Roaring River lot owner cautiously optimistic

Matthew Hill Register-Herald Reporter Alan Kuhlman speaks of the future with a guarded and cautious optimism. One can sense in his voice a combination of frustration and a determination to hold on through the best and worst of economic times. The Elkview man and his wife, Carol, are among dozens of would-be homeowners who purchased lots at what was once aiming to become the largest housing development ever along the rim of the New River Gorge. The Kuhlmans and others are now left with a situation where they own plots of land but may not enjoy — at least for the time being — infrastructure amenities such as roads, electricity, water and sewer services. “I was taken aback. It just came out of the blue,” said Kuhlman, 58, who purchased two lots two years ago in Phase One of the three-phase housing development known as Roaring... [read full story]