I am new to the lake but am wondering why the water levels are dropping faster this year than last year (according to the chart on the Lake Martin web page). Just curious. Thanks
I agree with you that it is rediculous the way the water level is managed. We bought a home on Lake Martin and built a boathouse expecting the water level to be managed as indicated on the web site. The level indicated has never been brought up to the expected level, and began to drop shortly after July 4th. I understand the lake is for flood management and power production, but this conservative manner is going to drive housing prices down and cause people to not buy here.
I would not hold my breath on house prices (Lake Marting property) going down in price or value. I would bet the opposite. Where are all those rich folks from Florida going to migrate to in fear of hurricanes?
Side Note - CNN.com article on taxes. New York has highest in proportion to income. Alabama was mentioned in article as having lowest property tax in proportion to income than any other State ($13.00 dollars per $1,000.00 of income).
lived on a Corp of Engineers lake. If you think this water level is managed poorly then you should see what politics and the army corps can do to your schedule. Actually the lake is probably drawn down anticipating one of the worst hurricane seasons in a while.
I came to LM in 00 looking for a minimum depth based on the chart and whatever mother nature could dish up. My solution was to include a floating dock that would accomodate my boat in case the water was down. In fact the best time on the lake is in the spring and fall before the crazies arrive/leave.
Maybe there should be a new rule that lake property can only be sold in winter months. There wouldn't be as many new home owners suffering from "water drop shock" that way. Seriously, water management is keeping control on what could be a serious flood situation. We've been spared by the last two hurricanes. Let's just hope No. 3 heads in another direction.
There are some that need to think about or remember that most of us do not need or are required to have flood insurance. That can be expensive and a definate turn-off to potential buyers if you ever choose to sell. .