To the Massanutten Community:
We hope you’re having a wonderful summer. Lots to share with you this time around.
MPSC UPDATE: Earlier this year, Massanutten Resort – joined by the Rockingham County board of Supervisors and the Massanutten Property Owners Association – filed a motion to dismiss MPSC’s rate increase case with the State Corporation Commission (SCC). The motion was novel and unprecedented – but then again, to the best of our knowledge, nobody in Virginia has ever filed a motion like this under circumstances like these: a rate increase during active condemnation case against an SCC-regulated utility.
We jointly argued that even if the rate case were to end before the condemnation case does, MPSC’s new rates wouldn’t have a long enough life to make the effort to raise rates worthwhile. As an alternative, we also asked the SCC to treat MPSC’s current rates as its interim rates. Doing so would have disallowed MPSC from implementing the new rates before the SCC decision is made– as it was permitted to do on July 29, 2024.
Thus, we were all disappointed – but not particularly surprised – when SCC denied the motion on July 3. The SCC hearing officer found that “it would be premature to dismiss the Application at this time,” and “although the County may be proceeding with appropriate urgency, commitment and good faith, nothing legally prevents the [Rockingham County Board of Supervisors] from changing their mind.”
Speaking only for the resort, however, we were encouraged to see the SCC’s staff reply to the motion (although it remained neutral) that suggested that the SCC might want to show deference to a court dealing with an active controversy, and that for consumer protection purposes, it may be appropriate to let the condemnation proceeding finish up before implementing a rate increase. Those comments warmed our hearts, but didn’t get our position across the line.
As noted, it was a novel argument, and although it didn’t prevail, it now appears that the County’s experienced condemnation counsel expects trial to be conducted next spring or summer. Like you, we can’t wait for that process to be completed! We remain hopeful and optimistic that the condemnation process will continue to move forward and ultimately result in relief for our neighbors from the current exorbitant water and sewer bills.
OUR NEW DOG PARK WELCOMES MPOA: You may have noticed our new James E. Lambert Dog Park at Woodstone. Although built primarily for Resort guests, we’re pleased to invite MPOA members to use it as well.
The park features a fenced-in area that is split into two sides, one side for large dogs (25#+) and another side for small dogs (less than 25#). Each side features a dog water fountain
Naturally, there are some rules:
- Users of this park do so at their own risk. You are responsible for any injuries or damages caused by any dog you bring to the park.
- Please bring your own poop bags and pick up and dispose of dog waste.
- All dogs must be at least 4 months old and current on all vaccinations.
- Dogs must be on a leash outside of the fence.
- Dogs must always be supervised within the dog park.
- Please keep your dog from jumping on other dogs or people.
- Aggressive and/or overly-rowdy dogs must be removed immediately from the park.
Within the next month or two, we will also begin offering training sessions at the Dog Park on Wednesday mornings These sessions will available to MPOA members on a space-available basis, and will be provided by Calm Mind Canine, an independent partner organization of Massanutten Resort. Advance signups will be required, and proof of vaccinations must be provided. We’ll provide an update once the sessions are available.
UPCOMING LABOR DAY FUN: We’ve got two major events happening over Labor Day Weekend. We’re pleased to introduce another new festival – The Mass Bash – which features Sam Burchfield & The Scoundrels and The Low Water Bridge Band. Music is Saturday, August 31, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Information and tickets here.
We’re also featuring the “Get Your Feet Wet HeArts and Soul Festival,” which will be at the WaterPark Friday, August 30, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with music by DJ Cam. A half-day WaterPark ticket is required for admission. On Saturday, the action moves to Base Camp’s Umbrella Bar from noon to 2:00 p.m., with music by DJ Caesar, and there will be a brunch at the Campfire Grill from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Campfire Grill on Sunday, September 1. More information here.
TWO ADDITIONAL ITEMS OF NOTE: We’ve added an MPOA benefit at our Spa. MPOA members are now eligible for a 15% discount on spa services. Also, construction of the Mountain Coaster is proceeding, albeit more slowly than we’d like. We still hope to offer the first rides this Autumn. One note: the Coaster track will cross over Litten Lane, so there will be some traffic re-routing while the footers and abutments are put in place and the track is laid. We’ll certainly let you know when we expect that to happen, and Resort staff will help direct traffic at those times.
Cordially,
Michael Hammes, VP/General Manager, Massanutten Resort
Matthias Smith, Executive Vice President, The Resorts Companies
Where is the new Dog Park located? Woodstone employees don’t know, MPOA employees don’t know.
Thanks for the question, Karen! The new dog park is located within James E. Lambert Park. There are two sections to the park. The first section you can see from the parking lot which hosts the playground, picnic pavilion, and tennis courts. Along the short walking trail over to the left is the second section, in which the new dog park is located.
Give your pup a belly rub for us!