Lake Martin’s Sand Island Repaired By Russell Lands
Lake Martin’s Sand Island has been battered by erosion and losing real estate for many years. Alabama’s 80 year record drought exposed a land bridge and afforded area developer Russell Lands an opportunity to drive to it and make repairs.
I rode out there on Friday, December 14, 2007. It was pretty weird to be able to drive to an island that I have ridden past in a boat hundreds of times. I shot some video to show the repairs that Russell Lands did to stave off erosion. They created a sea wall made of rip rap similar to those found on many Lake Martin waterfront homes. To make the video play below, click on it, then click on the Play arrow in the center.
Click here for the direct link to Youtube.
Sorry for those dark corners. I used the wrong lens. FYI, if you’re thinking about driving out there, don’t bother. The road is blocked by a couple of sturdy, locked gates. Plus, it’s deer hunting season, and the area is heavily hunted.
My sincere thanks and Kudos go out to Russell Lands for repairing this famous Lake Martin / Kowaliga area landmark. They deserve a lot of credit for using this crazy drought as a chance to do some good.
Also many thanks to my friend and Salvaging Mentor Larry Bain of Lake Martin Dock Company for the ride out there.
All Real Estate Is Local (This Means You, Lake Martin)
Life as a Lake Martin area realtor means I hear (and try to answer) lots of questions. One I get regularly is:
“I saw on CNN where home prices in (fill in here with name of huge city 3,000 miles away) are down 75%. All the sellers are being foreclosed on their sub prime mortgages. It’s spreading across the nation like locusts. When will Lake Martin be on sale like that?”
My answer – probably never.
It’s because All Real Estate Is Local. Including (and especially) Lake Martin.
A couple of days ago I read a great post on the WSJ Developments Blog entitled “There Is No National Housing Market.” Also another good one with the same title on the Matrix Blog. Basically they point out that while all markets are influenced by things like the mortgage market, most pricing and activity in the real estate industry is due to local factors. What might be true for rent on the west side of Manhattan won’t set the price in the middle of a Edward Scissorhands-esque subdivision in Tampa.
The “locality truth” is especially evident on Lake Martin. We have about 770 miles of shoreline, but only about 30% of it is developed. Of the undeveloped waterfront property, 99% of it is owned by only two companies: Alabama Power and Russell Lands. They are very good at not flooding the market with too much supply, which helps hold prices up. Think the De Beers diamond cartel.
Another truth about Lake Martin real estate is that you don’t have huge developers selling 
hundreds of spec homes in one subdivision at a time. Sure, there are some builders with $5 million in unsold homes – but that amount is concentrated in 3 homes. Sure, some builders are hurting, but not enough to affect the market (yet). And they’re not hurting because of some national phenomenon, but because they themselves have raised their prices too high too quickly. Simple supply and demand. Moreover, most waterfront property for sale right now is by private citizens, not builders, whom are not under too much pressure to sell.
I agree, the sub prime mess did not help Lake Martin waterfront sales in 2007. But it wasn’t a majority player. The majority of the slowdown was due to unrealistic sellers, with a minority influence of the drought thrown in for good measure. Odds are pretty good that it will straighten out in 2008, and 2009 will be the start of the next seller’s market.
So why aren’t the talking heads reporting this? I guess media reports that are numbers based and rational don’t pull those huge national ratings.
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Elmore County Water System Extends Intakes Deeper in Lake Martin
The recent drought on Lake Martin has threatened to lower the water level below the intake valves of Elmore County. They are extending the intakes to deeper water. This video was made on 10–26–2007 at the County’s intake station, which is on the Little Kowaliga branch of Lake Martin. To get there you go to Elmore County road 80 and take Lakepoint Road to Wavecrest Drive. Click on the “play” symbol in the middle of the video below to watch.
To the link on the clip on Youtube, click here.
Related Posts:
Lake Martin Drought Hits The Weather Channel Video
Alex City Water System Extends Intakes Deeper in Lake Martin
The drought this year has threatened to lower the level of Lake Martin to below where the intake valves for the water works of the City of Alex City are located. The City has had to extend their intake valves to deeper water. This video was filmed 10–26–2007 on the Tallapoosa River just above River North Marina. Click on the “play” symbol in the middle of the video below to watch it.
Or you can click here to see the video on Youtube.
Alabama Power Wants Higher Winter Level On Lake Martin
Lake Martin HOBOs President Jesse Cunningham announces that Alabama Power is taking a major step by requesting to hold more water in the lake during the next few winters. Cunningham reports in an email, “I received word on Friday from Charles Stover with Alabama Power that they have just filed a request with FERC” to increase the winter water level to 483 from 480. Three extra feet spread over 44,000 acres means that we would need a heck of a lot less rain to get to full pool of 490.
This will please Lake Martin property owners that might have access to the lake at 483, but not the normal winter level of 480 msl. The higher winter water level will give more recreational opportunities to boaters, skiers, and anglers. The higher the water, the easier it is to launch a boat, and the easier to navigate and enjoy.
Alabama Power is applying to renew their permit to operate Martin Dam. Before they request any big change, they must submit reams of data to prove to FERC that any operational change will have minimum impact. Maybe this awful drought that we have been suffering will give Alabama Power more ammo to prove the obvious point - more water in Lake Martin is a good thing. I think they used to fear holding too much in case of a hurricane or flash flood. But these days, with them computers and what all, we can predict precipitation much more accurately, and we have plenty of time to open the gates in case of a flood.
Sure, this probably won’t help us this winter, but every winter thereafter will be great. Kudos to Alabama Power and every Lake Martin affinity group that helped push this idea. Let’s hope FERC approves it!
Related posts:
Alabama Power Seeks Input To Relicense Martin Dam
Drought & Alabama Power Lower Lake Martin Level
Lake Martin Drought Hits The Weather Channel Video
The historically harsh drought that has hit Lake Martin in 2007 has been highlighted by The Weather Channel Network. They sent reporter Julie Martin (no relation) to shoot a video spot that aired last night. Click here for the video. If for some reason it doesn’t auto play after the commercial, look to the right and select the video titled “Drought and no water to drink.”
The Alex City Outlook also reported on the video.
Mostly, I think it’s a pretty good report. I would have liked her to point out that right now it is about 3 feet below the winter water plan, or, 3 feet lower than it normally would be. Not 13 lower. Still, maybe reports like this will help Alabama Power in its appeals to the Corps of Engineers to allow less downstream flow.
Incidentally – my Dad’s real estate office in downtown AC (aka the Northern Command) is visible at 0:32 in to the video, 2 doors to the left of Carlisle’s Clothing. Maybe now I can talk him into hanging a “www.LakeMartinVoice.com” sign on the front of his building – or maybe a Glamour Shot photo of the two of us … hmmmm …
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ElCo Tax Man Squeezes Lake Martin Property Owners
If you own Lake Martin waterfront property that is in Elmore County, chances are that your assessment (and therefore property taxes) went up this year. I have heard lots of anguish from taxpayers that were shocked by their increase this year. I don’t know that those in Elmore County are any worse than Tallapoosa or Coosa, but ElCo has been hit hard this year. Property tax rates have stayed the same, but when they raise your assessed value, your taxes go up anyway.
If you disagree with your assessment, there is an appeals process. You will need to call the Elmore County courthouse at 334–567–1428. They only allow you to appeal for a certain time, so if you disagree, hurry up. Be warned – I have heard of some taxpayers’ appraisals actually going UP after an appeal. I guess after scrutinizing, the tax man figured he needed to go up, not down.
Lake Martin property owners from outside the state of Alabama should note that our property tax fiscal year runs October 1 to September 30. So, the bill that you have to pay by December 31, 2007, is based on an appraisal at October 1, 2006. Therefore any appeal that you make would need to estimate the value at 10–1–2006.
The best way to get your appraisal lowered is to show them comparable sales that prove a lower
value. The best comparables are those that are most like your waterfront home or lot. On Lake Martin, most of the value is in the dirt, so look for comparables with similar views, water depths, and sizes as yours. Then try and find homes that are like yours. Generally, it is easier to first find similar lots, then adjust for the differences in the homes. For instance, if your neighbor sold on September 20, 2006, and his lot is almost exactly like yours, you would only need adjust for the differences in your homes. If he had four bedrooms and you only have three, then you would adjust down by the cost or value of an extra bedroom.
If you are trying to appeal your assessment, and need some comparable sales, or you are just wondering what your Lake Martin waterfront home or lot is worth, give me a call. I would be glad to help you out, no cost, no obligation, no cheesy sales pitch, no guilt. I promise. Just buy me a Slim Jim at Nail’s and we’ll call it even.
Lake Martin Marina Spotlight: Real Island Marina
Real Island Marina - one of Lake Martin’s older full service marinas - is located in Elmore County on the southwest side of the lake. It’s close to Lake Martin landmarks such as Kowaliga Marina, Kowaliga Bridge, Willow Point, Parker Creek, and Sand Island. The Real Island / Little Kowaliga area is popular on Lake Martin. Since it is relatively close to Montgomery and Birmingham, homes for sale in the Real Island area are typically sought after by lake goers from these cities.
Real Island Marina sits on Little Kowaliga Bay, at the edge of the old Little Kowaliga Creek. It used to be an independent marina, but several years ago it was purchased by Lake Martin major landowner and real estate developer Russell Lands. It is now part of the group of 4 marinas that Russell Lands owns on Lake Martin.
One unique thing about Real Island Marina is the RV Rental area. That’s right - you can trailer your RV to Lake Martin and rent a spot from Russell Lands at Real Island. The views are great, looking over Little Kowaliga. The RV park probably sits on a couple million dollars worth of dirt. It stays booked up with long term leases, but if you want a spot, no harm in asking by calling the number below.
Real Island offers gas service, some boat parts, convenience store type food, and dry boat storage. Most of 
the time they have dry storage available, but with the recent drought, they might be booked up. If you need storage over the fall and winter, call now.
Right now, the water level on Lake Martin is 478.1 feet. There is a boat ramp at Real Island Marina, and you may or may not able to launch from there. You definitely should call and ask them before you make the trip.
To contact Real Island Marina:
2700 Real Island Road Equality, AL 36026
Phone: 334-857-2741
Alabama Power Seeks Input To Relicense Martin Dam
Alabama Power owns and operates the hydroelectric Martin Dam, which impounds the Tallapoosa River to create Lake Martin. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) – regulates Alabama Power’s operation of Martin Dam, and its effect on the water flow downstream on the Tallapoosa River, as well as any economic, environmental, and other impacts in the Tallapoosa River Basin.
Every 25 years Alabama Power must apply to FERC to renew its license to operate the dam. As you can imagine, it is a really big deal, and a lengthy, red tape filled process. They are required by FERC to perform all kinds of studies – water quality, water quantity, erosion and sedimentation, wildlife impact, economic impact – just to name a few.
Other regulatory agencies, such as ADEM, also get involved, suggesting different studies that they think should be taken into account. Local advocacy groups, such as LMRA, CALM, Lake Watch, and the Lake Martin HOBOs, have all had a keen interest in the process to try and put forth issues that they each feel should be addressed on how Lake Martin is managed.
Input is also sought from average joes like you and me. For instance, yesterday I attended a public meeting in Alex City for those interested in the different “Issue Groups” about the Relicensing Project. I went to the “Water Quality and Quantity Issue Group.” Most of the material was over my head, but the basic gist was that this group is focused on studies about water quality and quantity. Jim Crew, the Alabama Power employee in charge of the Martin Hydro Relicensing Project, gave an overview of the process. They are in the first formal stages of creating that application. They must apply by 2011 to be renewed in 2013.
If you have any concerns whatsoever about Lake Martin and how it is run, now is your chance to get in the loop and let your voice be heard. For instance, if you think that they should only lower the water 5 feet in the winter in the future, visit the Martin Hydro Relicensing Project’s web site. Call Jim Crew at 205–257–4265 or Viki Jackson at 205–257–2211 and ask them how you can get involved. After sitting through that meeting, and talking with Alabama Power officials afterward, I got the feeling that they are honestly doing their very best to involve all the “stake holders” in this and address everyone’s concerns.
Alabama Power has also recently gone to bat for Lake Martin against the Corp of Engineers and other influences that affect Lake Martin’s water level and I applaud them for it. If you have been an APCo hater in the past, thinking that they are part of some shadowy effort to rob you of nostalgia, well, here’s a chance to get them to listen to you. Act now or wait until June of 2036.
Lake Martin Drought of 1941 Was Worse than 2007
Lake Martin has been a victim of the 2007 drought that has affected Alabama and much of the southeast. The lake level is down to 480 already, which is the normal winter level.
Apparently in 1941 it was worse. 50 feet down is about as bad as it gets. I think back then they used to bring the level down in the winter by 30 feet anyway, so maybe the 1941 drought’s true effect was 20 or so feet. Since this picture was taken in November, I am sure there is some effect of the winter level.
Still, 50 feet down is pretty bad. I was shocked to see this in an email that was circulating around. Maybe someone will debunk this as an urban legend, but at the very least we can be glad that we don’t have to make up 50 feet this spring.
Thanks to Eric of Lakedog Appraisals for sending me the photo!