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Garrett planners to let consultant lead zoning discussion

OAKLAND — The Garrett County Planning Commission has decided to let a consultant lead discussions about possible countywide zoning.

The commission is planning on hiring a consultant once there is money in the budget, Deborah Carpenter, director of the department of planning, said.

“As far as the board of county commissioners go at this point, I don’t think we have any interest in doing anything on countywide zoning. Not to say if something was brought to us we wouldn’t consider any action on it,” Jim Hinebaugh, commissioner and planning commission member, said during a planning commission meeting last month.

The first step in addressing countywide zoning would be to get public input followed by research and recommendations for a plan of action from the consultant, Carpenter said.

The commission is reviewing the comprehensive plan to see what sections may need public comment, more discussion or possible changes, said Carpenter. The planning commission began the review of the 2008 comprehensive plan last year.

“I think there may be more support than there was for countywide zoning 10 years ago or 20 years ago,” said Hinebaugh, who indicated that he didn’t have a position on zoning.

At least 30 percent of county citizens are already subjected to zoning because of living in the Deep Creek Watershed or in one of the municipalities, William DeVore, zoning administrator for the Deep Creek Watershed and member of the planning commission, said.

The Garrett County Board of Realtors supports performance-style zoning in the county, Paul Durham, planning commission member, said.

The commission also decided to give Karen Myers, who was representing Deep Creek Marina LLC, approval for a special exception and variance for an aerial (zip-line-type) adventure park to be located on Deep Creek Drive in McHenry.

 

For more information, click here.

 

NEW LISTING: 90 Temperance Way

Newer built 2BR, 2BA home on an over-sized lot at Overlook subdivision.

Improved basement for potential extra bedroom and additional living spaces.

Hardwood floors, gas fireplace, vaulted ceilings, attached garage & high-end finishes make this a place you won’t want to miss!

Enjoy lake access & community trails and views of surrounding mountains & land.

For more information, click here.

 

 

State Lakes Protection and Restoration Fund Bill just passed General Assembly

April 8, 2017

Friends–

We are pleased to announce the State Lakes Protection and Restoration Fund Bill passed the House on 138-0 vote at noon today. Since the bill has already passed the Senate, it is on the way to Governor Hogan’s desk to enact into law. 

Th bill was introduced by Senator George Edwards and Delegate Wendell Beitzel. Take a minute to thank them for their legislative work to ensure bill passage. (george.edwards@senate.state.md.us and wendell.beitzel@house.state.md.us)

The bill is a “small bill”. It only asks that DNR create the fiscal structure for a Fund. No allocation of money was requested. Even so, at one point late in the process, DNR suggested a small language which could have killed the bill. Fortunately Delegate Dana Stein spoke out against this recommendation. 

Deep Creek Lake is one of 16 state-owned lakes across the state and, like DCL, it appears that all are facing challenges of lake aging and need for protection and restoration efforts. The State of Maryland owns these lakes and is, therefore, responsible for their health as natural and recreational resources.

Another reason for celebration: This is the first bill supported by all lead lake-related entities: County Commissioners, Garrett County Board of Realtors, Chamber of Commerce. A CLEAR DCL, Friends of DCL, DCL POA and Green Glade Guardians. Over 50 lake property owners also sent letters of support. .

More thank yous! We do want to recognize our lobbyist Eric Gally for his hard work tracking the bill and the lake people who came to Annapolis to testify in support of the bill:  Joe Zamoiski, Tony Fuller, Richard Matlick, and Brian Greenberg. Folks from state environmental colleagues also helped us secure passage: Kristen Harbeson from MD LCV, MD Sierra Club, and The Nature Conservancy.  

Next Step. We will need to “fund” the Fund. To do so we must convince the Governor to allocation financial resources into the Fund in his next budget. We hope all the entities which supported the bill will also actively work for its

Since the budget process begins almost immediately, Friends of DCL will be developing a Fund the Fund Campaign to be launched early in the summer. 

All our work todate has led up to the creation of the mechanism and now the challenge to get funding for it to enable the state to do the work needed to restore and protect our beloved lake for generations to come. 

Let’s hope the snow in Garrett County melts soon and the high water levels subside because we have a lot to celebrate this summer– and some fun Fund-raising to do!

Your friends and neighbors, 

Friends of Deep Creek Lake Board. 

NEW LISTING- 282 Mt Nebo Road

Check out my listing on Mount Nebo Road!

Outdoorsman’s paradise! 58.69 acre, 4BR, 3BA Nemith-built chalet with 2 car attached garage. Hiking/ATV trails interlace the property.

 

 

 Surrounded by coveted Mt Nebo Wildlife Management Area, 1,854 acre tract.

Property is also adjacent to state land that fronts on Youghiogheny River. River views. Millers Run water frontage along southern property line, as well as several small streams.

Must see!

 

For more information, click here.

 

JUST LISTED- 420 Sam Snead Circle

Check out my listing in Oakland!

4/5BR home on 2.5 lots @ Country Club Acres, ~4,500sf. Renovated top to bottom, there are truly too many features to list!

Spacious bedrooms, multiple living areas, sun room overlooking golf course w/ heat+AC, multiple garage stalls, workshop, wine cellar, massive basement rec area, whole-house backup generator, one level living and a landscaped yard with endless possibilities!

Truly a must see!

For more information, click here.

 

 

NEW LISTING- 1137 BOY SCOUT ROAD- 2 HOUSES FOR 1

Check out this amazing compound on Boy Scout Road!

2 high-end vacation rental properties on 5 acres + DOCK! Each home boasts granite, SS appliances, and private hot tub. ‘Log Hut’, the 2nd house, offers 4BR, 2BA, private deck.

Private basketball + tennis courts, play-ground, massive lawn to accommodate weddings & events, and a private, country setting.

The sky is the limit with this unique setup! $40k+/- income.

Live in one, rent the other!

For more information, click here.

 

NEW LISTING- 37 LAUREL BROOK

Check out my listing in Laurel Brook!

Lake area townhouse. 3 levels with plenty of living space in a private setting. This end unit fronts on a small brook and backs to woods.

Serene setting, but within a short walk or drive to dining, shopping, entertainment and Deep Creek Lake state park.

Great value for the money!

 

For more information, click here.

Wisp Resort Set to Re-Open for Winter Operations

In February, Wisp Resort was forced by rain and temperatures in the 50’s to suspend skiing and snowboarding operations.

Now, in the midst of a cold and snowy March, Wisp Resort is anticipating a re-opening of winter operations sometime this week.

The exact day will depend on just how much natural snow they get from Winter Storm Stella and how much machine-made snow they can make with the colder temperatures.

With a depleted snow base and mild forecast, Wisp Resort closed for skiing two weeks ago after just 72 days of operation. It was their lowest number of operating days in the past ten years even though they had pumped more than 160 million gallons of water for snowmaking up to that date, the third highest total in the past ten years.

“The weather was pretty uncooperative this winter,” dryly noted Artie Speicher, Mountain Operations Director at Wisp.

“Mother Nature was testing our resolve, just like she is now. She’s given us another window this week, so we’re going to make the most of it.”

The Deep Creek Lake Area received 5 inches of snow on Friday, March 10 along with temperatures dipping into the single digits.

Wisp’s snowmaking team will be making snow as weather permits this week, and Winter Storm Stella is expected to add several more inches of natural snow Tuesday.

The resort suggested skiers and snowboarders check www.wispresort.com and Wisp’s Facebook page for updates and opening announcements.

for more information, click here.