By: Mike Kennedy mkennedy@railey.com 301-616-6106 June 24th, 2009 Category: Deep Creek Lake Market Update, Deep Creek Lake Real Estate, Garrett County News, Garrett County Real Estate, News, Wisp Real Estate, Wisp Ski Resort

Yesterday we had a meeting with Karen Myers, one of the owners and developers of the Wisp Ski Resort. She gave us an update on the Wisp Ski Resort, the new Hale Irwin Lodestone Golf Course, and other real estate developments atop Wisp mountain. Here are the highlights of the meeting;

Contrary to any rumors the Wisp Ski Resort is NOT in any type of financial trouble! And they don’t intend to get in any financial trouble in the future by utilizing a plan to be fiscally responsible going forward. This plan includes delaying some of the proposed projects until economic conditions improve and expansion is feasible. The Wisp finished this past ski season (2008-2009) with about 185,000 skier visits - which was slightly ahead of the previous winter season - even with a slumping economy and an unusually warm March which forced them to close earlier than normal for the season. Some in the ski industry have heard reports that most of the other mid-Atlantic ski areas were down significantly in skier visits - if that is true this once again shows the overall strength of the Deep Creek Lake area as four season resort area that can still draw people and tourists even in tough economic times!

Hale Irwin Lodestone Golf Course

First and foremost the Wisp plans on finishing the Hale Irwin Lodestone Golf Club. The first 10 holes have already been “plated” and their is some additional rock blasting to be done on the final 8 holes. Hale Irwin toured the site last week and the course is on target to be done and playable by September 2009. The Wisp is currently pre-selling memberships - full memberships are $40,000 for non-lot owners and $20,000 for a sport membership for those who plan on playing less golf. This golf course will be a private, membership only course and won’t be open to public play.

Wisp Lakeside Club

Second on the priority list is to complete and open the Lakeside Club on Deep Creek Drive with a temporary building. The permanent $7 million building has been put on hold until the economy improves. The location is 1077 Deep Creek Drive which is the site of the old S&H Marina on Deep Creek Lake. The temporary location will have a bar, lounge, pool, TV’s locker rooms, and game rooms.  This club is targeted for property owners in some of the neighborhoods atop Wisp Ski Resort - such as Kendall Camp, North Camp, or Highline - that don’t have access to Deep Creek Lake. The target date for opening the Lakeside Club is July of 2009.

North Camp Ski Slope Expansion

Eventually, as economic conditions improve, the Wisp plans on constructing another Chair Lift and increasing the number of ski trails and ski-able terrain in the North Camp area of the ski slopes. The new Chair will be #8 and will meet at the top of North Camp near Chair #7.

Wisp Mountaintop Village

Lastly, the proposed Mountain Top Village near the ASCI White Water course will be developed. Proposed is a 100 unit residential building that will be ski-in/ski-out along with various retail and food shops. The mountaintop village already has ASCI (Adventure Sports Center International), The Pumphouse Cafe, and the Wisp Outdoors Center.

If you are interested in any real estate opportunities at Wisp Ski Resort or in the Deep Creek Lake area please give us a call or drop us an e-mail. We’ll be more than happy to show you any building lots, residential homes, or townhomes atop Wisp mountain and provide more details about all the happenings at Wisp.

By: Mike Kennedy mkennedy@railey.com 301-616-6106 June 17th, 2009 Category: Garrett County News, News

The proposed Community Athletic Recreation Center (CARC) in Garrett County and Deep Creek Lake is still a possibility although things are looking bleak after last week’s meeting between officials from Garrett College and the County Commissioners.

If constructed the Recreation Center would be open to the public and would include indoor swimming pools, indoor tracks, basketball courts, fitness facilities, and physical therapy rooms. It would benefit all full time residents of Garrett County and many second and vacation home owners at Deep Creek Lake as well - especially seniors and families with children. As another amenity to the Deep Creek area this center would also help maintain real estate and property values as well. Garrett County is the only county in the state of Maryland without a public pool and recreation center! We may very well be the only county in the entire United States without a public pool! The center was originally planned to be placed atop Wisp Mountain near ASCI (Adventure Sports Center International) but space concerns in 2006 eventually shifted the plans to the campus of Garrett College in McHenry.

The project was placed on hold last January after bids to build the center on the campus of Garrett College came in well above initial estimates.  However, Garrett College officials would like to start discussions again on the athletic center since the state still has committed around $15 million for the construction of the facility and the fact that Senator George Edwards recently secured another $3 million as well. College officials think that due to the downturn in the economy new construction bids will come in much lower this time as many contractors are now looking for work.

Commissioner Holliday has gone on the record as saying he would vote against the project due to his concerns that the center would eventually become a financial burden on the county after it was up and running due to operating costs - not because he was concerned about the funding needed to get the project built. However at last week’s meeting he did give his ok to continue studying the feasibility of the center. Commissioner Glotfelty is abstaining from this vote since he owns Double G Campground which will be adjacent to the proposed recreation center. With Commissioner Glotfelty abstaining it could create a situation of one yes vote from Commissioner Gregg and one no vote from Holliday which would essentially kill the project.

The center could host numerous swim meets, track meets, and basketball camps and tournaments throughout the year to generate income and offset ongoing operating costs. Due to the tourist nature of Deep Creek Lake and Wisp Ski Resort it should be relatively easy to attract groups and organizations to these types of events!

If you would like to voice your opinion one way or the other you can e-mail Commissioner Holliday at countycommissioners@garettcounty.org.

By: Mike Kennedy mkennedy@railey.com 301-616-6106 June 16th, 2009 Category: Deep Creek Lake Real Estate, Garrett County News, Garrett County Real Estate, News

At today’s public meeting, the Garrett County Commissioners approved the county’s 2010 fiscal year budget and real property tax rate.

The real property tax rate will be reduced to $0.99 per $100 of assessed property value - down from the current $1.00 per $100 of assessed value - but significantly higher than the $0.946 constant yield rate.

This means that all Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County property owners will pay an additional $2.6 million combined in real estate and property taxes in the next fiscal year.

The commissioners also approved a budget that is $28 million less than the amended 2009 fiscal year budget. As with most other counties in Maryland, the belt tightening has begun here as well. The local county government is in the process of looking for ways to reduce expenses and delay projects in anticipation of fewer revenues from the state.

By: Mike Kennedy mkennedy@railey.com 301-616-6106 June 4th, 2009 Category: Garrett County News, Garrett County Real Estate

Natural Gas Rights in Garrett County

If you currently own or are possibly considering buying real estate, raw land, or a large acreage tract in Garrett County Maryland you may be interested in a public meeting set for June 23, 2009 at Frostburg State University concerning gas rights and the drilling of natural gas in the area. This was a real hot topic in Garrett County last year as natural gas prices were extremely high. National energy companies started approaching many local property owners to either purchase or lease their gas rights. Some land owners joined together and formed large groups in order to negotiate better deals with these companies. Interest started to die down at the end of last year when natural gas prices started to decrease.

Marcellus Shale in Western Maryland

The Marcellus Shale is a sedimentary rock formation extending from southern New York across Pennsylvania, western Maryland, West Virginia, and eastern Ohio extending to 9,000 feet deep in some sections, containing significant quantities of natural gas.  Extraction of the natural gas will have an extensive economic impact on the region and landowners in Garrett County.  New developments in drilling technology, along with increasing wellhead prices, have made the Marcellus Shale an important natural gas resource. The production of commercial quantities of gas from this shale requires large volumes of water to drill and hydraulically fracture the rock.  Balancing the positive economic impact of natural gas extraction from the Marcellus Shale are concerns about the availability of water supplies and questions about wastewater disposal.

An information program for the public on tapping this domestic energy source is scheduled on Tuesday, June 23, 11:30 am–1:30 pm in Compton Hall, Frostburg State University. In addition to Frostburg State University, this program is being sponsored by the Allegany & Garrett Chambers of Commerce as well as The Greater Cumberland Committee.  The information session will include presentations by Lou D’Amico with the Independent Oil & Gas Association of Pennsylvania, Stephen Trujillo, Operations Manager/Government Affairs at Samson Oil & Gas Co., Senator George Edwards, Maryland District 1, and Ed Larrimore, Program Manager with the Maryland Department of the Environment.

The cost of this program is $20 per person, which includes lunch.  Seating is limited; reservations must be made by June 16 by contacting Linda Steele at lsteele@frostburg.edu or 301-687-4137.

(Paul Durham contributed to this report)

By: Mike Kennedy mkennedy@railey.com 301-616-6106 May 7th, 2009 Category: Garrett County News, News

Local Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County real estate developer Jonathan “Smiley” Kessler recently announced plans to suspend construction of the planned Aqua Mountain indoor waterpark in McHenry, Maryland. You can read and download the press release here. The Aqua Mountain waterpark would have been another great ammenity for the area and a natural complement to all the other year round activities that can be done in Garrett County.

The waterpark was planned to be located next to the Garrett County Fairgrounds but instead the property will now be developed into a commercial site with frontage along Route 219 and views of Deep Creek Lake. This commercial property is currently for sale and has great potential with it’s high visibility and 600 feet of frontage along Route 219, proximity to both Deep Creek Lake and the Wisp Ski Resort, and extended water and sewer lines.

Behind the commercial land are the newly constructed Lodges at Sunset Village - a log cabin hotel complex that will be managed by Railey Mountain Lake Vacations, Deep Creek Lake’s largest vacation rental company. The hotel features 14 cabins and can accomodate up to 130 people.

By: Mike Kennedy mkennedy@railey.com 301-616-6106 January 6th, 2009 Category: Garrett County News, News

Coming soon to Oakland, Maryland is a brand new Walgreens drug store scheduled to open in the summer of 2009. For those of you that don’t know Oakland is the county seat of Garrett County Maryland and is located about 9 miles south of Deep Creek Lake.  Even though it is not yet built, this Walgreens is currently for sale to potential investors who may be looking for cash flow or to complete a 1031 tax deferred exchange. Here is the most recent information packet we have. Please contact us if you are interested in this investment opportunity or any others in the Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake areas.

Walgreens Oakland (PDF)

The developer who is building this particular Walgreens had purchased 3 parcels of real estate last year which basically comprised an entire block of land near downtown Oakland.  As a result, 2 businesses and one apartment building were recently razed to make way for the new drug store that will go head to head with CVS - which is located directly across Garrett Highway. The two businesses that are now gone are the Oaklee Dairy and Laundromat - which were both long time fixtures as you approached Oakland from Deep Creek. The Oaklee Dairy was more commonly referred to as “the custard stand” by most locals.

It’s hard to imagine that a small town such as Oakland and Mountain Lake Park already has a Wal-Mart, Lowes, and CVS - and now has a Walgreens on the way that will employ 25 to 30 people.

In other Garrett County commercial real estate news are rumors that both Wendy’s and Outback Steak House are exploring the outparcels in front of the new Lowes as possible sites along of Rt. 219. However, both rumors are unsubstantiated at this point.

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By: DebraSavage dsavage@railey.com 301-616-4085 December 4th, 2008 Category: Garrett County News, News

The Lodges at Aqua Mountain Resort will look back on 2008 with a feeling of real estate success.  There are currently 24 cabins under reservation. “This is a certain testament to the quality of the product and the terrific work of the sales staff at Railey Realty”, said developer Jonathan Kessler.

A flurry of activity was recorded this past summer and fall at The Cabins at Aqua Mountain Resort.  Things are on target to have completion of the first group of cabins by May 2009 with rentals to begin by Memorial Day weekend.

There are currently 14 cabins under construction that will provide 21 hotel suites.  The beautifully appointed Adirondack-style cabins will offer a variety of floor plans that accommodate up to ten and offer amenities such as: jetted tubs, kitchenettes, flat screen TV’s and fireplaces.  The project also offers a central location next to the Garrett County Maryland Fairgrounds, restaurants, amusements, attractions, shopping and Deep Creek Lake marinas.

The new entrance from Route 219 was nearly completed before falling victim to the early snowfall in Garrett County.  The final resurfacing of the entrance is projected to be completed in early April.   The project now has public sewer, public water and utilities on site.  A projected hotel office and Sales Center Log Cabin will be started in spring 2009 where guest of the Lodges will check in for their stay and this cabin will also accommodate two model suites on the lower level for buyers to view the finished product.

Upon settlement of the first phase of The Cabins at Aqua Mountain Resort, developer Jonathan Kessler, will begin another phase of 15 cabins in the summer of 2009 and continue to release new phases until the proposed 60 cabins and been completed. 

The much anticipated and still proposed Aqua Mountain Resort Water Park is currently in architectural design phase with details being addressed for state of the art amenities to allow expansion phases, if necessary, so the water park can grow and accommodate any number of new water technologies available for indoor water park facilities.   

Visit the Aqua Mountain web site at www.aquamountainresort.com for more details or contact one of the Railey Realty sales staff for more information or a tour of the project. Below are some pictures of the interior of one of the completed cabins.

By: Mike Kennedy mkennedy@railey.com 301-616-6106 November 25th, 2008 Category: Garrett County News, News, Wisp Ski Resort

Below are some pictures taken last weekend from what is believed to be the first avalanche ever recorded at Wisp Ski Resort. While it’s certainly not on the same scale as other avalanches out west it is certainly bizarre to believe that one can happen here in western Maryland of all places. But for those of you that don’t own real estate or live here full time the weather in Garrett County can be quite different compared to other nearby areas. When it’s raining in Pittsburgh or Washington D.C. it’s usually snowing here at Deep Creek Lake. Our temperatures usually run 5-8 degrees cooler than neighboring areas. The previous week this area got about 18 inches of natural snowfall and the Wisp was continually making snow because the temperatures never climbed out of the 20’s. Don’t worry though; there really isn’t an avalanche danger at Wisp. This one was probably caused when a large pile of artificial snow broke loose when a few unauthorized backpackers/skiers were taking advantage of the winter like weather. The Wisp does officially open the season this Friday, November 28^th.

Credit for these pictures must go to a user named FlyinGuitar08 from the Teton Gravity Research Forums.

And here is a video of the Wisp avalanche that was recently uploaded to YouTube. For those of you not aware, the Face ski slope is on the left in this video and the slope on the right is Squirrel Cage.

 

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By: Mike Kennedy mkennedy@railey.com 301-616-6106 November 5th, 2008 Category: Deep Creek Lake, Garrett County News, News

While not quite as riveting as the national Presidential election - many Deep Creek Lake and Garrett County Maryland business owners, frequent tourists, and vacation homeowners have taken an interest in yesterday’s election results where a local referendum would allow limited Sunday alcohol sales in area restaurants.

According to the most recent update on the Garrett County government’s website it is projected that the Sunday Alcohol Sales referendum will pass in 3 of Garrett County’s election districts - District 1 - Swanton, District 7 - East Oakland, and District 6 - Sang Run. According to some reports it’s too close to call right now in District 14 -which is West Oakland. Please note all results are not final.

The following are the Deep Creek Lake area restaurants/bars and taverns that will be able to have limited Sunday alcohol sales should the results of this referendum hold up;

• District 7 - Pizzeria Uno’s, Will-O-Wisp, and the Silver Tree Restaurant
• District 6 - the Wisp Ski Resort, Santa Fe, Pine Lodge Steakhouse, Smiley’s Pizzeria, Black Bear Tavern, Canoe on the Run, and Ledo’s Pizzeria
• District 1 - the Fireside Deli and quite possibly the planned restaurant at the new Thousand Acres Golf Course community.

Please note - even though this referendum will more than likely pass in these districts consumers will still not be able to buy alcohol on Sundays at convenience stores, grocery stores, and gas stations in these districts. You will still be out of luck if you go in to the Arrowhead Deli and Grocery store or the McHenry Beverage Shoppe on Sunday to buy alcohol.

It is interesting to note that if this referendum does not pass in District 14 - we will more than likely have a situation where on one side of Rt. 219 restaurants in the lake area (Uno’s and Will O Wisp) will be able to serve alcohol on Sundays and restaurants on the other side of 219 will not be allowed (Brenda’s Pizzeria).

I apologize if I missed any restaurants that may be affected by this referendum.

Garrett County Precinct Map

By: Mike Kennedy mkennedy@railey.com 301-616-6106 October 27th, 2008 Category: Garrett County News, News

The Deep Creek Lake Property Owners Association (POA) has publicly stated they are in support of allowing Sunday liquor sales in Garrett County as reported on both The Deep Creek Blog and the Deep Creek Lake Property Association’s own web site. The Deep Creek Lake POA consists of over 1,300 members who own real estate on and around Deep Creek Lake.

A referendum to authorize the sale of alcoholic beverages on Sundays has been added to each districts ballot in the upcoming election - which will be held on November 4^th. For those of you that do not know the history of this issue - Garrett County, Maryland has always been a “dry” county on Sundays - meaning, except for two districts, Sunday alcohol sales are prohibited in restaurants, bars, and all retail outlets (convenience stores, grocery stores, and liquor stores).

It is quite common for visitors and tourists to give you a strange look when you tell them they can’t buy alcohol on Sundays during their visit to Garrett County. Most restaurant owners have stated this law greatly hurts their business as Sunday is one of the most important days of the week in the restaurant industry. Most could argue this law has certainly slowed down the development of new restaurants in the area over the years.

The main highlights of the referendum are;

• Sunday alcohol sales will only be permitted from 1:00 pm until 10:00 pm.
• Anyone purchasing alcohol must also purchase a meal as well.

The POA argues that they would like to see this referendum passed for the following reasons;

• It would help maintain the viability of the local restaurants.
• It would provide more employment at these establishments on Sundays.
• It reinforces the tourism industry in the county.
• And it supports Garrett County’s Economic Plan without costing the local taxpayers anything.

 If you take an interest in this issue, please vote on November 4^th.

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