Property Owners Association have pledged $75,000 toward the study.
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The DNR recently informed the county that there is a $40,000 deficit in the total funding required to complete all components of the study and that the commissioners needed to decided immediately if they wanted to contribute more.
After a long deliberation at Monday’s emergency session, the Board of Garrett County Commissioners, on a motion by chairman Jim Raley which was seconded and carried by Commissioner Bob Gatto, approved the additional funding of $40,000. Commissioner Gregan Crawford voted against the motion.
Crawford issued a statement Tuesday morning, outlining his reasons for voting against the proposal. He noted that the commissioners unanimously committed the original $65,000 because of the economic value of Deep Creek Lake to Garrett County.
“This action was taken in order to partner with the state and private entities to cover the cost of $180,000, even though Deep Creek Lake is solely owned by the state of Maryland,” Crawford said.
He noted that a total allocation of $105,000 from Garrett County would make it, not the state, the majority funder of the study.
“Before raising our commitment to become the majority funder of the study, I believe that more time is needed in order to address concerns that have been raised about the objectives, the goals, and the scope of the study, as well to consider what lasting expectations and implications may be created by the study,” Crawford said. “We need to be sure that the study adequately addresses our concerns and the concerns of the stakeholders of Deep Creek Lake. As a board member, I believe that we should not be committing ourselves, at this point, to pay the majority share when there are still some vagaries that exist in the proposal presented by the DNR. With some additional time and consultations, these details can be flushed out. It is imprudent for the board of commissioners to sign off on the Phase II Sediment Study and then attempt to fill in the details.”
Raley said he would hold a follow-up meeting on the issue with Bruce Michael, DNR’s Resource Assessment Service director, in Annapolis on Thursday to discuss concerns that constituents have about the study.
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Grown-Ups Welcome in Wisp's Cardboard Box Derby
By Jocelyn Rubin
| Wednesday, Mar 7, 2012 | Updated 3:16 PM EST
Who ever said that box car derbies were just for kids? Indulge in your childhood fantasy at the annual Cardboard Box Derby at Wisp Resort (296 Marsh Hill Road, Deep Creek Lake, Md.), which is option to all ages.
The event is open to all ages and part of a full weekend of fun at the resort from March 16-18. The derby is Saturday, March 17. Registration begins at 1 p.m and judging runs until 1:30 p.m. Categories for prizes include design, speed and judge’s choice.
“People really go all out for these things,” said event coordinator Rick Schiff. “Some of the designs are fantastic.” In the past, he’s seen a firetruck, a pirate ship and a limo.
Not too shabby, considering participants are limited in building materials to cardboard, tape and string.
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Maryland State Police troopers Broadwater, Farrell honored at McHenry barrack
From Staff Reports Cumberland Times-News
MCHENRY — The Maryland State Police McHenry Barrack has named Sgt. Brian Broadwater as the 2011 Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year and Tfc. Andrew Farrell as Trooper of the Year for 2011. “Sergeant Broadwater’s performance by his subordinates was exemplary,” said Maryland State Police Capt. James Pyles, Western Troop commander. “His group outperformed many other groups in many rating categories. Sgt. Broadwater’s performance during 2011 was also exemplary. He demonstrates excellent time management skills and pays particular attention to detail. This is always evident in his completion of subordinate appraisals as well as reviewing subordinate paperwork. All of the duties and responsibilities assigned to him are punctual and accurate,”
Broadwater was assigned to the Drug Enforcement Command for several years prior to his promotion and has done an outstanding job adapting to the Field Operations Bureau, according to Pyles.
He balances his time between his supervisory duties as barrack tow truck supervisor, hazardous and toxic substance supervisor, ordinance supervisor, health and safety coordinator, personal and vehicle inspection supervisor, supply officer, license plate recognition supervisor and in his spare time he serves as the shift commander, Pyles said.
After graduating from the Maryland State Police Academy in July 2005, Farrell was assigned to the Westminster Barrack in Carroll County. In July 2009, he was transferred to the Frederick barrack and assigned a K-9. He was transferred to the McHenry Barrack in August 2010, where he now works as a K-9 handler. He is the son of retired Trooper Timothy J. Farrell.
“Trooper First Class Andrew Farrell currently is assigned two canines, one a German shepherd drug dog and the other a bloodhound tracking dog,” Pyles said. “He displays exceptional attention to detail in all aspects of his job performance and has provided job knowledge and leadership in drug interdiction efforts at the barrack. He employs excellent investigative initiative and technique when investigating criminal complaints. He demonstrates exceptional ability to identify, analyze and solve every aspect associated with criminal investigations. Most of his criminal investigations are self-generated through his aggressive traffic enforcement.”
In 2011, Farrell spearheaded a five-day criminal interdiction initiative to identify people attempting to further their criminal enterprise while traveling on state roadways in Garrett County. The operation resulted in 44 controlled dangerous substance arrests and four felony distribution cases. Police seized heroin, LSD, mushrooms, marijuana, ecstacy, methadone, numerous items of drug paraphernalia, a large amount of cash and two vehicles.
Farrell is a self-starter who takes initiative in all tasks assigned and assumes responsibility with a take-charge attitude, Pyles said. “His initiative and energy is contagious to the other troopers who work around him and his peers are energetic to work with him. His positive attitude and high level of achievement have a strong impact on his superiors and subordinates alike.”
The 42 personnel assigned to the McHenry Barrack are involved in criminal and traffic enforcement efforts in a partnership with local and federal law enforcement and emergency services agencies. “We are part of a coordinated network of state resources ready to respond in times of crisis and always working to protect the citizens of our great state and Garrett County,” Pyles said.
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Allegany, Garrett counties would likely be hit hard
Matthew Bieniek Cumberland Times-News
CUMBERLAND — If the proposed doomsday state budget proposals become law, Allegany and Garrett counties would be hit hard.
“The sheriff’s total budget is $2.6 million, you take away $154,000 and that’s two employees with salary and fringe benefits right there,” said Monty Pagenhardt, Garrett County administrator.
The cuts would total millions in Allegany and Garrett counties, hitting police, libraries and schools especially hard, according to information provided by state budget analysts to Sen. George Edwards on Tuesday.
Disparity grants and supplemental disparity grants alone would be slashed by more than $2.5 million. The supplemental disparity grants would be the offset the state paid to counties for one year to limit the impact of shifting half the cost of teacher pensions to the counties, Pagenhardt said.
The regular disparity grants are placed in the county’s general funds and are awarded by the state to counties with low income tax revenues. Allegany County would lose $1.6 million in supplemental disparity grants and $729,851 in direct disparity grants under the proposed budget cuts.
In addition, Allegany County would lose $565,744 in police aid, $76,708 in library aid and $978,816 in per-pupil aid.
The school cuts would be in addition to cuts already expected, said Mia Cross, spokeswoman for the Allegany County Board of Education. “It’s new information that was just received today,” Cross said. If the cuts would go through, it would force the board to re-examine Superintendent David Cox’s budget and make further cuts, Cross said.
There is a chance though, that the doomsday proposal by legislative leaders is more saber-rattling than the real deal.
Delegate Wendell Beitzel hopes legislative leaders may be using the doomsday proposal as something of an attempt to highlight the impact of some of the governor’s proposed cuts. Beitzel remains more concerned about the governor’s plan to shift teacher pensions to the counties. Tax increases, and what they could mean, are also a major concern to Beitzel. Still, Beitzel remains concerned about the doomsday proposal.
“If you look at that (doomsday) budget, it indicates a big loss of funding for Allegany and Garrett counties,” Beitzel said.
“The flush tax proposed by the governor would hit every Marylander,” Beitzel said. The gas tax would hit rural residents especially hard, said Beitzel.
Garrett County would also be hit hard by the proposals. Garrett would lose $406,400 in supplemental disparity grants and $213,127 in regular disparity grants. Garrett would also lose $154,606 in police aid, $11,943 in library aid and $257,891 in per-pupil aid.
“That would be pretty devastating,” said Pagenhardt.
To make up the losses, Garrett commissioners could be faced with choosing deep cuts or a 4.3-cent tax increase on taxable real property to bring tax revenues to the same level as the last fiscal year.
Contact Matthew Bieniek at mbieniek@times-news.com
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