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(Reprint from Feb.22nd edition of Main Line Life)
A realtor promoting land conservation, historic preservation, sensible development? I know what you're thinking. It seems like an oxymoron. Isn’t it realtors and builders who
ultimately profit from development? This is true, yet, surprisingly, the number of realtors joining local land conservancies is on the rise. Last year I attended a seminar sponsored by the Radnor Conservancy
designed specifically to attract realtors and the room was filled to capacity. I was moved to join and participate in the Radnor Conservancy for the same reason so many other realtors have joined, we care deeply
about the community we live in and want to preserve both itıs natural and historical attributes.
Conservancies nationwide
have begun to recognize the valuable role that realtors play in their organizations. After all, it is those of us in the real estate business who are on the front line and who first become aware of the availability of land or sale of historically significant properties. Property owners with large parcels of land will often opt to subdivide the land in an effort pull some money out of the land. That subdivision is then built upon, decreasing open space and increasing the tax burden . In Radnor township, for example, every ten acres of land that is developed costs tax payers an additional $118,160 in school taxes each year. That figure does not include the cost for increased police and fire protection, as well as upgrades to the community’s infrastructure.
This is one of the ways a conservancy works: The conservation of a parcel of land or a historic structure is achieved by creating an easement. An easement is a legal agreement between a property owner and a
conservancy or land trust. The easement places permanent legal restrictions on the future use and development of the property. The types of restrictions vary on a case by case basis. In some cases the land is still
subject to subdivision and can be built on, but there may be restrictions regarding the size of the building lots or the easement may call for the preservation of a natural feature, like a wooded lot. In other cases
the land be may made public such as a park or nature preserve. Typically the easement is created in the form of a donation from the property owner to the conservancy. This donation has monetary value and can provide
a significant tax benefit to the donor. Property owners interested in a conservation easement need to consult with their own legal and financial advisors to explore their options.
Property owners are often
apprehensive when approached with the idea of placing an easement on their property. Local real estate lawyer and realtor, Linda Walters, put it best when she said, Property owners really are entitled to the full
value of their property. When introducing the idea of an easement, we really are trying to create a win-win situation for all parties involved.² Itıs really a matter of finding a middle ground where ecology and
economy can coexist. The Waterloo Mills Preserve is a perfect example of that. Thanks to the generosity and vision of Mr. and Mrs. John C. Haas members of the Brandywine Conservancy can enjoy 170 acres of wildflower
meadows, fertile marshes and mature woodland. The preserve is teaming with wildlife from white tail deer to migratory birds. My business partner, realtor, Nancy Haas, actually lived on the site that is now Waterloo
Mills. Nancy notes that, conservation was always number one on the Haas family docket. They wanted this to be part of their legacy.
I was lucky enough to be introduced to the property through the Radnor
Conservancy whose bird watching group hosted an ”Owl Prowl” last week in conjunction with the Brandywine Conservancy. The Waterloo Mills Preserve manages to peacefully coexist surrounded by acre upon
acre of high end new construction and yet it is still sublime. My understanding is that the residents of these homes are actually quite supportive of the preserve. The Haases were quoted as saying that the
encroaching residential development was inevitable, but they felt that sharing the property was the natural thing to do. Truly, a win-win situation.
- Jim Schmoyer
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