Friday, August 31, 2007
Kent Island Depot-New Owners
Many residents who live down Rt. 8 and frequent the Kent Island Depot maybe surprised to find out, the former owner, Gerrard Boisman has sold the popular convenience store. The new owners are excited to take over the Depot and are only making some changes, not much. The good food and tantalizing pastries will still be featured and Boisman is helping with the transition. Stop in and welcome Arina and Bruce, as they are known.
iPhones Unlocked by Teen Hacker-yea for Realtors
With all the craze about the Apple iPhones and all the hype, many Realtors thought this would be a great feature to their business. Everything at your fingertips including great pics and graphics. Except the very frustrating fact that only AT T customers could use the phone. So, many are waiting until their cell phone contracts are up to switch over to AT T.
Well, guess what?? A 17-year old teen in New Jersey has broken the code with alittle bit of sodder wire and hours of troubleshooting. He has hacked his way through the techie hardware phone mechanisms and figured out a way that it's not tied to the AT T wireless network. Watch this short video. So, we might not have to wait too long--small providers maybe selling unlocked iPhones!!
Well, guess what?? A 17-year old teen in New Jersey has broken the code with alittle bit of sodder wire and hours of troubleshooting. He has hacked his way through the techie hardware phone mechanisms and figured out a way that it's not tied to the AT T wireless network. Watch this short video. So, we might not have to wait too long--small providers maybe selling unlocked iPhones!!
Sub-Prime Help for Strong Credit Homeowners
I was happy to see that President Bush was willing to help out the honest and hardworking homeowners who were steered into high-cost loans with teaser rates.
Under the new Secure plan, FHA will allow families with strong credit histories who had been making timely mortgage payments before
their loans reset-but are now in default-to qualify for refinancing.
To be able to qualify for the Secure Plan FHA, homeowners must meet the five criteria requirements:
1. A history of on-time mortgage payments before the borrower's teaser rates expired and loans reset;
2. Interest rates must have or will reset between June 2005 and December 2009;
3. Three percent cash or equity in the home;
4. A sustained history of employment;
5. Sufficient income to make the mortgage payment.
The study states that most of the candidates who will qualify to refinance are first time homeowners and minorities.
Under the new Secure plan, FHA will allow families with strong credit histories who had been making timely mortgage payments before
their loans reset-but are now in default-to qualify for refinancing.
To be able to qualify for the Secure Plan FHA, homeowners must meet the five criteria requirements:
1. A history of on-time mortgage payments before the borrower's teaser rates expired and loans reset;
2. Interest rates must have or will reset between June 2005 and December 2009;
3. Three percent cash or equity in the home;
4. A sustained history of employment;
5. Sufficient income to make the mortgage payment.
The study states that most of the candidates who will qualify to refinance are first time homeowners and minorities.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Maryland Richest State
Check out this story-Maryland is the richest.., I guess we don't have much to complain about, perhaps we have been living the good life and not quite aware of it. I hope we all have some fat or savings to live off for a few months, at least for Realtors.
And what's with a bail out for people who are falling behind on their mortgages? Do they (government leaders) really think that is a solution? What about basic health care? We cannot even guarantee preventative health care and they want to bail out somebody who took out a $4K a month mortgage and is living up to every penny. Or the young twentysomethings who took out a $400,000 or $500,000 home loan so they could look like a big shot because some loan officer fudged their application and pushed the loan through.
Or the couple who has refinanced their mortgage every one or two years and on top of that have extended home equity loans to finance their exotic vacations, purchase high end furniture,plasma TVs, cars and whatever else people did with their money. I know people who used their home equity to fund second home investments. I say the buck has to stop here. Hey, if the government is going to bail out bankrupt homeowners who are losing their homes; then sign me up for a 30 year home loan-yee haw!!
People need financing 101 desperately in the good ole USA. Many would've loved to have the big houses, the fancy cars, but we know the best route is to live within your means. You will be healthier for it.
On the downside, for the poor souls struggling through this dilemma, I empathize with you. You may have been the victim of loan fraud or perhaps you got caught up in your emotions. Whatever the case, this lesson is too expensive and if you are young, you still have plenty of time to recoup your position. As my husband says, "It's only bad if you don't learn from this or even worse if you have to repeat this lesson."
And what's with a bail out for people who are falling behind on their mortgages? Do they (government leaders) really think that is a solution? What about basic health care? We cannot even guarantee preventative health care and they want to bail out somebody who took out a $4K a month mortgage and is living up to every penny. Or the young twentysomethings who took out a $400,000 or $500,000 home loan so they could look like a big shot because some loan officer fudged their application and pushed the loan through.
Or the couple who has refinanced their mortgage every one or two years and on top of that have extended home equity loans to finance their exotic vacations, purchase high end furniture,plasma TVs, cars and whatever else people did with their money. I know people who used their home equity to fund second home investments. I say the buck has to stop here. Hey, if the government is going to bail out bankrupt homeowners who are losing their homes; then sign me up for a 30 year home loan-yee haw!!
People need financing 101 desperately in the good ole USA. Many would've loved to have the big houses, the fancy cars, but we know the best route is to live within your means. You will be healthier for it.
On the downside, for the poor souls struggling through this dilemma, I empathize with you. You may have been the victim of loan fraud or perhaps you got caught up in your emotions. Whatever the case, this lesson is too expensive and if you are young, you still have plenty of time to recoup your position. As my husband says, "It's only bad if you don't learn from this or even worse if you have to repeat this lesson."
Help Preserve Property Rights
Here's the scoop on the public hearing last night for the proposed NEW comprehensive zoning map amendments for Queen Anne's County.
Property Rights Violated
Although, the purpose of this meeting was to discuss the Comprehensive Zoning Map Amendments, many who signed up to speak felt their property rights were being violated and unconstitutional of the taking. As Ronald Reagan said, the nine scariest words in the English language are, “I’m from the government and I’m here to help.”
It has been several years since the last QAC Comprehensive Plan has been updated. So, instead of citing individual comments from last night's meeting; I am going to cite the all too common reasons as to why property owners complain and object when government officials and regulations take center stage.
Shattered Dreams
I am drawing on experiences I have seen and witnessed for some property owners who have lost the use of their property because it was deemed in the critical areas/wetlands and they couldn't sell it for the value at which they bought the property. Some citizens who are business owners are the victims of poorly-written laws, while others are propelled into the cycle of confusing eminent domain and sometimes contradictory land use regulations. Unfortunately, I have been there in the past when some are sadly in the bulls eye of abusive government or when the costly impact and APFO fees damper potential economic plans. A hot issue with our farmers is when they lose their property rights (non-contiguous) when they want to retire but land regulations dictate what they can do or not do with their own farm land.
Is it fair? Is this just another ploy to stop economic and business growth in QAC? Will the special interest groups come out in full force to lobby the commissioners? You bet. Perhaps, our commissioners need to rethink: Is enough weight placed on the economic implications of the land use designated codes?
Read More
Last evening, some 9-10 citizens spoke out about their privately owned QAC properties that either had proposed down zoned changes or land designation uses in Queen Anne's County. All together there was approximately 50 citizens attending the public hearing in front of the planning commission members.
These citizens who are versed in the P&Z procedures spoke on behalf of themselves while others retained attorney's to represent their issues. The hearing will remain open until Sept. 11th for written appeals to the planning commission and will be later discussed at the Sept. 13th planning commission meeting in Centreville.
Once the planning commission board either votes or proceeds with any of the land designations on Sept. 13; the recommendations will be forwarded to the QAC commissioners. There the commissioners will discuss the planning commission recommendations and hold public hearings. Please suggest or comment below.
For Infor: QAC Planning Office at(410) 758-1255.
Property Rights Violated
Although, the purpose of this meeting was to discuss the Comprehensive Zoning Map Amendments, many who signed up to speak felt their property rights were being violated and unconstitutional of the taking. As Ronald Reagan said, the nine scariest words in the English language are, “I’m from the government and I’m here to help.”
It has been several years since the last QAC Comprehensive Plan has been updated. So, instead of citing individual comments from last night's meeting; I am going to cite the all too common reasons as to why property owners complain and object when government officials and regulations take center stage.
Shattered Dreams
I am drawing on experiences I have seen and witnessed for some property owners who have lost the use of their property because it was deemed in the critical areas/wetlands and they couldn't sell it for the value at which they bought the property. Some citizens who are business owners are the victims of poorly-written laws, while others are propelled into the cycle of confusing eminent domain and sometimes contradictory land use regulations. Unfortunately, I have been there in the past when some are sadly in the bulls eye of abusive government or when the costly impact and APFO fees damper potential economic plans. A hot issue with our farmers is when they lose their property rights (non-contiguous) when they want to retire but land regulations dictate what they can do or not do with their own farm land.
Is it fair? Is this just another ploy to stop economic and business growth in QAC? Will the special interest groups come out in full force to lobby the commissioners? You bet. Perhaps, our commissioners need to rethink: Is enough weight placed on the economic implications of the land use designated codes?
Read More
Last evening, some 9-10 citizens spoke out about their privately owned QAC properties that either had proposed down zoned changes or land designation uses in Queen Anne's County. All together there was approximately 50 citizens attending the public hearing in front of the planning commission members.
These citizens who are versed in the P&Z procedures spoke on behalf of themselves while others retained attorney's to represent their issues. The hearing will remain open until Sept. 11th for written appeals to the planning commission and will be later discussed at the Sept. 13th planning commission meeting in Centreville.
Once the planning commission board either votes or proceeds with any of the land designations on Sept. 13; the recommendations will be forwarded to the QAC commissioners. There the commissioners will discuss the planning commission recommendations and hold public hearings. Please suggest or comment below.
For Infor: QAC Planning Office at(410) 758-1255.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
QAC Administrator Issued a DUI
Yikes... our newly-appointed County Adminstrator, John Borders was issued a DUI. He was stopped at a sobriety checkpoint on state Route 8 on the night of Aug. 24th Friday. Mr. Border resides in Queen Anne's Colony.
Kent Island Snapshot of Rezonings
Some of the following (rezonings) of various properties in Chester and Stevensville on Kent Island were discussed at the public hearing on Aug. 28,. The map amendments are intended to implement the goals and objectives of the Chester / Stevensville Community Plan adopted by the County Commissioners on May 1, 2007. These zoning map amendments propose to reconfigure properties as follows:
● Approximately 24.85 acres of land owned by the County Commissioners of Queen Anne’s County from the Urban Commercial (UC) District to the Airport Development (AD) District, located on the north side of Pier One Road; Tax Map 56, Parcel 280.
● Approximately 16.4 acres of land owned by the Convention of the P.E. Church from the Countryside (CS) district to the Neighborhood Conservation – 2 (NC-2) District, located on the west side of Route 8; Tax Map 56, Parcel 428.
● Approximately 12.711 acres of land owned by the County Commissioners of Queen Anne’s County from the Estate (E) District to the Neighborhood Conservation – 2 (NC-2) District, located on the east side of Route 8; Tax Map 56, Parcel 36.
● Approximately 11.002 acres of land owned by the County Commissioners of Queen Anne’s County from the Estate (E) District to the Neighborhood Conservation – 2 (NC-2) District, located on the east side of Route 8; Tax Map 56, Parcel 35.
● Approximately 40.079 acres of land owned by The Board of Education of Queen Anne’s County from the Estate (E) District to the Neighborhood Conservation – 2 (NC-2) District, located on the east side of Route 8; Tax Map 56, Parcel 49.
● Approximately 21.40 acres of land owned by The Dixon Holding Company from the Stevensville Master-Planned Development (SMPD) District to the Countryside (CS) District, located on the east side of Route 8; Tax Map 56, Parcel 179.
● Approximately 11.46 acres of land owned by LEO, LLC, from the Stevensville Master-Planned Development (SMPD) District to the Countryside (CS) District, located on the east side of Route 8; Tax Map 56, Parcel 440.
● Approximately 101.10 acres of land owned by Kent Island, LLC, from the Stevensville Master-Planned Development (SMPD) District to the Countryside (CS) District, located on the east side of Route 8; Tax Map 56, Parcel 279.
● Approximately 222.05 acres of land owned by Kent Manor Inn, LLC, from the Stevensville Master-Planned Development (SMPD) District to the Countryside (CS) District, located on the east side of Route 8; Tax Map 56, Parcel 21.
● Approximately 4.321 acres of land owned by Kent Manor Inn, LLC, from the Stevensville Master-Planned Development (SMPD) District to the Countryside (CS) District, located on the east side of Route 8; Tax Map 56, Part of Parcel 21.
● Approximately 6.001 acres of land owned by Chas. T and Janet B. Breeding from the Stevensville Master-Planned Development (SMPD) District to the Countryside (CS) District, located on the east side of Route 8; Tax Map 56, Parcel 269.
● Approximately 39.68 acres of land known as Tract 3 of the Kaufman/Tanner Subdivision (N/F Jewell, Councill, et al, Property) from the Chester Master-Planned Development (CMPD) District to the Town Center (TC) District, located on the north side of Route 18 and east of Cox Creek; Tax Map 57, Parcel 5.
● Approximately 5.2 acres of land owned or formerly owned by the Mary F. Jewell Life Estate from the Chester Master-Planned Development (CMPD) District to the Town Center (TC) District, located on the north side of Route 18 and east of Cox Creek; Tax Map 57, Parcel 2.
● Approximately 5.308 acres of land owned by Tanner, Zajac, et al, from the Chester Master-Planned Development (CMPD) District to the Town Center (TC) District, located on the north side of Route 18 and east of Cox Creek; Tax Map 57, Parcel 319.
● Approximately 2.45 acres of land owned by James H. and Catherine Slater from the Chester Master-Planned Development (CMPD) District to the Town Center (TC) District, located on the north side of Route 18 and east of Cox Creek; Tax Map 57, Parcel 143.
● Approximately 2.5 acres of land owned by the Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department from the Countryside (CS) District to the Suburban Estate (SE) District, located on the west side of Dominion Road; Tax Map 57, Parcel 501.
● Approximately 57.58 acres of land owned by Freya S. Butler and Theodor Sattelmaier, Jr., from the Chester Master-Planned Development (CMPD) District to the Countryside (CS) District, located between Goodhands Creek Road and Route 18; Tax Map 57, Part of Parcel 68.
● Approximately 11.87 acres of land Freya S. Butler and Theodor Sattelmaier, Jr., from the Town Center (TC) District to the Countryside (CS) District, located on the south side of Route 18; Tax Map 57, Part of Parcel 68.
● Approximately 4.652 acres of land known as Parcel 2 of the Estate of Dorothy Risley owned by Tekla, Haddaway, et al, from the Town Center (TC) District to the Countryside (CS) District located east side of Dundee Avenue; Tax Map 57, Parcel 48.
● Approximately 38,115 square feet of land known as Parcel 1 of the Estate of Dorothy Risley owned by Tekla, Haddaway, et al, from the Town Center (TC) District to the Countryside (CS) located east side of Dundee Avenue; Tax Map 57, Parcel 48.
● Approximately 1.66 acres of land owned by Nashville Properties, LLC, from the Town Center (TC) District to the Countryside (CS) District; Tax Map 57, Part of Parcel 287.
● Approximately 101.49 acres of land known as the Chesterhaven Beach Partnership property including all lots of record within the subdivision known as Chester Haven Beach from the Chester Master-Planned Development (CMPD) District to the Neighborhood Conservation – 15 (NC-15) District, located north of Piney Creek Road; Tax Map 57, Parcels 25 and 377.
● Approximately 24.85 acres of land owned by the County Commissioners of Queen Anne’s County from the Urban Commercial (UC) District to the Airport Development (AD) District, located on the north side of Pier One Road; Tax Map 56, Parcel 280.
● Approximately 16.4 acres of land owned by the Convention of the P.E. Church from the Countryside (CS) district to the Neighborhood Conservation – 2 (NC-2) District, located on the west side of Route 8; Tax Map 56, Parcel 428.
● Approximately 12.711 acres of land owned by the County Commissioners of Queen Anne’s County from the Estate (E) District to the Neighborhood Conservation – 2 (NC-2) District, located on the east side of Route 8; Tax Map 56, Parcel 36.
● Approximately 11.002 acres of land owned by the County Commissioners of Queen Anne’s County from the Estate (E) District to the Neighborhood Conservation – 2 (NC-2) District, located on the east side of Route 8; Tax Map 56, Parcel 35.
● Approximately 40.079 acres of land owned by The Board of Education of Queen Anne’s County from the Estate (E) District to the Neighborhood Conservation – 2 (NC-2) District, located on the east side of Route 8; Tax Map 56, Parcel 49.
● Approximately 21.40 acres of land owned by The Dixon Holding Company from the Stevensville Master-Planned Development (SMPD) District to the Countryside (CS) District, located on the east side of Route 8; Tax Map 56, Parcel 179.
● Approximately 11.46 acres of land owned by LEO, LLC, from the Stevensville Master-Planned Development (SMPD) District to the Countryside (CS) District, located on the east side of Route 8; Tax Map 56, Parcel 440.
● Approximately 101.10 acres of land owned by Kent Island, LLC, from the Stevensville Master-Planned Development (SMPD) District to the Countryside (CS) District, located on the east side of Route 8; Tax Map 56, Parcel 279.
● Approximately 222.05 acres of land owned by Kent Manor Inn, LLC, from the Stevensville Master-Planned Development (SMPD) District to the Countryside (CS) District, located on the east side of Route 8; Tax Map 56, Parcel 21.
● Approximately 4.321 acres of land owned by Kent Manor Inn, LLC, from the Stevensville Master-Planned Development (SMPD) District to the Countryside (CS) District, located on the east side of Route 8; Tax Map 56, Part of Parcel 21.
● Approximately 6.001 acres of land owned by Chas. T and Janet B. Breeding from the Stevensville Master-Planned Development (SMPD) District to the Countryside (CS) District, located on the east side of Route 8; Tax Map 56, Parcel 269.
● Approximately 39.68 acres of land known as Tract 3 of the Kaufman/Tanner Subdivision (N/F Jewell, Councill, et al, Property) from the Chester Master-Planned Development (CMPD) District to the Town Center (TC) District, located on the north side of Route 18 and east of Cox Creek; Tax Map 57, Parcel 5.
● Approximately 5.2 acres of land owned or formerly owned by the Mary F. Jewell Life Estate from the Chester Master-Planned Development (CMPD) District to the Town Center (TC) District, located on the north side of Route 18 and east of Cox Creek; Tax Map 57, Parcel 2.
● Approximately 5.308 acres of land owned by Tanner, Zajac, et al, from the Chester Master-Planned Development (CMPD) District to the Town Center (TC) District, located on the north side of Route 18 and east of Cox Creek; Tax Map 57, Parcel 319.
● Approximately 2.45 acres of land owned by James H. and Catherine Slater from the Chester Master-Planned Development (CMPD) District to the Town Center (TC) District, located on the north side of Route 18 and east of Cox Creek; Tax Map 57, Parcel 143.
● Approximately 2.5 acres of land owned by the Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department from the Countryside (CS) District to the Suburban Estate (SE) District, located on the west side of Dominion Road; Tax Map 57, Parcel 501.
● Approximately 57.58 acres of land owned by Freya S. Butler and Theodor Sattelmaier, Jr., from the Chester Master-Planned Development (CMPD) District to the Countryside (CS) District, located between Goodhands Creek Road and Route 18; Tax Map 57, Part of Parcel 68.
● Approximately 11.87 acres of land Freya S. Butler and Theodor Sattelmaier, Jr., from the Town Center (TC) District to the Countryside (CS) District, located on the south side of Route 18; Tax Map 57, Part of Parcel 68.
● Approximately 4.652 acres of land known as Parcel 2 of the Estate of Dorothy Risley owned by Tekla, Haddaway, et al, from the Town Center (TC) District to the Countryside (CS) District located east side of Dundee Avenue; Tax Map 57, Parcel 48.
● Approximately 38,115 square feet of land known as Parcel 1 of the Estate of Dorothy Risley owned by Tekla, Haddaway, et al, from the Town Center (TC) District to the Countryside (CS) located east side of Dundee Avenue; Tax Map 57, Parcel 48.
● Approximately 1.66 acres of land owned by Nashville Properties, LLC, from the Town Center (TC) District to the Countryside (CS) District; Tax Map 57, Part of Parcel 287.
● Approximately 101.49 acres of land known as the Chesterhaven Beach Partnership property including all lots of record within the subdivision known as Chester Haven Beach from the Chester Master-Planned Development (CMPD) District to the Neighborhood Conservation – 15 (NC-15) District, located north of Piney Creek Road; Tax Map 57, Parcels 25 and 377.
Monday, August 27, 2007
QAC Public Hearing
It is that time again (every six years) when QA's County Commissioners review and update the Comprehensive Plan. Results of Public Hearing.
The Plan sets the community’s long-term goals, which chart the direction the community wants to go. Zoning regulations - which include zoning maps, density and setback standards - and infrastructure and subdivision requirements are some of specifics and details for how the community gets there.
The Comprehensive Plan serves as a guide for future decisions about acceptable land uses. The process of creating the Plan often includes forecasting what may occur based upon existing land use patterns and anticipated trends.
To comprehensively plan for the future, the Plan must address environmental resources, population, demographics, land use, transportation, water and sewer, community facilities, housing, economic development, tourism, historic resources, growth management, and interjurisdictional coordination between the County and its neighbors.
The Plan helps the County establish priorities and directions towards achieving the selected or desired future. In order to direct the County towards a desired future, specific goals and objectives are provided to guide County officials in decision making about future land use issues, prioritizing infrastructure needs, and budgeting for capital projects.
Zoning regulations are intended to implement the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. They include standards and limitations for permitted land uses and densities, development plan approvals, parking requirements, landscaping requirements, private and community open space, and forest conservation. Other regulations address the management of stormwater runoff, floodplain management, erosion and sediment control plans, and the design of water and sewer systems.
Look back here for new updates! Public Hearing 8/28/07
The Plan sets the community’s long-term goals, which chart the direction the community wants to go. Zoning regulations - which include zoning maps, density and setback standards - and infrastructure and subdivision requirements are some of specifics and details for how the community gets there.
The Comprehensive Plan serves as a guide for future decisions about acceptable land uses. The process of creating the Plan often includes forecasting what may occur based upon existing land use patterns and anticipated trends.
To comprehensively plan for the future, the Plan must address environmental resources, population, demographics, land use, transportation, water and sewer, community facilities, housing, economic development, tourism, historic resources, growth management, and interjurisdictional coordination between the County and its neighbors.
The Plan helps the County establish priorities and directions towards achieving the selected or desired future. In order to direct the County towards a desired future, specific goals and objectives are provided to guide County officials in decision making about future land use issues, prioritizing infrastructure needs, and budgeting for capital projects.
Zoning regulations are intended to implement the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan. They include standards and limitations for permitted land uses and densities, development plan approvals, parking requirements, landscaping requirements, private and community open space, and forest conservation. Other regulations address the management of stormwater runoff, floodplain management, erosion and sediment control plans, and the design of water and sewer systems.
Look back here for new updates! Public Hearing 8/28/07
Five Best Restaurants in Kent Narrows, Md.
This past weekend, I was showing some out-of-state clients (new buyers)some homes and thought it would be nice to treat them to lunch. (I'm usually not that generous to clients who are still looking...but, I have a hunch - they (the couple) are heavyhitters.) So, I had my husband join us who knows the Kent Narrows, Md. area like the back of his hand, a former waterman.
After giving my clients a quick tour of the area, they decide crabs would be great to eat. So we pull into Fisherman's Crab Deck, only to find out that there is a thirty minute wait, and we are in a hurry. Our next stop is Harris Crab House restaurant- and we get seated within five minutes. Our crabs are plentiful, the service is quick, our tourist director-my husband is informative and provides them with a colorful history of the Kent Narrows and veers off on a crash course about the Chesapeake Bay, seafood and watermen. This is great, I am establishing a nice reporie with my new clients and we have won them over.
They love the area, they are ready to retire here. The fabulous great seafood feast with awesome views of the picturesque Kent Narrows/waterfront area is always a winner. We decide to visit each of the other top rated restaurants in the Kent Narrows, Grasonville, Md. We love showing off our county, so we take a peak at Annie's Paramount Steak and Seafood House, Fisherman's Inn restaurant and The Narrows restaurant. They are all fine establishments and it helps to know the owners-who we admire and respect. Our day ends at the Maryland Watermen's Monument and as my clients drive away smiling; I can't help but, to feel proud to live in an area with such great waterfront dining experiences. I will be setting up another appointment with them soon. Viva Kent Narrows!! Hey, I think I might coin that term. Any other suggestions?
After giving my clients a quick tour of the area, they decide crabs would be great to eat. So we pull into Fisherman's Crab Deck, only to find out that there is a thirty minute wait, and we are in a hurry. Our next stop is Harris Crab House restaurant- and we get seated within five minutes. Our crabs are plentiful, the service is quick, our tourist director-my husband is informative and provides them with a colorful history of the Kent Narrows and veers off on a crash course about the Chesapeake Bay, seafood and watermen. This is great, I am establishing a nice reporie with my new clients and we have won them over.
They love the area, they are ready to retire here. The fabulous great seafood feast with awesome views of the picturesque Kent Narrows/waterfront area is always a winner. We decide to visit each of the other top rated restaurants in the Kent Narrows, Grasonville, Md. We love showing off our county, so we take a peak at Annie's Paramount Steak and Seafood House, Fisherman's Inn restaurant and The Narrows restaurant. They are all fine establishments and it helps to know the owners-who we admire and respect. Our day ends at the Maryland Watermen's Monument and as my clients drive away smiling; I can't help but, to feel proud to live in an area with such great waterfront dining experiences. I will be setting up another appointment with them soon. Viva Kent Narrows!! Hey, I think I might coin that term. Any other suggestions?
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Number One "Just Listed" Deception
After looking at all the homes on the market, I can't understand why some realtors think by taking a home off the MRIS--MLS and then relisting it without any price adjustments is going to make any difference. I mean, we can see how many days the home has lingered on the market. It's deceptive to try to make it appear that a property was "just listed". And making a low-ball offer based on market time will not necessarily get the buyer the property they want. It just leads to frustration and unrealistic expectations. At least, speak to the seller and perhaps discuss the opportunity of lowering the listing price. Any other ideas??
Friday, August 24, 2007
QACHS Vice Principal- Andrews Killed
It was very sad when my family learned of the passing of Mr. John Andrews who had spent almost 50 years as an educator and then as an administrator at QACHS. Both of my sons attended Queen Anne's County high school in Centreville and had only fond memories of him.
My sons, James and Justin Dove remember Mr. Andrews as a vice principal who was kind, strong and had empathy for the students. My husband, George O'Donnell says he was certainly a gentleman, and also expressed fond memories of Mr. Andrews as a teacher and mentor.
Here in QAC, when one of our community leaders is tragically killed; the communities come together as a family. If you drive by the high school you will see the marquee telling of his death.
Mr. Andrews will be sorely missed by all. According to the local news, Thursday afternoon his life was cut short by a man fleeing from police in a stolen S.U.V. The man apparently had robbed a convenience store and hit Mr. Andrews at a intersection, sources tell me.
My heart and prayers go out to his family and loved ones.
My sons, James and Justin Dove remember Mr. Andrews as a vice principal who was kind, strong and had empathy for the students. My husband, George O'Donnell says he was certainly a gentleman, and also expressed fond memories of Mr. Andrews as a teacher and mentor.
Here in QAC, when one of our community leaders is tragically killed; the communities come together as a family. If you drive by the high school you will see the marquee telling of his death.
Mr. Andrews will be sorely missed by all. According to the local news, Thursday afternoon his life was cut short by a man fleeing from police in a stolen S.U.V. The man apparently had robbed a convenience store and hit Mr. Andrews at a intersection, sources tell me.
My heart and prayers go out to his family and loved ones.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Help the Seller - One Opinion Counts
Here’s a scenario: Seller to Agent: I want to sell my home and place it on the market.
Agent: Here’s your market analysis and he/she offers suggestions and aids in the listing price and educates the seller about the current reality of the local real estate.
Seller: I understand all that, but here is what I want to list my home at (an unrealistic price- that is sure to linger on the market). Months go by….
Buyer’s Agent: My client is really interested in the home and here is their offer for the seller’s home (a very lowball offer- that I can bet will be rejected).
Seller: I won’t and can’t accept that offer for my house, This house is top blah, blah, blah and is the best in the neighborhood!! (I know it’s a personal issue seller syndrome).
Agent: We discuss the offer and arrive at a counteroffer (that is still too much of an asking price).
Buyer’s Agent: My buyer will not go any higher and now, with all the homes on the market, they are going to wait.
Agent: Wait till when?
Buyer’s Agent: They said till next spring or will sit back to see how low the homes will go.
So, there you have it….people. I see two things happening. Either realtors have to wait out this market- which maybe a long time. (I hear the last time we went through a similar downturn was in 1989). Or, realtors need to devise a better strategy of how to educate or convince the seller that their home is not as much as they think. (Which I know takes some convincing, risk-taking and delicate verbal massaging).
Read more
Agent: Here’s your market analysis and he/she offers suggestions and aids in the listing price and educates the seller about the current reality of the local real estate.
Seller: I understand all that, but here is what I want to list my home at (an unrealistic price- that is sure to linger on the market). Months go by….
Buyer’s Agent: My client is really interested in the home and here is their offer for the seller’s home (a very lowball offer- that I can bet will be rejected).
Seller: I won’t and can’t accept that offer for my house, This house is top blah, blah, blah and is the best in the neighborhood!! (I know it’s a personal issue seller syndrome).
Agent: We discuss the offer and arrive at a counteroffer (that is still too much of an asking price).
Buyer’s Agent: My buyer will not go any higher and now, with all the homes on the market, they are going to wait.
Agent: Wait till when?
Buyer’s Agent: They said till next spring or will sit back to see how low the homes will go.
So, there you have it….people. I see two things happening. Either realtors have to wait out this market- which maybe a long time. (I hear the last time we went through a similar downturn was in 1989). Or, realtors need to devise a better strategy of how to educate or convince the seller that their home is not as much as they think. (Which I know takes some convincing, risk-taking and delicate verbal massaging).
Read more
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
US Census Housing Building Permits
BUILDING PERMITS
Building permits are down across the US and here in Queen Anne's County, Maryland the permits have come to a screeching halt! For the month of July 2007 and according to the QAC Planning and Zoning Office only 15 building permits were issued for New residential construction.(This excludes the towns, and typically that only includes a couple of new homes). Historically, the average rate for new building permits in QAC was set at 424 per year in QAC. From January to July 2007 only 66 New home permits have been issued in Queen Anne's County.
If you include the 22 demolished and replacement home permits that comes to a total of 88 permits.
The QAC impact fees collected for this year total:$441,023.00 (public school and fire protection impact fees).
Read More
In the US
Across the nation privately-owned housing units authorized by building permits in July were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,373,000.
This is 2.8 percent (±1.3%) below the revised June rate of 1,413,000 and is 22.6 percent (±1.3%) below the revised July 2006 estimate of 1,774,000.
Single-family authorizations in July were at a rate of 1,003,000; this is 1.6 percent (±1.2%) below the June figure of 1,019,000.
Authorizations of units in buildings with five units or more were at a rate of 314,000 in July.
HOUSING STARTS
Privately-owned housing starts in July were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,381,000. This is 6.1 percent (±7.0%)* below the revised June estimate of 1,470,000 and is 20.9 percent (±6.1%) below the revised July 2006 rate of 1,746,000.
Single-family housing starts in July were at a rate of 1,070,000; this is 7.3 percent (±6.7%) below the June figure of 1,154,000.
The July rate for units in buildings with five units or more was 275,000.
Building permits are down across the US and here in Queen Anne's County, Maryland the permits have come to a screeching halt! For the month of July 2007 and according to the QAC Planning and Zoning Office only 15 building permits were issued for New residential construction.(This excludes the towns, and typically that only includes a couple of new homes). Historically, the average rate for new building permits in QAC was set at 424 per year in QAC. From January to July 2007 only 66 New home permits have been issued in Queen Anne's County.
If you include the 22 demolished and replacement home permits that comes to a total of 88 permits.
The QAC impact fees collected for this year total:$441,023.00 (public school and fire protection impact fees).
Read More
In the US
Across the nation privately-owned housing units authorized by building permits in July were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,373,000.
This is 2.8 percent (±1.3%) below the revised June rate of 1,413,000 and is 22.6 percent (±1.3%) below the revised July 2006 estimate of 1,774,000.
Single-family authorizations in July were at a rate of 1,003,000; this is 1.6 percent (±1.2%) below the June figure of 1,019,000.
Authorizations of units in buildings with five units or more were at a rate of 314,000 in July.
HOUSING STARTS
Privately-owned housing starts in July were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,381,000. This is 6.1 percent (±7.0%)* below the revised June estimate of 1,470,000 and is 20.9 percent (±6.1%) below the revised July 2006 rate of 1,746,000.
Single-family housing starts in July were at a rate of 1,070,000; this is 7.3 percent (±6.7%) below the June figure of 1,154,000.
The July rate for units in buildings with five units or more was 275,000.
Home Buyers Face Crisis
Attention: Not only in QAC, but the state of Maryland's home building industry and home buyers are facing an economic and social crisis.
We have more than 10,000 households are forced to live outside the region in which they work. Here in QAC, the commuters are living in nearby counties and traveling to our county to go to work. We are even expecting our service people who provide our education service to our students, armed force service men and women, medical service providers and many others to live in other counties. Let's face it we are missing the boat in many economic aspects.
Maryland ranks as the 4th least affordable in the state. Here in QAC we have a very limited supply of buildable land - the root of the crisis. Compounded by the demographic, the current housing market, financial challenges imposed by our local government, including moratoria, down zoning, under utilization of facilities, and increased fees and taxes are all directed at new construction. Of course, if economic and local regulations are not challenged enough - influential county, special interest groups and state legislators will continue to add more layers of county and state land use controls and fees to be challenged with.
As a group of builders and real estate agents we do have power and there is strength in numbers. We can have a more visible impact by forming coalitions and sharing our goals and objectives with our neighbors, friends and associates. Please look back here, as we near election time.
Thank you, Camille B. O'Donnell
We have more than 10,000 households are forced to live outside the region in which they work. Here in QAC, the commuters are living in nearby counties and traveling to our county to go to work. We are even expecting our service people who provide our education service to our students, armed force service men and women, medical service providers and many others to live in other counties. Let's face it we are missing the boat in many economic aspects.
Maryland ranks as the 4th least affordable in the state. Here in QAC we have a very limited supply of buildable land - the root of the crisis. Compounded by the demographic, the current housing market, financial challenges imposed by our local government, including moratoria, down zoning, under utilization of facilities, and increased fees and taxes are all directed at new construction. Of course, if economic and local regulations are not challenged enough - influential county, special interest groups and state legislators will continue to add more layers of county and state land use controls and fees to be challenged with.
As a group of builders and real estate agents we do have power and there is strength in numbers. We can have a more visible impact by forming coalitions and sharing our goals and objectives with our neighbors, friends and associates. Please look back here, as we near election time.
Thank you, Camille B. O'Donnell
Monday, August 20, 2007
Cutting Rates - 20% Down
Do you think the drop in the interest rate is going to inspire any new sells or new buys? I don't think it is realistic. I mean really... what is half a percent going to do? For the homeowners who are having a hard time paying their mortgage right now; dropping their mortgage by $25 or $50 a month is not going to help them. Right now, lenders want to see 20% down to make the loan good. Do we need more of a cut to free up consumer spending in September?
Could this be a White House move to calm the jitters of consumers?
Could this be a White House move to calm the jitters of consumers?
One Opinion Matters
How many times have you heard your next door neighbor, relative or personal friend say “My home is worth….” They get all wrapped up in the sentiment and start wrapping their arms around their homes, when it is time to sell.
It is our duty to obligate ourselves to make sure homeowners absolutely know the truth. Here’s the deal, it really doesn’t matter how much they think they can get for their home or what it is worth. The only and I repeat only person’s opinion that REALLY matters… is the buyer. The buyer who will present a decent offer.
Pricing a home is sort of like a science and art project. Put in the puzzle pieces- the detailed and complex considerations like the CMA, market mobility, inventory and of course an educated opinion.
Appraisals are great; however I have never seen two appraisals ever match, but they should be close to one another. An appraisal is simply an educated opinion good for that particular day. An educated guess will determine the list price, but the “market” always dictates the sales price.
It is our duty to obligate ourselves to make sure homeowners absolutely know the truth. Here’s the deal, it really doesn’t matter how much they think they can get for their home or what it is worth. The only and I repeat only person’s opinion that REALLY matters… is the buyer. The buyer who will present a decent offer.
Pricing a home is sort of like a science and art project. Put in the puzzle pieces- the detailed and complex considerations like the CMA, market mobility, inventory and of course an educated opinion.
Appraisals are great; however I have never seen two appraisals ever match, but they should be close to one another. An appraisal is simply an educated opinion good for that particular day. An educated guess will determine the list price, but the “market” always dictates the sales price.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Kioyaski is No Flipper but Cash Flow Guy
According to Kioyaski, over a million or so of flippers or speculators are being killed with their real estate investments. These are the people who bought a home for $250,000, put some money into it and then tried to sell for $500,000. What he advised is become a cash-flow guy, his example is go to areas where there's a number of jobs (maybe not the best paying) but alot of low paying jobs where people are going to need alot of low cost housing. Kioyaski usually pays around $65,000 per unit. Where in this country is there growth with that kind of scenario?
Friday, August 17, 2007
Camille's Bio
Camille Baca O’Donnell, a Realtor has lived in Queen Anne’s County for over 20 years, while being involved in community and civic organizations.
During the last couple of years, Camille directed the efforts of the builders group, Citizens for Moderate Growth, aka “Save Our Jobs”. Camille was heavily involved in local politics and was instrumental in the last three Queen Anne’s County commissioner races.
Camille has fought for private property rights while attending numerous commissioner and planning and zoning meetings and public hearings.
She was also elected to the county central committee and served from 1998-2002.
As a tribute to the watermen and seafood industry, Camille was one of the three founders of the Maryland Watermen’s Monument that stands proudly in the Kent Narrows, Grasonville, Md.
Camille’s background in journalism has afforded her many opportunities to have her work published in Chesapeake Publishing newspapers and regional magazines. Camille is the publisher of the 2006 QAC Tricentennial publication (the magazine was buried in the county time capsule during the Tricentennial celebrations).
During the 1990’s, Camille was chosen as one of the twenty delegates to represent Maryland at the US Small Business Conference in Washington DC. As a result, US President Bill Clinton issued O’Donnell a small business citation for her efforts as a small business advocate.
As a public relations entrepreneur, Camille created the Queen Anne’s and Talbot County Home and Garden Show, which was later sold to Chesapeake Publishing.
Camille earned a BA in journalism and a minor in sociology from Northeastern Oklahoma State University and also attended New Mexico State University, Chesapeake College, Anne Arundel Community college and the CU Online University of Colorado at Denver.
Camille currently publishes a daily blog about the housing market at: www.qachousingmarket.com.
During the last couple of years, Camille directed the efforts of the builders group, Citizens for Moderate Growth, aka “Save Our Jobs”. Camille was heavily involved in local politics and was instrumental in the last three Queen Anne’s County commissioner races.
Camille has fought for private property rights while attending numerous commissioner and planning and zoning meetings and public hearings.
She was also elected to the county central committee and served from 1998-2002.
As a tribute to the watermen and seafood industry, Camille was one of the three founders of the Maryland Watermen’s Monument that stands proudly in the Kent Narrows, Grasonville, Md.
Camille’s background in journalism has afforded her many opportunities to have her work published in Chesapeake Publishing newspapers and regional magazines. Camille is the publisher of the 2006 QAC Tricentennial publication (the magazine was buried in the county time capsule during the Tricentennial celebrations).
During the 1990’s, Camille was chosen as one of the twenty delegates to represent Maryland at the US Small Business Conference in Washington DC. As a result, US President Bill Clinton issued O’Donnell a small business citation for her efforts as a small business advocate.
As a public relations entrepreneur, Camille created the Queen Anne’s and Talbot County Home and Garden Show, which was later sold to Chesapeake Publishing.
Camille earned a BA in journalism and a minor in sociology from Northeastern Oklahoma State University and also attended New Mexico State University, Chesapeake College, Anne Arundel Community college and the CU Online University of Colorado at Denver.
Camille currently publishes a daily blog about the housing market at: www.qachousingmarket.com.
Larry King, Donald Trump-Buy or Not Buy
It is evident people are waiting to see how far the home prices and/or QAC homes will drop or possibly waiting for a new US president before a contract is written. We have so much against us, the high inventory of homes (an absorption rate of 15 months)the media saying how horrible the housing market is and Larry King's program has Donald Trump saying he is pessimistic so wait to buy and Kioyaski saying it's not a bad time to buy. I can see why blogs and forums are full of consumers who are so confused. Please read Take the Plunge.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Maryland Drought is a Damper on Curb Appeal
Every morning I look outside and hope to see a hint of rain. But no, it's another dry day, the grass is drying up and the leaves are falling off the trees. So much for curb appeal- it makes it really hard to keep your grass green and your plants and flowers blooming when you are right in the middle of a drought. If you are really having a problem with one of your listings- there is always instant grass/lawn or rolling in sod??
Our famers in Maryland are suffering as well as many other locations. So what can we do to keep the curb appeal smashing? Encourage your sellers to water early in the morning, rake the leaves up or get a leaf blower, use mulch appropriately or some sellers use it to cover up dry areas of their lawn. I always advise to clean the rain gutters and if you have mud puddles, clean them up. Clear away the cobwebs and shine up the entrance way, clean up window screens! Some things really bug me, when I am showing a home, like those plastic lawn fans, annoying windchimes, and having to walk over kid's toys and bikes. Perhaps a should do list would be the key.
I found it is a good idea to ask the seller if they have any photos of the yard showing off the green when there is plenty of rain. Leave them on the kitchen counter in a photo album and show off the yard in full bloom.
When someone drives up to a piece of property, that first impression is crucial!! The way a property is maintained and organized-the exterior, the landscaping, the driveways-those things hit people all at once to form an impression before they open the front door. You either turn them off or turn them on with that first impression. In today's market if the inventory is high and the homes are priced right, the homes that are going to get looked at first, are the most cared for homes (spotless, well-maintained), the best curb appeal from the moment you drive by to the point when you pull in the drive way to the top- staged homes. Any more suggestions or ideas for the drought problems??
Our famers in Maryland are suffering as well as many other locations. So what can we do to keep the curb appeal smashing? Encourage your sellers to water early in the morning, rake the leaves up or get a leaf blower, use mulch appropriately or some sellers use it to cover up dry areas of their lawn. I always advise to clean the rain gutters and if you have mud puddles, clean them up. Clear away the cobwebs and shine up the entrance way, clean up window screens! Some things really bug me, when I am showing a home, like those plastic lawn fans, annoying windchimes, and having to walk over kid's toys and bikes. Perhaps a should do list would be the key.
I found it is a good idea to ask the seller if they have any photos of the yard showing off the green when there is plenty of rain. Leave them on the kitchen counter in a photo album and show off the yard in full bloom.
When someone drives up to a piece of property, that first impression is crucial!! The way a property is maintained and organized-the exterior, the landscaping, the driveways-those things hit people all at once to form an impression before they open the front door. You either turn them off or turn them on with that first impression. In today's market if the inventory is high and the homes are priced right, the homes that are going to get looked at first, are the most cared for homes (spotless, well-maintained), the best curb appeal from the moment you drive by to the point when you pull in the drive way to the top- staged homes. Any more suggestions or ideas for the drought problems??
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Great Time to Buy
With our real estate inventories as high as they currently are, this is actually a great time to buy real estate. Read More
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
The Future of Buying a Home
What the market shakeout means for everyone is that lenders will be returning to an old fashioned model of lending. You will need to establish a solid work history with stable income for a reasonable time period. Your credit needs to be in good shape and ideally you’ll need to put some money down. No down will still be available through FHA and certain Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac programs but if you can’t establish income and employment then you’re out of luck.
Blogging
State what is on your mind. Click on the comments link below. Click on the title Blogging to see the past comments.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Builders - What to Do?
Some builders in the area are offering seller financing to see if that makes things move. Do you think after Friday the Fed's are finally seeing how bad things are and may reduce rates soon and loosen money?
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Keep Your Eyes Wide Open
As Real Estate Professionals, you need to be watching this situation as it unfolds with eyes wide open.
The "NoDoc" financing option has all but dried up in the mortgage market. Now, daily, investors are even running away from "Stated" style loan financing. It is critical that you tend to your clients and make sure you understand fully the financing being used. It is NOT ENOUGH that your clients have a loan approval and/or a rate locked. Investors are pulling the rug out from under products for which there is no longer an appetite in the secondary and tertiary markets.
This information is not just for Selling Agents to be aware of. Listing Agents, if you are not as knowledgeable about the prospective buyer's financing as can be released to you, you need to be thinking about your seller's well-being and understand that closing could collapse at the last minute if the buyer's financing is at risk of not funding.
Whether you are a Listing Agent or a Selling Agent, you have your client talk to a preferred lender with whom you are quite familiar and have a good working relationship. Selling Agents, please understand that Listing Agents will need to put your clients through this for the sake of the integrity of the transaction. All Agents, please explain to your client that they are not under obligation to use your lender, but, again, for the sake of the transaction, you must obtain a professional opinion from someone you know and trust.
Clients who come in saying they already are pre-approved with their own lender are not typically equipped to understand what could happen. It no longer matters if the lender is XYZ Mom and Pop Mortgage or a market standard like Wells Fargo or Countrywide. This situation is moving through the industry like wildfire and the home financing market is markedly, let me reiterate that, MARKEDLY different than it was even one week ago.
This is BIG! It will have major impact throughout the housing industry for the foreseeable future and, if you are not diligent to the highest degree, will bite you at some point. Your clients need to be qualified with a lender!!!
Please educate yourself on what is going on in the mortgage side of the transaction.
Johnnie Murphy, Global Marketing
The "NoDoc" financing option has all but dried up in the mortgage market. Now, daily, investors are even running away from "Stated" style loan financing. It is critical that you tend to your clients and make sure you understand fully the financing being used. It is NOT ENOUGH that your clients have a loan approval and/or a rate locked. Investors are pulling the rug out from under products for which there is no longer an appetite in the secondary and tertiary markets.
This information is not just for Selling Agents to be aware of. Listing Agents, if you are not as knowledgeable about the prospective buyer's financing as can be released to you, you need to be thinking about your seller's well-being and understand that closing could collapse at the last minute if the buyer's financing is at risk of not funding.
Whether you are a Listing Agent or a Selling Agent, you have your client talk to a preferred lender with whom you are quite familiar and have a good working relationship. Selling Agents, please understand that Listing Agents will need to put your clients through this for the sake of the integrity of the transaction. All Agents, please explain to your client that they are not under obligation to use your lender, but, again, for the sake of the transaction, you must obtain a professional opinion from someone you know and trust.
Clients who come in saying they already are pre-approved with their own lender are not typically equipped to understand what could happen. It no longer matters if the lender is XYZ Mom and Pop Mortgage or a market standard like Wells Fargo or Countrywide. This situation is moving through the industry like wildfire and the home financing market is markedly, let me reiterate that, MARKEDLY different than it was even one week ago.
This is BIG! It will have major impact throughout the housing industry for the foreseeable future and, if you are not diligent to the highest degree, will bite you at some point. Your clients need to be qualified with a lender!!!
Please educate yourself on what is going on in the mortgage side of the transaction.
Johnnie Murphy, Global Marketing
Cracker Barrel
The QAC Sanitary Commission voted 5-0 to approve the water allocation for the proposed Cracker Barrel Restaurant.
New County Administrator
As of August 21, 2007, the QAC Commissioners officially swore in John Borders as the New County Administrator. Borders had been the Acting County Administrator since the departure of Paul Comfort (former County Administrator) earlier this year.
According to Commissioner Wargotz, John Borders, the County Administrator will also be the collector of taxes as a result of the QAC commissioners eliminating the position of Director of the QAC Dept. Of Budget & Finance. The Commissioners passed Ordinance 07-20 eliminating the Budget and Finance Director. A public hearing will be held at a later date for the proposed 3 sub-units for the Dept. of Budget and Finance.
According to Commissioner Wargotz, John Borders, the County Administrator will also be the collector of taxes as a result of the QAC commissioners eliminating the position of Director of the QAC Dept. Of Budget & Finance. The Commissioners passed Ordinance 07-20 eliminating the Budget and Finance Director. A public hearing will be held at a later date for the proposed 3 sub-units for the Dept. of Budget and Finance.
Cloisters on Kent Island
The Cloisters on Kent Island is a development that sparked concern back in November of 2005. The Maryland Department of Environment had sent a letter to the QAC Commissioners ordering an approval for sewer designation. The development was proposed across from the Ellendale development - Rt. 8.
The Cloisters on Kent Island would include 289 units (duplexes and triplexes)with an age restriction of 55 years or above.
The Maryland's Court of Appeals has now sent the Cloisters on Kent Island case back to the Circuit Court, resulting into overturning that court's decision upholding denial of sewer & water for the proposed age restricted community.
Read more on Cloisters.
Please make your comments below or email to: cdove@atlanticbb.net
The Cloisters on Kent Island would include 289 units (duplexes and triplexes)with an age restriction of 55 years or above.
The Maryland's Court of Appeals has now sent the Cloisters on Kent Island case back to the Circuit Court, resulting into overturning that court's decision upholding denial of sewer & water for the proposed age restricted community.
Read more on Cloisters.
Please make your comments below or email to: cdove@atlanticbb.net
Ruby Tuesdays
The proposed Ruby Tuesdays restaurant location is scheduled to be where the former "Golden Corral" restaurant was located in Chester, Md., near Rt.552 (by Rite Aid drug store). Sources tell us that Jack Broderick (former candidate for Commissioner) and Rich Altman (Director of the QA Conservation Assoc.) have filed a lawsuit to stop the efforts.
As of August 22, 2007 the Ruby Tuesdays Restaurant in Chester has been appealed to the Board of Zoning Appeals by several citizens and the QA Conservation Association. Some of the reasons cited for the appeals action include: traffic issues and concerns and also requires the county's approval of the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance study.
Please make your comments below or email to: cdove@atlanticbb.net
Here's what we here about the restaurant:
As of August 22, 2007 the Ruby Tuesdays Restaurant in Chester has been appealed to the Board of Zoning Appeals by several citizens and the QA Conservation Association. Some of the reasons cited for the appeals action include: traffic issues and concerns and also requires the county's approval of the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance study.
Please make your comments below or email to: cdove@atlanticbb.net
Here's what we here about the restaurant:
What I like and remember most about RT is the nutritional information that they provide on each of their meals. When watching calories, fat, carbs or whatever, it has been easier to make wise decisions.
Ruby Tuesday is a nice restaurant to go to for a guaranteed good meal. Their motto is "Simple Fresh American Dining" and that is exactly what you will find at Ruby Tuesday. It is a chain restaurant that started over 30 years ago by 4 college buddies who wanted to see a restaurant that served genuine quality food that was fresh at a reasonable price in a casual dining atmosphere. Hence, Ruby Tuesday was born.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
What is a Blog
Blog is short for 'weblog'. It's basically a website that's frequently updated. The newest blog entry, or post, is usually displayed first, and older posts are usually archived in one or more ways (by age, category, author, etc.). Even after a post is archived, it's always accessible through its 'permalink' (a link to the post's permanent location). Blogs are usually informal publications. Many blogs allow readers to make 'comments', which are also displayed with the post. A blog can be used for many purposes: a personal diary, a professional publication, a knowledge base, etc.
How and why would I make 'Comments'?
After each post you will find a 'Comments' link. You may click the link to read the Comments that have already been made to that post, or you may scroll to the end and submit your own Comments on the form. You can either leave your name or make a comment anonymously. No one can tell who is posting the comment- not even me. FYI:Your name and email address will not be sold or used for any unauthorized purposes. You may make a Comment to agree or disagree with a post, to ask a question, or just to add your own experience and knowledge on the subject
How and why would I make 'Comments'?
After each post you will find a 'Comments' link. You may click the link to read the Comments that have already been made to that post, or you may scroll to the end and submit your own Comments on the form. You can either leave your name or make a comment anonymously. No one can tell who is posting the comment- not even me. FYI:Your name and email address will not be sold or used for any unauthorized purposes. You may make a Comment to agree or disagree with a post, to ask a question, or just to add your own experience and knowledge on the subject
What's Your Say
QAC Realtors, Here’s an interesting question, I just received: How are realtors going to charge a premium price for a commodity that is not in short supply?
Friday, August 10, 2007
Public Hearing: Aug. 28, 2007
A Public Hearing is being scheduled by the QAC Planning Commission: Everybody is welcome to attend. Find out what is going on...any changes to the comprehensive plan updates/changes to residential, commercial or industrial zoning. Stay informed!
Date: Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Time: 6:00 P.M.
Place: Department of Land Use, Growth Management & Environment, Planning Commission Conference Room, 160 Coursevall Drive, Centreville, Maryland
The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the Comprehensive Zoning Map Amendments.
For Infor: Planning Office at(410) 758-1255.
The meeting is called by the County Planning Commission Chairman as per Article III, Section 3 of the Planning Commission Rules.
Date: Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Time: 6:00 P.M.
Place: Department of Land Use, Growth Management & Environment, Planning Commission Conference Room, 160 Coursevall Drive, Centreville, Maryland
The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the Comprehensive Zoning Map Amendments.
For Infor: Planning Office at(410) 758-1255.
The meeting is called by the County Planning Commission Chairman as per Article III, Section 3 of the Planning Commission Rules.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
What's Next?
Okay, we all know the housing market is stagnating..do we blame the Fed's, the lending institutions or the consumers? Do we all take responsibility, are too far in debt? What's Next? When will our area stabilize- 2-6 years? Maybe it's not that bad since the decline is just 2.6% and not a 26% decline in prices. Will this severely restrict consumers with good credit?
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
On the House
Speak Your Mind... Do you think we have enough land preserved-given the fact that since 1987, QAC has experienced one of the smallest losses of farmland on the
Upper Eastern Shore? And 91% of all agricultural land will remain in agricultural and/or open space. That gets further diminished by lands that are already developed, will not perc, or are subject to critical area or scenic byways legislation, etc
Upper Eastern Shore? And 91% of all agricultural land will remain in agricultural and/or open space. That gets further diminished by lands that are already developed, will not perc, or are subject to critical area or scenic byways legislation, etc
Take the Plunge
So you have been reading the newspapers, watching the housing market news and can’t decide if you should get off the sidelines and buy a home or investment property.
Well, let’s look at a few things----With so many homes on the market, buyers can be more selective. And in many cases, they will get the home they want for less than the asking price, or with incentives such as the seller paying condominium fees for a time.
What are real estate agents saying about the market? Many real estate agents, not surprisingly, say they believe the market has already hit bottom. So yes, you might get a better deal if you wait a little longer. But you could also end up paying more if prices start rising again and interest rates increase. Although, I don't believe interest rates are going anywhere at least for awhile.
Some market watchers say prices will continue to slide through the end of 2007, then start to pick up again in 2008 once inventory drops. Other experts say the market will not pick up until Spring of 2009. Who really knows ...that depends on who you listen to and where you live.
Other pondering concerns include: Will the seller give in to every concession? Not necessarily. Not all sellers are willing to take a loss. When preparing an offer, you should look at comparable sales from the last six months and consider the home's exceptional features.
Here’s a tip: This only applies if your not one of those cash buying customers. Make sure your credit report is up to date; you will need to be able to prove your work income; have a good down payment; because banks are returning to the days where once again getting a loan means having good credit. More financing information.
Despite that uncertainty, one thing is for sure: There's a lot more room for negotiation these days. The market right now affords buyers a really good deal. So take the plunge!
Well, let’s look at a few things----With so many homes on the market, buyers can be more selective. And in many cases, they will get the home they want for less than the asking price, or with incentives such as the seller paying condominium fees for a time.
What are real estate agents saying about the market? Many real estate agents, not surprisingly, say they believe the market has already hit bottom. So yes, you might get a better deal if you wait a little longer. But you could also end up paying more if prices start rising again and interest rates increase. Although, I don't believe interest rates are going anywhere at least for awhile.
Some market watchers say prices will continue to slide through the end of 2007, then start to pick up again in 2008 once inventory drops. Other experts say the market will not pick up until Spring of 2009. Who really knows ...that depends on who you listen to and where you live.
Other pondering concerns include: Will the seller give in to every concession? Not necessarily. Not all sellers are willing to take a loss. When preparing an offer, you should look at comparable sales from the last six months and consider the home's exceptional features.
Here’s a tip: This only applies if your not one of those cash buying customers. Make sure your credit report is up to date; you will need to be able to prove your work income; have a good down payment; because banks are returning to the days where once again getting a loan means having good credit. More financing information.
Despite that uncertainty, one thing is for sure: There's a lot more room for negotiation these days. The market right now affords buyers a really good deal. So take the plunge!
Room to Negotiate
There's Room to Negotiate Home Purchase, but Not on the Mortgage
Remember the days when the buyers outbid each other and forgo inspections to get the place of their dreams. Now, sellers are the ones making concessions.
The buyers are in the driver's seat, but not completely. The real estate boom was driven partly by lenders' willingness to give money to people with blemished credit or with no money for down payments.
Exotic and nontraditional loans, such as adjustable-rate mortgages with low introductory interest rates that increased dramatically after two or three years, became popular.
With foreclosures now at a record high, banks are returning to the days where once again getting a loan means having good credit.
Real estate agents and analysts say those buyers who do qualify for mortgages should be prepared to stay in their homes for a few years if they expect to make money from their investment.
Remember the days when the buyers outbid each other and forgo inspections to get the place of their dreams. Now, sellers are the ones making concessions.
The buyers are in the driver's seat, but not completely. The real estate boom was driven partly by lenders' willingness to give money to people with blemished credit or with no money for down payments.
Exotic and nontraditional loans, such as adjustable-rate mortgages with low introductory interest rates that increased dramatically after two or three years, became popular.
With foreclosures now at a record high, banks are returning to the days where once again getting a loan means having good credit.
Real estate agents and analysts say those buyers who do qualify for mortgages should be prepared to stay in their homes for a few years if they expect to make money from their investment.
Ordinances: Affect Building Homes
The following information was supplied by the QAC Ordinance Index:
ORDINANCE NO. 06-108 QAC Impact Fees
If you are planning to build a new home in QAC please take note that you will be subject to the following development impact fees. A single family detached home impact fee is currently set at: $9,728. (A breakdown of the impact fee includes: Schools-$7,529; Fire Protection-$1,166; Parks and Rec.-$1,033)
ORDINANCE NO. 06-107 QAC Adequate Public Facilities Impact
The purpose of this legislation is essentially to manage growth in Queen Anne’s County so that approval for new development is dependant upon the availability and adequacy of public facilities, such as water, sewer, schools and transportation. In situations where it is determined that existing facilities and infrastructure are not adequate to support the proposed development, this ordinance allows for the deferral of the proposed development.
Fiscal impact would be determined for proposed development on a case-by-case basis, since the area(s) for which the development may be proposed in might differ in terms of the adequacy of public facilities.
Fiscal impact generated by the reduction of the minimum level of service standard for schools from 120% to 100% is dependant upon whether or not projected enrollment exceeding 100% capacity will result in that particular growth area to be closed to new growth, if a school Advanced Facility of some type will be required from developments that generate additional students, or if the County will bear the costs of adding to the capacity of the school(s) within the growth area in question. It is important to note that if there are currently any schools that will be at the 100% level of service as a result of this legislation (including capacity projected to be used by Preexisting Development Approvals), the schools serving the areas in question will possibly need to be moved forward in the County’s Capital Improvement Plan, which will result in fiscal impact for that planned project year (particularly if bonds are expected to be issued in order to fund the cost of a new school or an addition to an existing school).
In the case of increasing the capacity of water/sewer facilities, this legislation would produce no fiscal impact, as costs of water and sewer facilities and usage are received in the form of user fee revenue from the users of the facilities.
In the case of increasing the capacity of transportation (roads) facilities, this legislation would produce no fiscal impact, as the costs of building and maintaining County roads are funded with State Highway User Revenue.
ORDINANCE NO. 06-108 QAC Impact Fees
If you are planning to build a new home in QAC please take note that you will be subject to the following development impact fees. A single family detached home impact fee is currently set at: $9,728. (A breakdown of the impact fee includes: Schools-$7,529; Fire Protection-$1,166; Parks and Rec.-$1,033)
ORDINANCE NO. 06-107 QAC Adequate Public Facilities Impact
The purpose of this legislation is essentially to manage growth in Queen Anne’s County so that approval for new development is dependant upon the availability and adequacy of public facilities, such as water, sewer, schools and transportation. In situations where it is determined that existing facilities and infrastructure are not adequate to support the proposed development, this ordinance allows for the deferral of the proposed development.
Fiscal impact would be determined for proposed development on a case-by-case basis, since the area(s) for which the development may be proposed in might differ in terms of the adequacy of public facilities.
Fiscal impact generated by the reduction of the minimum level of service standard for schools from 120% to 100% is dependant upon whether or not projected enrollment exceeding 100% capacity will result in that particular growth area to be closed to new growth, if a school Advanced Facility of some type will be required from developments that generate additional students, or if the County will bear the costs of adding to the capacity of the school(s) within the growth area in question. It is important to note that if there are currently any schools that will be at the 100% level of service as a result of this legislation (including capacity projected to be used by Preexisting Development Approvals), the schools serving the areas in question will possibly need to be moved forward in the County’s Capital Improvement Plan, which will result in fiscal impact for that planned project year (particularly if bonds are expected to be issued in order to fund the cost of a new school or an addition to an existing school).
In the case of increasing the capacity of water/sewer facilities, this legislation would produce no fiscal impact, as costs of water and sewer facilities and usage are received in the form of user fee revenue from the users of the facilities.
In the case of increasing the capacity of transportation (roads) facilities, this legislation would produce no fiscal impact, as the costs of building and maintaining County roads are funded with State Highway User Revenue.
QAC Housing Code
The Queen Anne’s County Housing Code is designed to protect the public health, safety and welfare in residential rental structures and premises by establishing minimum property maintenance standards.
Critical Workforce Mortgage Program:
This program offers second mortgages to homebuyers who meet program guidelines with employment and residency requirements.
In the past three years we have made 27 loans totaling $1,133,000 in assistance to workers in our critical work force.
Senior Citizen Repair Program:
This program is designed to repair serious health or safety hazards of owner-occupied homes of low- income senior citizens or handicapped persons. Due to limited donations, this program is limited to emergency repairs up to $200.
Maryland Special Loan Programs:
The Department of Housing and Community Services administers the State Special Loan programs, which provide loans and grants for wells, septic systems, lead paint removal, and all types of home repairs.
Homeless Prevention Program:
Provides emergency assistance to those who are homeless or about to become homeless.
Fisher Manor:
The Queen Anne’s County Public Housing Authority manages Fisher Manor, a townhouse development.
25 large family units.
Riverside Estates:
Riverside Estates is a low/moderate-income rental development located on Riverside Drive in Chester.
23 two-bedroom townhouses.
Riverside Estates Phase II:
The County is in the process of awarding a contract for the design of phase II of the Riverside Estates development.
108 units.
Grasonville Terrace:
Grasonville Terrace is a low/moderate income rental community for people over 62 years of age. It is located on Main Street in Grasonville.
34 single-bedroom units.
Terrapin Grove:
Terrapin Grove is a low/moderate income rental community for people over 62 years of age. Terrapin Grove adjoins the Percy Thomas Senior Center in Stevensville.
94 units.
Foxxtown Apartments:
41 Units
Section 8 Rental Assistance Program:
The Section 8 Existing Program is a federally funded rental assistance program for very-low- income families, elderly, and handicapped / disabled individuals.
136 families.
Family Self-Sufficiency Program:
The FSS Program combines individual family counseling and training with financial incentives to aid and encourage families to become financially independent and get off of all Public Assistance Programs.
12 Families
Rental Allowance Program (RAP):
The Rental Allowance Program provides monthly rental allowance payments on a short-term basis to low-income persons and households who are homeless or have critical or emergency needs. The goal of the RAP program is to assist such persons and households to move from homelessness or temporary emergency housing into more permanent housing, and after a 12-month period of housing assistance, to return to self-sufficiency.
4 Households
Scattered Site Housing Program:
This program enables low income families who are working their way off of public assistance an opportunity to become homeowners.
10 units (includes 4 HC at GT)
Housing Opportunities for People With Aids (HOPWA)
This program provides rental assistance for low income residents who are HIV positive. 3 HH
Emergency Food & Shelter National Board Program (FEMA):
This program provides emergency assistance to low-income residents of Queen Anne’s County. Funds are being used for food and to help displaced persons find suitable housing.
MPDU Program
Victoria Park at Centreville
Proposed 95 units of Elderly Housing
Assisted living complex
The Housing Authority purchased a building in Sudlersville to be renovated and used as a 16 bed Assisted living complex.
###
Critical Workforce Mortgage Program:
This program offers second mortgages to homebuyers who meet program guidelines with employment and residency requirements.
In the past three years we have made 27 loans totaling $1,133,000 in assistance to workers in our critical work force.
Senior Citizen Repair Program:
This program is designed to repair serious health or safety hazards of owner-occupied homes of low- income senior citizens or handicapped persons. Due to limited donations, this program is limited to emergency repairs up to $200.
Maryland Special Loan Programs:
The Department of Housing and Community Services administers the State Special Loan programs, which provide loans and grants for wells, septic systems, lead paint removal, and all types of home repairs.
Homeless Prevention Program:
Provides emergency assistance to those who are homeless or about to become homeless.
Fisher Manor:
The Queen Anne’s County Public Housing Authority manages Fisher Manor, a townhouse development.
25 large family units.
Riverside Estates:
Riverside Estates is a low/moderate-income rental development located on Riverside Drive in Chester.
23 two-bedroom townhouses.
Riverside Estates Phase II:
The County is in the process of awarding a contract for the design of phase II of the Riverside Estates development.
108 units.
Grasonville Terrace:
Grasonville Terrace is a low/moderate income rental community for people over 62 years of age. It is located on Main Street in Grasonville.
34 single-bedroom units.
Terrapin Grove:
Terrapin Grove is a low/moderate income rental community for people over 62 years of age. Terrapin Grove adjoins the Percy Thomas Senior Center in Stevensville.
94 units.
Foxxtown Apartments:
41 Units
Section 8 Rental Assistance Program:
The Section 8 Existing Program is a federally funded rental assistance program for very-low- income families, elderly, and handicapped / disabled individuals.
136 families.
Family Self-Sufficiency Program:
The FSS Program combines individual family counseling and training with financial incentives to aid and encourage families to become financially independent and get off of all Public Assistance Programs.
12 Families
Rental Allowance Program (RAP):
The Rental Allowance Program provides monthly rental allowance payments on a short-term basis to low-income persons and households who are homeless or have critical or emergency needs. The goal of the RAP program is to assist such persons and households to move from homelessness or temporary emergency housing into more permanent housing, and after a 12-month period of housing assistance, to return to self-sufficiency.
4 Households
Scattered Site Housing Program:
This program enables low income families who are working their way off of public assistance an opportunity to become homeowners.
10 units (includes 4 HC at GT)
Housing Opportunities for People With Aids (HOPWA)
This program provides rental assistance for low income residents who are HIV positive. 3 HH
Emergency Food & Shelter National Board Program (FEMA):
This program provides emergency assistance to low-income residents of Queen Anne’s County. Funds are being used for food and to help displaced persons find suitable housing.
MPDU Program
Victoria Park at Centreville
Proposed 95 units of Elderly Housing
Assisted living complex
The Housing Authority purchased a building in Sudlersville to be renovated and used as a 16 bed Assisted living complex.
###
Development Proposal Listings
As of August 2, 2007 the following list (Pending Development Residential/Commercial Proposals) is an up-to-date list of pending adequate public facilities studies, pending concept/sketch plans, pending non-residential and residential site plans, pending subdivisions, pending major residential projects and concept/sketch plans, and minor residential
projects. In addition, relative to the KN/S/G Wastewater Treatment Plant, this document summarizes current average daily sewerage flows that have been reserved for specific properties and/or projects and potential new sewer allocation requirements for the listed project proposals. This data is for informational purposes only, for more detailed information please contact the Planning Office at(410) 758-1255.
projects. In addition, relative to the KN/S/G Wastewater Treatment Plant, this document summarizes current average daily sewerage flows that have been reserved for specific properties and/or projects and potential new sewer allocation requirements for the listed project proposals. This data is for informational purposes only, for more detailed information please contact the Planning Office at(410) 758-1255.
Grants/Loans -Lead Poisoning
Grant's or Loans are being provided to assistance Queen Anne's residents to reduce the risk of lead poisoning for residential and some nonresidential buildings.
Please contact Mickey Lomax of the Queen Anne's County Dept. of Housing and Community Services.
410-758-3977
Contact Information:
107 North Liberty St
Centreville, MD 21617
Please contact Mickey Lomax of the Queen Anne's County Dept. of Housing and Community Services.
410-758-3977
Contact Information:
107 North Liberty St
Centreville, MD 21617
Buy Your Home at Gibson's Grant
Gibson's Grant-- A Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) will be located on Kent Island along the Chester River/ Rt. 50 across from Safeway . Grading, roadwork and utility work has begun and home construction is underway. For your private viewing call Camille O'Donnell at: 443-786-0200.
Four builders will makeup this subdivision featuring a well designed "village" layout, community amenities, a structured traditional town architecture, and an environmentally sound land use plan.
Primary importance was given to improving the ecology of the site by establishing areas of open space and preserving the shoreline. Ongoing collaboration with an environmental organization will establish interpretive and educational features along the trails and accessible pieces of the shoreline. Also of importance was linking the neighborhood to the Cross Island Bike Trail and preserving and reusing the eighteenth century Greek revival mansion house. The mansion house will become a focal point as the community building and the grand, tree-lined entrance to the mansion house will be kept intact.
According to the developer, the home builders have agreed to build in conformance with the Patter Book established by the developer and will begin construction and marketing sometime in Oct 2007.... Custom builders will be available to build for individuals.
Four builders will makeup this subdivision featuring a well designed "village" layout, community amenities, a structured traditional town architecture, and an environmentally sound land use plan.
Primary importance was given to improving the ecology of the site by establishing areas of open space and preserving the shoreline. Ongoing collaboration with an environmental organization will establish interpretive and educational features along the trails and accessible pieces of the shoreline. Also of importance was linking the neighborhood to the Cross Island Bike Trail and preserving and reusing the eighteenth century Greek revival mansion house. The mansion house will become a focal point as the community building and the grand, tree-lined entrance to the mansion house will be kept intact.
According to the developer, the home builders have agreed to build in conformance with the Patter Book established by the developer and will begin construction and marketing sometime in Oct 2007.... Custom builders will be available to build for individuals.
Woodstock Farm for Sale
The famous farm near the alfalfa field that drew 400,000 people to Woodstock for three days of sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll is up for sale.
The asking price: $8 million.
Roy Howard, the current owner, is packing it in after years of tangling with local officials over permits for reunion gatherings to mark the 1969, three-day Woodstock music festival that helped ignite a generation.
Up for sale is the 2,000-square-foot house that belonged to dairy farmer Max Yasgur, along with a larger farmhouse, a barn and 103 bucolic acres about 80 miles north of New York City.
The nearby alfalfa field where the concert was held isn't included in the sale. It's owned by cable magnate Alan Gerry, who turned it into the 4,800-seat Bethel Woods Center last summer.
Yasgur lent out the alfalfa field for the concert after promoters were rejected by officials in the nearby town of Woodstock. About 400,000 people packed the field Aug. 15-17 for the festival that drew the biggest names in music - Jimi Hendrix and the Who among them.
Yasgur and his farm were celebrated in Joni Mitchell's song "Woodstock," popularized by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young with the line: "I'm going on down to Yasgur's farm. I'm going to join in a rock 'n' roll band."
The asking price: $8 million.
Roy Howard, the current owner, is packing it in after years of tangling with local officials over permits for reunion gatherings to mark the 1969, three-day Woodstock music festival that helped ignite a generation.
Up for sale is the 2,000-square-foot house that belonged to dairy farmer Max Yasgur, along with a larger farmhouse, a barn and 103 bucolic acres about 80 miles north of New York City.
The nearby alfalfa field where the concert was held isn't included in the sale. It's owned by cable magnate Alan Gerry, who turned it into the 4,800-seat Bethel Woods Center last summer.
Yasgur lent out the alfalfa field for the concert after promoters were rejected by officials in the nearby town of Woodstock. About 400,000 people packed the field Aug. 15-17 for the festival that drew the biggest names in music - Jimi Hendrix and the Who among them.
Yasgur and his farm were celebrated in Joni Mitchell's song "Woodstock," popularized by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young with the line: "I'm going on down to Yasgur's farm. I'm going to join in a rock 'n' roll band."
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Financing That Fits
While there are many different types of residential real estate mortgages, fixed rate mortgages and adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) are the most common.
• Fixed rate residential real estate mortgages: Fixed-rate mortgages set your interest rate prior to closing on your home and the rate does not change for the term of the loan. Many banks allow you to lock in a favorable interest rate several months prior to closing. If you expect rates to rise, you may want to lock in a rate even earlier — usually for a fee based on a percentage of a point (1 point typically equals 1% of your loan).
• Adjustable rate residential real estate mortgages: An adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) has a lower initial interest rate than fixed-rate mortgages, but the rate will vary throughout the term of the loan. The bank can raise your rate in accordance with a rise in interest rates with an adjustment period determining the frequency of your rate change. ARMs generally have an interest rate cap, with yearly and/or lifetime maximums.
• Fixed rate residential real estate mortgages: Fixed-rate mortgages set your interest rate prior to closing on your home and the rate does not change for the term of the loan. Many banks allow you to lock in a favorable interest rate several months prior to closing. If you expect rates to rise, you may want to lock in a rate even earlier — usually for a fee based on a percentage of a point (1 point typically equals 1% of your loan).
• Adjustable rate residential real estate mortgages: An adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) has a lower initial interest rate than fixed-rate mortgages, but the rate will vary throughout the term of the loan. The bank can raise your rate in accordance with a rise in interest rates with an adjustment period determining the frequency of your rate change. ARMs generally have an interest rate cap, with yearly and/or lifetime maximums.
Know What Real Estate You're Buying
For most people, a house is a significant purchase. You want to purchase residential real estate you'll enjoy living in, and that will also sustain and hopefully grow in value. Look for things that can add to, or take away, value in your property.
Pick the right residential real estate location: Find out about the neighborhood. Is it in demand? Are there grocery stores, shopping, and good schools nearby? The “Neighborhood Profile” feature is a great place to start. It gives you important details such as population in the area, average incomes, crime rates, and types of housing nearby.
Get the right residential real estate features: You want features that you like, but it’s good to buy with your property’s resale potential in mind. To find out which features are in demand, browse the local residential real estate ads and see which ones are mentioned frequently.
Check the condition of the home or real estate: Is the roof leak-free? Are there termites? Is the electrical work up to code? Issues like these can add costs after the purchase, so make sure to know about them ahead of time. Consider using a professional inspector who is trained to see things you may not.
Get answers from the seller: Ask the seller or seller’s agent about the residential real estate property. Consider making a list of your top 10 questions. Some states may require that the seller deliver to a buyer a specific form of disclosure statement.
Conduct a home title search: A title search is usually performed by a title company or an attorney, who examines public records to determine the property's legal ownership, loans on the property, and property taxes due. The company or attorney will also find out if there are any liens, which are claims against the property by debtors, or any easements, which give rights to anyone other than you to make limited use of the property, such as for right of way. If there are issues with the title, discuss them with the seller.
Pick the right residential real estate location: Find out about the neighborhood. Is it in demand? Are there grocery stores, shopping, and good schools nearby? The “Neighborhood Profile” feature is a great place to start. It gives you important details such as population in the area, average incomes, crime rates, and types of housing nearby.
Get the right residential real estate features: You want features that you like, but it’s good to buy with your property’s resale potential in mind. To find out which features are in demand, browse the local residential real estate ads and see which ones are mentioned frequently.
Check the condition of the home or real estate: Is the roof leak-free? Are there termites? Is the electrical work up to code? Issues like these can add costs after the purchase, so make sure to know about them ahead of time. Consider using a professional inspector who is trained to see things you may not.
Get answers from the seller: Ask the seller or seller’s agent about the residential real estate property. Consider making a list of your top 10 questions. Some states may require that the seller deliver to a buyer a specific form of disclosure statement.
Conduct a home title search: A title search is usually performed by a title company or an attorney, who examines public records to determine the property's legal ownership, loans on the property, and property taxes due. The company or attorney will also find out if there are any liens, which are claims against the property by debtors, or any easements, which give rights to anyone other than you to make limited use of the property, such as for right of way. If there are issues with the title, discuss them with the seller.
Wastewater Treatment Plant
The QAC Sanitary District currently operates and maintains one wastewater treatment plant divided into four (4) wastewater subdistricts. The Kent Narrows/Stevensville/Grasonville (KN/S/G) treatment plant has a 2.0 MGD capacity and includes the KN/S/G, Cloverfields, and Bay City Subdistricts. With the elimination of the Prospect Bay wastewater treatment plant, and the combination of the service area with KN/S/G, Prospect is now the fourth subdistrict. The same four (4) areas also serve as water subdistricts: Kent Narrows/Stevensville/Grasonville, Cloverfields, Bay City and Prospect Bay (Prospect’s water subarea has also been combined with KNSG).
The KN/S/G Wastewater Subdistrict service area is composed of an eight (8) mile long by three (3) mile wide strip along the Rt.50/301 corridor from Stevensville through Grasonville. The Cloverfields and Bay City Subdistricts extend North and South of Rt.50/301 along Rt.18 and Rt.8, respectively. The KN/S/G treatment plant serves approximately 5,600 sewer accounts which includes 5,900 dwellings.
The KN/S/G Water Subdistrict currently consists of eleven (11) Water Treatment Plants: the Chesapeake Bay Business Park, Stevensville, Kent Island Village, Queen's Landing, Oyster Cove, Thompson Creek, Bayside, Bridgepointe, Grasonville, Riverside and Prospect Water Treatment Plants. These treatment plants service approximately 2,900 water accounts which includes 3,300 dwellings.
The KN/S/G Wastewater Subdistrict service area is composed of an eight (8) mile long by three (3) mile wide strip along the Rt.50/301 corridor from Stevensville through Grasonville. The Cloverfields and Bay City Subdistricts extend North and South of Rt.50/301 along Rt.18 and Rt.8, respectively. The KN/S/G treatment plant serves approximately 5,600 sewer accounts which includes 5,900 dwellings.
The KN/S/G Water Subdistrict currently consists of eleven (11) Water Treatment Plants: the Chesapeake Bay Business Park, Stevensville, Kent Island Village, Queen's Landing, Oyster Cove, Thompson Creek, Bayside, Bridgepointe, Grasonville, Riverside and Prospect Water Treatment Plants. These treatment plants service approximately 2,900 water accounts which includes 3,300 dwellings.
Smart Growth Legislation
In 1997, the State of Maryland enacted “Smart Growth” legislation. Whereas the 1992 Planning Act was intended to encourage growth management and the protection of resources at the local government level, the Smart Growth legislation gives the State programmatic and fiscal authority to require local jurisdictions to implement “smart growth” planning. State fiscal support is provided to areas planned for development and to those already developed.
The centerpiece of the Smart Growth legislative package is the “Priority Funding Areas” law. This law reflects Maryland’s effort to use State funding to direct growth and development within geographic areas that meet specific State criteria.
Local jurisdictions certify these mapped areas as Priority Funding Areas (PFA’s) with the State for targeting State investment in infrastructure. The law generally restricts the use of State funding for roads, water and sewer plants, economic development and other growth-related needs to PFA’s.
In 2002 the County adopted a new county-wide Plan that conforms to the 1992 Planning Act and the Smart Growth Legislation of 1997.
The 2002 Queen Anne’s Comprehensive Plan addressed two themes: encouraging and directing growth into the existing communities and growth areas (Kent Narrows, Chester, Stevensville, Grasonville, Queenstown, and Centreville) and the continued effort to preserve agricultural lands.
A residential buildout analysis completed with the 2002 Plan based on vacant land inventory resulted in a theoretical maximum of 39,000 additional dwelling units for the entire county, with 20,000 dwellings located within the designated growth areas and 19,000 dwelling units in the non-growth areas.
Recognizing the impact of sensitive areas, natural resources and other site conditions, probable maximums of 50% to 75% of the theoretical total were also calculated, providing a more realistic residential buildout forecast of 20,000 to 30,000 additional dwelling units for the county.
A buildout analysis should be contemplated in the context of time. Historic building permit data indicates an average of 400 permits per calendar year. At that rate, it would take 97.5 years to buildout. However, if the more recent 200 permits per year rate were considered, it would take 195 years.
Read:Wastewater Treatment Plant
The centerpiece of the Smart Growth legislative package is the “Priority Funding Areas” law. This law reflects Maryland’s effort to use State funding to direct growth and development within geographic areas that meet specific State criteria.
Local jurisdictions certify these mapped areas as Priority Funding Areas (PFA’s) with the State for targeting State investment in infrastructure. The law generally restricts the use of State funding for roads, water and sewer plants, economic development and other growth-related needs to PFA’s.
In 2002 the County adopted a new county-wide Plan that conforms to the 1992 Planning Act and the Smart Growth Legislation of 1997.
The 2002 Queen Anne’s Comprehensive Plan addressed two themes: encouraging and directing growth into the existing communities and growth areas (Kent Narrows, Chester, Stevensville, Grasonville, Queenstown, and Centreville) and the continued effort to preserve agricultural lands.
A residential buildout analysis completed with the 2002 Plan based on vacant land inventory resulted in a theoretical maximum of 39,000 additional dwelling units for the entire county, with 20,000 dwellings located within the designated growth areas and 19,000 dwelling units in the non-growth areas.
Recognizing the impact of sensitive areas, natural resources and other site conditions, probable maximums of 50% to 75% of the theoretical total were also calculated, providing a more realistic residential buildout forecast of 20,000 to 30,000 additional dwelling units for the county.
A buildout analysis should be contemplated in the context of time. Historic building permit data indicates an average of 400 permits per calendar year. At that rate, it would take 97.5 years to buildout. However, if the more recent 200 permits per year rate were considered, it would take 195 years.
Read:Wastewater Treatment Plant
1993 Comprehensive Plan Update
In 1993, Queen Anne’s County adopted a second major Comprehensive Plan Update. The 1993 Plan reaffirmed the guiding principles of the 1987 Plan and added policies to assure compliance with the mandates of the 1992 Planning Act. Queen Anne’s County was the first county in Maryland to adopt a plan consistent with the State’s 1992 Planning Act.
One of the major recommendations of the 1993 Plan Update was that specific development plans should be prepared for each of the County’s six designated Growth Areas: Stevensville, Chester, Kent Narrows, Grasonville, Queenstown and Centreville.
Each Growth Area plan was intended to address land use, transportation, infrastructure and community design issues particular to that area of the County. Each growth area plan, once adopted, became a part of the 1993 Comprehensive Plan.
In short, the Planning Act requires local governments to concentrate growth in and around existing developed areas, promote economic development and protect sensitive natural resources. The Act also requires that all State and local government investments in infrastructure (roads, sewer, water, schools, etc.) are consistent with adopted local growth management plans.
The essential framework of the 1987 Plan and acreages dedicated to the specific uses remained the same. The maximum theoretical buildout under the 1993 Plan and subsequent 1994 rezonings, taking into consideration Critical Area regulations, was 54,700 dwellings, of which only 41 percent could be built in the agricultural/rural areas of the County.
In 1995, the County began preparation of community plans for Queenstown, Centreville and Chester. The County Commissioners adopted the Chester Community Plan and the associated comprehensive zoning changes needed to implement that Plan in 1997. The plans for Queenstown and Centreville involved County coordination with the governments of each incorporated municipality. The County and Towns, with help from appointed citizen advisory committees, consultants and County Planning Department staff, prepared draft community plans that were adopted in 1998.
Community Plans for Grasonville and Stevensville were begun in 1997. These plans were also prepared with assistance from appointed citizen advisory committees, consultants and Planning Department staff. Both plans were adopted in 1998 with follow-up comprehensive zoning changes occurring in 1999.
Read: Smart Growth
One of the major recommendations of the 1993 Plan Update was that specific development plans should be prepared for each of the County’s six designated Growth Areas: Stevensville, Chester, Kent Narrows, Grasonville, Queenstown and Centreville.
Each Growth Area plan was intended to address land use, transportation, infrastructure and community design issues particular to that area of the County. Each growth area plan, once adopted, became a part of the 1993 Comprehensive Plan.
In short, the Planning Act requires local governments to concentrate growth in and around existing developed areas, promote economic development and protect sensitive natural resources. The Act also requires that all State and local government investments in infrastructure (roads, sewer, water, schools, etc.) are consistent with adopted local growth management plans.
The essential framework of the 1987 Plan and acreages dedicated to the specific uses remained the same. The maximum theoretical buildout under the 1993 Plan and subsequent 1994 rezonings, taking into consideration Critical Area regulations, was 54,700 dwellings, of which only 41 percent could be built in the agricultural/rural areas of the County.
In 1995, the County began preparation of community plans for Queenstown, Centreville and Chester. The County Commissioners adopted the Chester Community Plan and the associated comprehensive zoning changes needed to implement that Plan in 1997. The plans for Queenstown and Centreville involved County coordination with the governments of each incorporated municipality. The County and Towns, with help from appointed citizen advisory committees, consultants and County Planning Department staff, prepared draft community plans that were adopted in 1998.
Community Plans for Grasonville and Stevensville were begun in 1997. These plans were also prepared with assistance from appointed citizen advisory committees, consultants and Planning Department staff. Both plans were adopted in 1998 with follow-up comprehensive zoning changes occurring in 1999.
Read: Smart Growth
Growth Allocation Defined
Growth Allocation is limited to 5 percent of the County’s overall total Resource Conservation Area (RCA), less State tidal wetlands and Federally owned lands.
“Growth allocation” permits RCA land to be remapped as LDA or IDA lands or LDA land to be remapped as IDA lands. As a result, at the outset of the Critical Area Program, Queen Anne’s County had a total of 1,528 acres of Growth Allocation available, with 153 acres that were pre-mapped during the initial program adoption.
The Growth Allocation process was established with the adoption of the Critical Area Ordinance. Amendment of the development area classification is on a project-by-project basis and all conversions count against the County’s total allocation.
Taken together, the 1987 Comprehensive Plan and the 1989 Critical Area Program accomplished three significant growth management objectives:
1. The overall development potential of the County was significantly reduced as a result of development restrictions on agricultural and waterfront lands. This was accomplished at a time when the County’s population was relatively small and the vast majority of its land was undeveloped. Unlike the suburban Western Shore counties, Queen Anne’s County adopted substantial growth controls before market driven development consumed much of the County’s rural and waterfront lands.
2. Zoning districts and Critical Area mapping were arranged in such a way as to direct the majority of new development to within and around existing communities that had infrastructure or had the potential for infrastructure expansion. Vacant lands within and on the perimeter of existing communities were generally planned for future development. Rural areas were generally planned to stay rural, an approach to land use management later endorsed in the Statewide 1992 Planning Act.
3. Environmental protection standards for sensitive areas such as tidal wetlands, non-tidal wetlands, forests and habitat areas were are now firmly integrated into development regulations. A combination of local and State regulations ensured that new development projects were reviewed for their impact on the environment. Read: 1993 Comprehensive Update
“Growth allocation” permits RCA land to be remapped as LDA or IDA lands or LDA land to be remapped as IDA lands. As a result, at the outset of the Critical Area Program, Queen Anne’s County had a total of 1,528 acres of Growth Allocation available, with 153 acres that were pre-mapped during the initial program adoption.
The Growth Allocation process was established with the adoption of the Critical Area Ordinance. Amendment of the development area classification is on a project-by-project basis and all conversions count against the County’s total allocation.
Taken together, the 1987 Comprehensive Plan and the 1989 Critical Area Program accomplished three significant growth management objectives:
1. The overall development potential of the County was significantly reduced as a result of development restrictions on agricultural and waterfront lands. This was accomplished at a time when the County’s population was relatively small and the vast majority of its land was undeveloped. Unlike the suburban Western Shore counties, Queen Anne’s County adopted substantial growth controls before market driven development consumed much of the County’s rural and waterfront lands.
2. Zoning districts and Critical Area mapping were arranged in such a way as to direct the majority of new development to within and around existing communities that had infrastructure or had the potential for infrastructure expansion. Vacant lands within and on the perimeter of existing communities were generally planned for future development. Rural areas were generally planned to stay rural, an approach to land use management later endorsed in the Statewide 1992 Planning Act.
3. Environmental protection standards for sensitive areas such as tidal wetlands, non-tidal wetlands, forests and habitat areas were are now firmly integrated into development regulations. A combination of local and State regulations ensured that new development projects were reviewed for their impact on the environment. Read: 1993 Comprehensive Update
Critical Area Program 1989
In 1989, the County adopted its Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Program, implementing ordinances and maps in accordance with State law. The Critical Area is generally defined as all lands within 1,000 feet of the shoreline or head of tidal waters for the Bay proper and its tidal tributaries.
The Critical Areas Program and Maps are considered as overlays to County zoning regulations and maps. All land within the Critical Area is designated into one of three categories.
These land use designations of IDA (Intensely Developed Areas), LDA (Limited Development Areas) and RCA (Resource Conservation Areas) were applied based on land use patterns as of December 1, 1985.
Areas designated IDA are those where existing residential, commercial, institutional and/or industrial developed land uses predominate and relatively little natural habitat, if any, remains. Therefore, IDA lands are permitted to develop at the densities and intensities allowable under the County’s zoning ordinance.
LDA lands are areas currently developed in low or moderate intensity uses but still contain some area of natural plant and animal habitats, and where the quality of stormwater runoff has not been substantially altered or impaired. LDA lands are permitted to develop at the density permitted by the County zoning ordinance, but are limited to 15 percent impervious coverage with a few exceptions.
RCA lands are those characterized by natural-dominated environments such as wetlands, forests, abandoned fields, and is utilized for resource related activities including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and aquaculture. Density is limited one (1) dwelling unit per 20 acres and the land cannot be re-zoned for institutional, industrial or commercial development.
State law governing the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area regulations provides little discretion for local governments to change environmental protection standards. The County’s local Critical Area regulations are essentially prescribed by the State.
However, in accordance with State law, the County does have the ability to change a limited amount of Critical Area mapping in order to facilitate local growth management objectives. Read: Growth Allocation
The Critical Areas Program and Maps are considered as overlays to County zoning regulations and maps. All land within the Critical Area is designated into one of three categories.
These land use designations of IDA (Intensely Developed Areas), LDA (Limited Development Areas) and RCA (Resource Conservation Areas) were applied based on land use patterns as of December 1, 1985.
Areas designated IDA are those where existing residential, commercial, institutional and/or industrial developed land uses predominate and relatively little natural habitat, if any, remains. Therefore, IDA lands are permitted to develop at the densities and intensities allowable under the County’s zoning ordinance.
LDA lands are areas currently developed in low or moderate intensity uses but still contain some area of natural plant and animal habitats, and where the quality of stormwater runoff has not been substantially altered or impaired. LDA lands are permitted to develop at the density permitted by the County zoning ordinance, but are limited to 15 percent impervious coverage with a few exceptions.
RCA lands are those characterized by natural-dominated environments such as wetlands, forests, abandoned fields, and is utilized for resource related activities including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and aquaculture. Density is limited one (1) dwelling unit per 20 acres and the land cannot be re-zoned for institutional, industrial or commercial development.
State law governing the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area regulations provides little discretion for local governments to change environmental protection standards. The County’s local Critical Area regulations are essentially prescribed by the State.
However, in accordance with State law, the County does have the ability to change a limited amount of Critical Area mapping in order to facilitate local growth management objectives. Read: Growth Allocation
Comprehensive Plan Update 1987
The County updated its Comprehensive Land Use Plan again in 1987, fourteen years after the opening of the second Bay Bridge and six years after the construction of the Kent Narrows/ Stevensville/ Grasonville (KNS&G) wastewater treatment plant.
The 1987 Comprehensive Plan’s primary goals and objectives were to preserve and protect the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, to maintain the County’s existing rural character and to preserve and protect large areas of the County for agricultural use. The Plan proposed to meet those objectives by reducing the number of dwelling units in the agricultural and rural areas, to improve the overall quality of housing stock, and to address the relative lack of affordable housing.
The growth management component of the 1987 Plan intended to limit urban sprawl and concentrate or direct new growth into areas designated as “growth nodes” where growth could be adequately serviced by public infrastructure and directed away from environmentally sensitive and rural areas. These “nodes” included Stevensville, Chester, Kent Narrows, Grasonville, and the incorporated towns of Queenstown and Centreville.
After the Plan was adopted, the County completed a comprehensive down-zoning process and adopted a new set of zoning and subdivision regulations. Inland agricultural areas were “down zoned” to one house per every eight acres with a condition that the homes be clustered on 15 percent of the site with 85 percent to remain as open space. Waterfront areas were “down zoned” to one house per every five acres with similar cluster and open space restrictions.
With the rezoning of the entire County, the new zoning classifications resulted in approximately:
10 percent of the County dedicated to residential uses
1 percent to commercial and industrial
89 percent to agricultural/rural uses.
The 1987 down-zoning reduced the maximum theoretical buildout in the County to 60,500 dwelling units or 161,000 people, only 44 percent of which could be located in the agriculture/rural areas.
In addition, the 3,300 acres of commercial/industrial acreage proposed in the 1965 Plan was reduced to approximately 780 acres under the 1987 Plan. When compared to the 1965 Comprehensive Plan, the 1987 Plan initiated an obvious and significant overall decrease in the long-term development potential of the County.
Read:Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Program
The 1987 Comprehensive Plan’s primary goals and objectives were to preserve and protect the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, to maintain the County’s existing rural character and to preserve and protect large areas of the County for agricultural use. The Plan proposed to meet those objectives by reducing the number of dwelling units in the agricultural and rural areas, to improve the overall quality of housing stock, and to address the relative lack of affordable housing.
The growth management component of the 1987 Plan intended to limit urban sprawl and concentrate or direct new growth into areas designated as “growth nodes” where growth could be adequately serviced by public infrastructure and directed away from environmentally sensitive and rural areas. These “nodes” included Stevensville, Chester, Kent Narrows, Grasonville, and the incorporated towns of Queenstown and Centreville.
After the Plan was adopted, the County completed a comprehensive down-zoning process and adopted a new set of zoning and subdivision regulations. Inland agricultural areas were “down zoned” to one house per every eight acres with a condition that the homes be clustered on 15 percent of the site with 85 percent to remain as open space. Waterfront areas were “down zoned” to one house per every five acres with similar cluster and open space restrictions.
With the rezoning of the entire County, the new zoning classifications resulted in approximately:
10 percent of the County dedicated to residential uses
1 percent to commercial and industrial
89 percent to agricultural/rural uses.
The 1987 down-zoning reduced the maximum theoretical buildout in the County to 60,500 dwelling units or 161,000 people, only 44 percent of which could be located in the agriculture/rural areas.
In addition, the 3,300 acres of commercial/industrial acreage proposed in the 1965 Plan was reduced to approximately 780 acres under the 1987 Plan. When compared to the 1965 Comprehensive Plan, the 1987 Plan initiated an obvious and significant overall decrease in the long-term development potential of the County.
Read:Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Program
History: Sewer Treatment Plant
Several factors contributed to the ultimate construction of the County’s sewer treatment plant. They included the steadily increasing growth of year round-residents on Kent Island, an increasing number of septic system failures, and the adverse impacts on shellfish in waters contaminated by septic system discharges to groundwater. As a result, the County was able to secure significant Federal and State grant funds to remedy these conditions.
The construction of a public sewerage system for the Chester, Stevensville, Kent Narrows and Grasonville wastewater subdistricts was completed in 1981 utilizing EPA grants. The initial facilities, which came on-line in 1982, consisted of a vacuum collection and force main transmission systems along the US 50/301 corridor and an 800,000 gallon per day treatment plant. The plant was re-rated to 1.0 million gallon per day (mgd) in May of 1986, and doubled to 2.0 mgd in 1990 at a cost of $6.5 million.
One of the principle factors in locating the treatment plant was the need to maximize the area of the mixing zone where the treated effluent was discharged and the waters receiving the treated effluent. Because the Chesapeake Bay would provide the maximum dilution, a site adjacent to the Bay was the clear and obvious choice.
The current site on the eastern edge of Kent Island, north of US 50/301 was chosen because of this location next to the Chesapeake Bay and its proximity to the area to be served with public sewer. In addition, the closer the proximity of the treatment plant to the receiving water, the lower the cost of the plant construction.
Consequently, the availability of sewer had a significant impact on the development potential of the Kent Narrows, the Stevensville and Chester communities on Kent Island, and Grasonville areas. The treatment facility addressed the failing septic systems and allowed properties to be developed that otherwise had not yet been since they did not pass percolation tests under the State’s Wet Season Standards developed in 1973 or the On-site Construction Standards developed in 1985. See 1987 Comprehensive Update
The construction of a public sewerage system for the Chester, Stevensville, Kent Narrows and Grasonville wastewater subdistricts was completed in 1981 utilizing EPA grants. The initial facilities, which came on-line in 1982, consisted of a vacuum collection and force main transmission systems along the US 50/301 corridor and an 800,000 gallon per day treatment plant. The plant was re-rated to 1.0 million gallon per day (mgd) in May of 1986, and doubled to 2.0 mgd in 1990 at a cost of $6.5 million.
One of the principle factors in locating the treatment plant was the need to maximize the area of the mixing zone where the treated effluent was discharged and the waters receiving the treated effluent. Because the Chesapeake Bay would provide the maximum dilution, a site adjacent to the Bay was the clear and obvious choice.
The current site on the eastern edge of Kent Island, north of US 50/301 was chosen because of this location next to the Chesapeake Bay and its proximity to the area to be served with public sewer. In addition, the closer the proximity of the treatment plant to the receiving water, the lower the cost of the plant construction.
Consequently, the availability of sewer had a significant impact on the development potential of the Kent Narrows, the Stevensville and Chester communities on Kent Island, and Grasonville areas. The treatment facility addressed the failing septic systems and allowed properties to be developed that otherwise had not yet been since they did not pass percolation tests under the State’s Wet Season Standards developed in 1973 or the On-site Construction Standards developed in 1985. See 1987 Comprehensive Update
1960's & Chesapeake Bay Bridge
In the 1960’s, much of the land along the US 50/301 corridor from Stevensville on Kent Island across the Kent Narrows and into Grasonville was zoned for commercial development. Otherwise, the County’s vast agricultural and waterfront areas typically were zoned for one house per every one or two acres.
The maximum theoretical buildout of the County, based on the 1965 Comprehensive Plan, was approximately 261,000 dwellings, translating into an equivalent of 880,000 people based on 3.36 people per household; demographics have changed in the past 40 years leading to smaller households, but in 1965 this was the average.
However, with permitted densities of 1-2 dwellings per acre in the agricultural district, conceivably 66 percent of the development (172,000 dwellings or 577,000 people) could have been located in this area of the County devoted to farming. Also, under the proposals of the 1965 Plan 3,300 acres of commercial and industrial building coverage was theoretically possible.
Bay Bridge
The completion of the second span of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in 1973 was long awaited by the many travelers anxious to “reach the beach.” The second span also played an important role in the development of Kent Island as the commute became easier to employment centers on the Western Shore in Annapolis, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
As a result, the Kent Island and Grasonville areas became much more attractive bedroom communities and provided the catalyst for additional development pressures, such as retail services and marinas, which also necessitated new infrastructure. Sewer Treatment Plant
The maximum theoretical buildout of the County, based on the 1965 Comprehensive Plan, was approximately 261,000 dwellings, translating into an equivalent of 880,000 people based on 3.36 people per household; demographics have changed in the past 40 years leading to smaller households, but in 1965 this was the average.
However, with permitted densities of 1-2 dwellings per acre in the agricultural district, conceivably 66 percent of the development (172,000 dwellings or 577,000 people) could have been located in this area of the County devoted to farming. Also, under the proposals of the 1965 Plan 3,300 acres of commercial and industrial building coverage was theoretically possible.
Bay Bridge
The completion of the second span of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in 1973 was long awaited by the many travelers anxious to “reach the beach.” The second span also played an important role in the development of Kent Island as the commute became easier to employment centers on the Western Shore in Annapolis, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
As a result, the Kent Island and Grasonville areas became much more attractive bedroom communities and provided the catalyst for additional development pressures, such as retail services and marinas, which also necessitated new infrastructure. Sewer Treatment Plant
First Comprehensive Plan 1965
The information has been copied from the 2006 Tricentennial Publication.
The shores of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries are proving to be an important factor in attracting people to live and play in this County…” This quote is from the County’s first Comprehensive Land Use Plan in 1965 and its supporting analysis of the County at that time indicated there was evidence of the population “clustering” at many locations along the County’s extensive shorelines.
Among the County’s most prominent physical features are the tidewater bays and estuaries that indent the land and divide the western portion of the County into a series of peninsulas and islands. The County has 258 miles of shorelines formed by numerous rivers, creeks and coves including the Chester River, Corsica River, Wye River and the Eastern Bay.
Queen Anne’s County was first settled almost 400 years ago when Captain John Smith sailed up the Chesapeake in 1608 and landed on Kent Island, but it was almost another 100 years before the County was officially “founded” in 1706 and named for the reigning British monarch, Queen Anne.
Kent Island has continued to serve as a gateway onto Maryland’s Eastern Shore, at first bringing passengers by steamboat and ferry service to Love Point, where they would make rail connections to the Bay-side and Ocean-side resorts, and continuing with the construction of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge so Western Shore vacationers can reach the beach.
Development pressure was increasing in the County in the 1960’s as a result of the opening of the first Chesapeake Bay Bridge in 1952. By 1964, land speculators had already subdivided approximately 9,000 small lots in Queen Anne’s County, of which 80 percent of those lots were on Kent Island. The remaining 20 percent were along the Chester River waterfront.
All of these lots were created prior to the existence of any type of standards for soil performance to determine suitability for on-site septic systems. Public sewer did not exist nor were assurances or provisions for it considered at that time. And, environmental protection standards in the County’s first Comprehensive Plan and ordinances adopted 40 years ago were minimal. More QAC History
The shores of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries are proving to be an important factor in attracting people to live and play in this County…” This quote is from the County’s first Comprehensive Land Use Plan in 1965 and its supporting analysis of the County at that time indicated there was evidence of the population “clustering” at many locations along the County’s extensive shorelines.
Among the County’s most prominent physical features are the tidewater bays and estuaries that indent the land and divide the western portion of the County into a series of peninsulas and islands. The County has 258 miles of shorelines formed by numerous rivers, creeks and coves including the Chester River, Corsica River, Wye River and the Eastern Bay.
Queen Anne’s County was first settled almost 400 years ago when Captain John Smith sailed up the Chesapeake in 1608 and landed on Kent Island, but it was almost another 100 years before the County was officially “founded” in 1706 and named for the reigning British monarch, Queen Anne.
Kent Island has continued to serve as a gateway onto Maryland’s Eastern Shore, at first bringing passengers by steamboat and ferry service to Love Point, where they would make rail connections to the Bay-side and Ocean-side resorts, and continuing with the construction of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge so Western Shore vacationers can reach the beach.
Development pressure was increasing in the County in the 1960’s as a result of the opening of the first Chesapeake Bay Bridge in 1952. By 1964, land speculators had already subdivided approximately 9,000 small lots in Queen Anne’s County, of which 80 percent of those lots were on Kent Island. The remaining 20 percent were along the Chester River waterfront.
All of these lots were created prior to the existence of any type of standards for soil performance to determine suitability for on-site septic systems. Public sewer did not exist nor were assurances or provisions for it considered at that time. And, environmental protection standards in the County’s first Comprehensive Plan and ordinances adopted 40 years ago were minimal. More QAC History
QAC Land Use
First Comprehensive Plan 1965
1960's & Chesapeake Bay Bridge
History: Sewer Treatment Plant
Comprehensive Update Plan 1987
Critical Area Plan 1989
Growth Allocation Defined
1993 Comprehensive Plan Update
Smart Growth Legislation
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Current Development Proposals
Ordinances That Affect Building Homes
QAC Land Preservation Programs
Langenfelder Purchase
1960's & Chesapeake Bay Bridge
History: Sewer Treatment Plant
Comprehensive Update Plan 1987
Critical Area Plan 1989
Growth Allocation Defined
1993 Comprehensive Plan Update
Smart Growth Legislation
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Current Development Proposals
Ordinances That Affect Building Homes
QAC Land Preservation Programs
Langenfelder Purchase
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Langenfelder Property
(Reprinted with permission from the Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources)
On Wednesday, August 1, Governor Martin O’Malley announced Board of Public Works (BPW) approval of more than $12 million in Program Open Space funding that will preserve a unique Bay-front property in Queen Anne’s County and provide for 13 local projects.
The BPW approved the State’s purchase of the 74-acre Langenfelder property located on the northern tip of Kent Island, north of Stevensville. The $7.2 million acquisition will preserve an important natural and historic site, provide for public recreation, enhance existing land and water trails, serve as a living classroom for environmental education, safeguard wildlife habitat, and allow for significant restoration activities to improve water quality.
This property represents a confluence of opportunities to help preserve and restore the Chesapeake Bay and will help our state expand public access to this natural treasure,” said Gov. Martin O’Malley. “Program Open Space is nationally-recognized program that has been used to protect over 320,000 aces in our State from sprawl and development.”
Situated at the mouth of the Chester River, the property offers excellent water access opportunities for the citizens of Maryland, particularly with the existence of a deep water port, a rarity along Chesapeake Bay shorelines.
The port facility is expected to provide a safe harbor for watermen and boaters and become a part of the Chesapeake Bay Water Trails System. The waterfront facility will enable visitors on small watercraft to explore the Bay through short day trips to areas of interest, such as the Chesapeake Exploration Center at Kent Narrows, Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center or the Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge.
“With access to deep water, an extensive shoreline, a lake area and other amenities, the property is a tremendous opportunity to provide a vast number of Marylanders with important outdoor experiences that can help reconnect residents with some of Maryland’s most valuable natural areas,” said Kim Coble, Maryland Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
For the next five years, Langenfelder Marine, Inc. will continue to lease back approximately 12 acres of the property for the continuation of its existing business operations, resulting in $1,075,000 in revenue for the State Forest and Park Reserve Fund.
Restoration and other enhancements on the balance of the property are expected to begin soon after the transaction is completed. DNR’s long-term restoration goals for the property include enhancing the habitat for native bird species, establishing wetlands to reduce nutrient inputs into the Bay, and establishing living shorelines.
On Wednesday, August 1, Governor Martin O’Malley announced Board of Public Works (BPW) approval of more than $12 million in Program Open Space funding that will preserve a unique Bay-front property in Queen Anne’s County and provide for 13 local projects.
The BPW approved the State’s purchase of the 74-acre Langenfelder property located on the northern tip of Kent Island, north of Stevensville. The $7.2 million acquisition will preserve an important natural and historic site, provide for public recreation, enhance existing land and water trails, serve as a living classroom for environmental education, safeguard wildlife habitat, and allow for significant restoration activities to improve water quality.
This property represents a confluence of opportunities to help preserve and restore the Chesapeake Bay and will help our state expand public access to this natural treasure,” said Gov. Martin O’Malley. “Program Open Space is nationally-recognized program that has been used to protect over 320,000 aces in our State from sprawl and development.”
Situated at the mouth of the Chester River, the property offers excellent water access opportunities for the citizens of Maryland, particularly with the existence of a deep water port, a rarity along Chesapeake Bay shorelines.
The port facility is expected to provide a safe harbor for watermen and boaters and become a part of the Chesapeake Bay Water Trails System. The waterfront facility will enable visitors on small watercraft to explore the Bay through short day trips to areas of interest, such as the Chesapeake Exploration Center at Kent Narrows, Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center or the Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge.
“With access to deep water, an extensive shoreline, a lake area and other amenities, the property is a tremendous opportunity to provide a vast number of Marylanders with important outdoor experiences that can help reconnect residents with some of Maryland’s most valuable natural areas,” said Kim Coble, Maryland Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
For the next five years, Langenfelder Marine, Inc. will continue to lease back approximately 12 acres of the property for the continuation of its existing business operations, resulting in $1,075,000 in revenue for the State Forest and Park Reserve Fund.
Restoration and other enhancements on the balance of the property are expected to begin soon after the transaction is completed. DNR’s long-term restoration goals for the property include enhancing the habitat for native bird species, establishing wetlands to reduce nutrient inputs into the Bay, and establishing living shorelines.
Friday, August 3, 2007
QAC Foreclosures-August 2007
Queen Anne's County Foreclosure Search Results: 52 Listings
According to Realty Trac- an online service there is approximately:
http://www.realtytrac.com/freeSearchResult.asp?selCounties=MDQA&accnt=64812#251
Pre-Foreclosure Properties - 4
Auction Properties - 8
Bank Owned - 2
FSBO Properties- 7
Resale Properties - 23
NewHome Properties - 8
Read More Foreclosure News
According to Realty Trac- an online service there is approximately:
http://www.realtytrac.com/freeSearchResult.asp?selCounties=MDQA&accnt=64812#251
Pre-Foreclosure Properties - 4
Auction Properties - 8
Bank Owned - 2
FSBO Properties- 7
Resale Properties - 23
NewHome Properties - 8
Read More Foreclosure News
Number of QAC Realtors
According to the Bay Area Realtors Association, http://bayarearealtors.com/ the approximate number of paying members is set at 409 (that includes the primary and secondary members). Secondary members include Realtors from other counties outside of Queen Anne's, Kent, and Caroline counties.
Between November 2006 and June 2007- there was a total of 61 members who were terminated from BAAR as a result of transfers, referrals, transfer to other boards or other personal and professional reasons.
However, between November 2006 and June 2007 - there was a total of 35 new members.
Any declines in the membership will not be available until January 2008.
Information:
Bay Area Assoc. of Realtors®
206 Banjo LaneCentreville, MD 21617
410-758-4866 (phone)
410-758- 4832 (fax)
Between November 2006 and June 2007- there was a total of 61 members who were terminated from BAAR as a result of transfers, referrals, transfer to other boards or other personal and professional reasons.
However, between November 2006 and June 2007 - there was a total of 35 new members.
Any declines in the membership will not be available until January 2008.
Information:
Bay Area Assoc. of Realtors®
206 Banjo LaneCentreville, MD 21617
410-758-4866 (phone)
410-758- 4832 (fax)
Hulk Hogan Selling His Mansion
(I know this doesn't pertain to QAC, but it is an interesting tid bit for real estate buffs).
Wrestler Hulk Hogan is selling his palatial French Country-inspired estate in Bellair, Fla., located just west of Tampa. And Dracula could be on the market, too.
The creation of Hogan's 17,145-sq. ft. mansion was a family affair. The wrestler's wife Linda coordinated the venture while his mother-in-law, an interior designer, created an interior fit for a king. His brother-in-law, a builder, was responsible for the contracting work.
Some perks include an in-ground swimming pool, massive gym, a view of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico, private docks, two separate garages, and a library featuring hand-carved antique pine paneling and built-in bookshelves. The home is gated and set on nearly two acres.
In the Transylvania region of Romania, meanwhile, Archduke Dominic Habsburg and his family have retained a private investment firm, Baytree Capital, to create a long-term strategic plan for the enhancement and preservation of historic Bran Castle.
The castle has tremendous historical significance, both real and mythical. It is known throughout the world as Dracula's Castle, an association that can be traced back to Irish author Bram Stoker, who used Bran Castle as his inspiration for the settings of his classic 1897 novel, Dracula.
The castle is one of Romania's top tourist attractions, mostly because of its connection to vampires. Archduke Domonic Habsburg's grandmother, Queen Marie, and her family lived in the castle in the early part of the 20th Century. The 700-year-old castle was seized from the family by the communist regime in 1948, and was converted into a museum in the late 1950s. It was returned to the Habsburg family by the Romanian government in 2006.
Wrestler Hulk Hogan is selling his palatial French Country-inspired estate in Bellair, Fla., located just west of Tampa. And Dracula could be on the market, too.
The creation of Hogan's 17,145-sq. ft. mansion was a family affair. The wrestler's wife Linda coordinated the venture while his mother-in-law, an interior designer, created an interior fit for a king. His brother-in-law, a builder, was responsible for the contracting work.
Some perks include an in-ground swimming pool, massive gym, a view of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico, private docks, two separate garages, and a library featuring hand-carved antique pine paneling and built-in bookshelves. The home is gated and set on nearly two acres.
In the Transylvania region of Romania, meanwhile, Archduke Dominic Habsburg and his family have retained a private investment firm, Baytree Capital, to create a long-term strategic plan for the enhancement and preservation of historic Bran Castle.
The castle has tremendous historical significance, both real and mythical. It is known throughout the world as Dracula's Castle, an association that can be traced back to Irish author Bram Stoker, who used Bran Castle as his inspiration for the settings of his classic 1897 novel, Dracula.
The castle is one of Romania's top tourist attractions, mostly because of its connection to vampires. Archduke Domonic Habsburg's grandmother, Queen Marie, and her family lived in the castle in the early part of the 20th Century. The 700-year-old castle was seized from the family by the communist regime in 1948, and was converted into a museum in the late 1950s. It was returned to the Habsburg family by the Romanian government in 2006.
Foreclosure Activity 2007- Yikes!
(Queen Anne's County foreclosure properties-to come)
An online marketplace for foreclosure properties, released its Midyear 2007 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, which shows a total of 925,986 foreclosure filings — default notices, auction sale notices and bank repossessions — were reported on 573,397 properties nationwide during the first six months of the year, up more than 30% from the previous six-month period and up more than 55% from the first six months of 2006.
The report also shows a foreclosure rate of one foreclosure filing for every 134 U.S. households for the first half of the year.
“Despite a slight drop in June, foreclosure activity shows no sign of slowing down,” noted James J. Saccacio, chief executive officer of RealtyTrac. “Based on the rate of foreclosure activity in the first half of 2007, we could easily surpass 2 million foreclosure filings by the end of the year, which would represent a year-over-year increase of over 65 percent.”
Nevada, Colorado, California post top foreclosure rates
The bottom line, is that no matter how you count — by individual households or by the total number of foreclosure filings — foreclosure activity is up significantly in 2007.
For more information, visit http://www.realtytrac.com/
or http://donotlist.blogspot.com/2007/08/md-bubble-economy-feels-chill-wind-from.html
An online marketplace for foreclosure properties, released its Midyear 2007 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, which shows a total of 925,986 foreclosure filings — default notices, auction sale notices and bank repossessions — were reported on 573,397 properties nationwide during the first six months of the year, up more than 30% from the previous six-month period and up more than 55% from the first six months of 2006.
The report also shows a foreclosure rate of one foreclosure filing for every 134 U.S. households for the first half of the year.
“Despite a slight drop in June, foreclosure activity shows no sign of slowing down,” noted James J. Saccacio, chief executive officer of RealtyTrac. “Based on the rate of foreclosure activity in the first half of 2007, we could easily surpass 2 million foreclosure filings by the end of the year, which would represent a year-over-year increase of over 65 percent.”
Nevada, Colorado, California post top foreclosure rates
The bottom line, is that no matter how you count — by individual households or by the total number of foreclosure filings — foreclosure activity is up significantly in 2007.
For more information, visit http://www.realtytrac.com/
or http://donotlist.blogspot.com/2007/08/md-bubble-economy-feels-chill-wind-from.html
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Zoning Codes
Zoning Code Descriptions
E-ESTATE DIST
AG-AGR DIST
CS-COUNTRYSIDE DIST
NC-NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION
SC-SUBURBAN COMM DIST
SE-SUBURBAN ESTATE DIST
SI-SUBURBAN IND DIST
SR-SUBURBAN RES DIST
TC-TOWN CENTER DIST
UC-URBAN COMM DIST
UR-URBAN RES DIST
VC-VILLAGE CENTER DIST
NC1-NEIGH CONSRV DIST-1 AC
NC2-NEIGH CONSRV DIST-2 AC
NC8-NEIGH CONSRV DIST-8,000 SF
WVC-WATERFRONT VILLAGE CENTER
CMPD-CHESTER MASTER-PLAN DEV DIST
CS/E-COUNTRYSIDE DIST-ESTATE DIST
CSAG-COUNTRYSIDE DIST-AGR DIST
GPRN-GRASONVILLE PLAN RES NEIGHBOR
I-SI-SUBURBAN IND DIST
I-SR-SUBURBAN RES DIST
NC-1-NEIGH CONSRV DIST-1 AC
NC-2-NEIGH CONSRV DIST-2 AC
NC-5-NEIGH CONSRV DIST-5 AC
NC-8-NEIGH CONSRV DIST-8,000 SF
NC1A-NEIGH CONSRV DIST-1 AC
NC1T-NGH CNSRV DIST-1AC-SNGL W M HM
NC20-NEIGH CONSRV DIST-20,000 SF
NC5A-NEIGH CONSRV DIST-5 AC
NC8T-NGH CNS DST8,000SF-SNGL W M HM
SC/R-SUBURBAN COMM DIST
SCCS-SUBR CMM DIST-COUNTRYSIDE DIST
SCSE-SUBR CMM DIST-SUBR EST DIST
SCSI-SUBR CMM DIST-SUBR IND DIST
SCVC-SUBR CMM DIST-VILLAGE CNT DIST
SI/E-SUBURBAN IND DIST-ESTATE DIST
SMPD-STEVENSVILLE MAST PLAN DEV
VCAG-VILLAGE CENTER DIST-AGR DIST
AG-CS-AGR DIST-COUNTRYSIDE DIST
AG-SI-AGR DIST-SUBURBAN IND DIST
AG/CS-AGR DIST-COUNTRYSIDE DIST
AG/SC-AGR DIST-SUBURBAN COMM DIST
AG/SE-AGR DIST-SUBURBAN STATE DIST
AG/VC-AGR DIST-VILLAGE CENTER DIST
AGNC2-NEIGH CONSRV DIST-2 AC
CS-AG-COUNTRYSIDE DIST-AGR DIST
NC-15-NEIGH CONSRV DIST-15,000 SF
NC-1A-NEIGH CONSRV DIST-1 AC
NC-1T-NGH CNS DST-1AC-SNGL W M HM
NC-20-NEIGH CONSRV DIST-20,000 SF
NC-2A-NEIGH CONSRV DIST-2 AC
NC-2T-NGH CNS DST-2AC-SNGL W M HM
NC-8T-NGH CNS DST8,000SF-SNGL W M HM
NC1AG-NEIGH CNSRV DIST-1 AC-AGR DIST
NC1CS-NGH CNS DST1AC-COUNTRYSIDE DST
NC2-T-NGH CNSRV DIST-2AC-SNGL W M HM
NC20T-NGH CNS DST20,000SF-SNGL W MHM
NC=15-NEIGH CONSRV DIST-15,000 SF
SC-CS-SUBR CMM DIST-COUNTRYSIDE DIST
SE-CS-SUBR EST DIST-COUNTRYSIDE DIST
SE-NC-SUBR EST DIST-NEIGH CNSRV DIST
SE/CS-SUBR EST DIST-COUNTRYSIDE DIST
SI-NC-SUBR IND DIST-NEIGH CNSRV DIST
SI/AG-SUBURBAN IND DIST-AGR DIST
SR-CS-SUBR RES DIST-COUNTRYSIDE DIST
SR/CS-SUBR RES DIST-COUNTRYSIDE DIST
E-ESTATE DIST
AG-AGR DIST
CS-COUNTRYSIDE DIST
NC-NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION
SC-SUBURBAN COMM DIST
SE-SUBURBAN ESTATE DIST
SI-SUBURBAN IND DIST
SR-SUBURBAN RES DIST
TC-TOWN CENTER DIST
UC-URBAN COMM DIST
UR-URBAN RES DIST
VC-VILLAGE CENTER DIST
NC1-NEIGH CONSRV DIST-1 AC
NC2-NEIGH CONSRV DIST-2 AC
NC8-NEIGH CONSRV DIST-8,000 SF
WVC-WATERFRONT VILLAGE CENTER
CMPD-CHESTER MASTER-PLAN DEV DIST
CS/E-COUNTRYSIDE DIST-ESTATE DIST
CSAG-COUNTRYSIDE DIST-AGR DIST
GPRN-GRASONVILLE PLAN RES NEIGHBOR
I-SI-SUBURBAN IND DIST
I-SR-SUBURBAN RES DIST
NC-1-NEIGH CONSRV DIST-1 AC
NC-2-NEIGH CONSRV DIST-2 AC
NC-5-NEIGH CONSRV DIST-5 AC
NC-8-NEIGH CONSRV DIST-8,000 SF
NC1A-NEIGH CONSRV DIST-1 AC
NC1T-NGH CNSRV DIST-1AC-SNGL W M HM
NC20-NEIGH CONSRV DIST-20,000 SF
NC5A-NEIGH CONSRV DIST-5 AC
NC8T-NGH CNS DST8,000SF-SNGL W M HM
SC/R-SUBURBAN COMM DIST
SCCS-SUBR CMM DIST-COUNTRYSIDE DIST
SCSE-SUBR CMM DIST-SUBR EST DIST
SCSI-SUBR CMM DIST-SUBR IND DIST
SCVC-SUBR CMM DIST-VILLAGE CNT DIST
SI/E-SUBURBAN IND DIST-ESTATE DIST
SMPD-STEVENSVILLE MAST PLAN DEV
VCAG-VILLAGE CENTER DIST-AGR DIST
AG-CS-AGR DIST-COUNTRYSIDE DIST
AG-SI-AGR DIST-SUBURBAN IND DIST
AG/CS-AGR DIST-COUNTRYSIDE DIST
AG/SC-AGR DIST-SUBURBAN COMM DIST
AG/SE-AGR DIST-SUBURBAN STATE DIST
AG/VC-AGR DIST-VILLAGE CENTER DIST
AGNC2-NEIGH CONSRV DIST-2 AC
CS-AG-COUNTRYSIDE DIST-AGR DIST
NC-15-NEIGH CONSRV DIST-15,000 SF
NC-1A-NEIGH CONSRV DIST-1 AC
NC-1T-NGH CNS DST-1AC-SNGL W M HM
NC-20-NEIGH CONSRV DIST-20,000 SF
NC-2A-NEIGH CONSRV DIST-2 AC
NC-2T-NGH CNS DST-2AC-SNGL W M HM
NC-8T-NGH CNS DST8,000SF-SNGL W M HM
NC1AG-NEIGH CNSRV DIST-1 AC-AGR DIST
NC1CS-NGH CNS DST1AC-COUNTRYSIDE DST
NC2-T-NGH CNSRV DIST-2AC-SNGL W M HM
NC20T-NGH CNS DST20,000SF-SNGL W MHM
NC=15-NEIGH CONSRV DIST-15,000 SF
SC-CS-SUBR CMM DIST-COUNTRYSIDE DIST
SE-CS-SUBR EST DIST-COUNTRYSIDE DIST
SE-NC-SUBR EST DIST-NEIGH CNSRV DIST
SE/CS-SUBR EST DIST-COUNTRYSIDE DIST
SI-NC-SUBR IND DIST-NEIGH CNSRV DIST
SI/AG-SUBURBAN IND DIST-AGR DIST
SR-CS-SUBR RES DIST-COUNTRYSIDE DIST
SR/CS-SUBR RES DIST-COUNTRYSIDE DIST
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
QAC Impact Fees
If you are planning to build a new home in QAC please take note that you will be subject to the following development impact fees.
A single family detached home impact fee is currently set at:
$9,728.
A breakdown of the impact fee includes:
Schools-$7,529
Fire Protection-$1,166
Parks and Rec.-$1,033
Ordinance 06-108
Please read the Amendments to Ordinance 108
Read APFO Fees
A single family detached home impact fee is currently set at:
$9,728.
A breakdown of the impact fee includes:
Schools-$7,529
Fire Protection-$1,166
Parks and Rec.-$1,033
Ordinance 06-108
Please read the Amendments to Ordinance 108
Read APFO Fees
QAC Background
Queen Anne's County is located along Route 50 on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and prouds itself with the rich connection to the Chesapeake Bay and the Bridge to historic Annapolis. Some 6% of Queen Anne's County homes are ideally located on the water---which usually translates to expensive waterfront property on the Eastern Shore.
Queen Anne's County has a rich history dating back to the 1600's and offers grand estate homes with waterfront amenities.
Our population is approximately 46,063 and the land area is set at 372.2 square miles. Our county seat is Centreville, about 30 minutes from the Bay Bridge. Stevensville (right over the Bridge and 15 minutes to Annapolis) is the county's most populous census-designated place and has a higher population than Centreville, making it the county's most populous place. The other towns include: Chester, Grasonville, Queenstown, Sudlersville, Church Hill, Queen Annes, Ingleside, and Crumpton. Queen Anne's County is named for Queen Anne of Great Britain who reigned when the county was established in 1706.
This county is a part of the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge connects Queen Anne's of the Eastern Shore to Anne Arundel County on the Western Shore. Find more on the county website. Or go to QAC Land Use
Queen Anne's County has a rich history dating back to the 1600's and offers grand estate homes with waterfront amenities.
Our population is approximately 46,063 and the land area is set at 372.2 square miles. Our county seat is Centreville, about 30 minutes from the Bay Bridge. Stevensville (right over the Bridge and 15 minutes to Annapolis) is the county's most populous census-designated place and has a higher population than Centreville, making it the county's most populous place. The other towns include: Chester, Grasonville, Queenstown, Sudlersville, Church Hill, Queen Annes, Ingleside, and Crumpton. Queen Anne's County is named for Queen Anne of Great Britain who reigned when the county was established in 1706.
This county is a part of the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge connects Queen Anne's of the Eastern Shore to Anne Arundel County on the Western Shore. Find more on the county website. Or go to QAC Land Use
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