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crow's nest nearly done
The path to acquiring the second phase of Crow's Nest is clear...almostDate published: 3/5/2009 BY JONAS BEALS The stars seem to be aligning for Stafford County to preserve the Crow's Nest peninsula. Changing circumstances have cleared the way for the county to purchase phase two of the property located between Potomac and Accokeek creeks, adding an additional 1,200 acres to the 1,720 the county purchased for $19 million in January 2008. When Stafford County bought phase one of Crow's Nest, the contract contained an option to purchase phase two by the end of 2009 for $16.2 million. Stafford Lakes Limited Partnership, which owns the property, has agreed to lower its asking price to $14.2 million, provided the deal closes by July 31. With a 7--0 vote Tuesday, the Stafford Board of Supervisors authorized County Administrator Anthony Romanello to amend the contract and allow for purchase at the lower price. For decades, Crow's Nest has been considered a local treasure--a unique ecosystem untouched by suburban sprawl, replete with wetlands and old-growth forests. County residents and officials have spent years trying to protect it from development. Phase one, funded partially with county money, accomplished half of that goal. Phase two will rely solely on state and federal dollars. Stafford County and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation have cobbled together various grants to come up with the purchase amount. The price drop has put the goal within reach. "For over 15 years, national and local organizations tried to protect even the first acre of land," DCR Director Joseph Maroon said. "To accomplish all of this in two years is astonishing." Attorney Clark Leming, representing Stafford Lakes Limited Partnership, said the recent breakthrough occurred because Supervisor Paul Milde approached the property owners with news of the available funds. "From the standpoint of the owners, I think going to settlement is beneficial because of the certainty involved," Leming said. "It is a good option in light of the real-estate market. It's a bird in the hand versus two in the bush." Crow's Nest has also benefited from a national profile in conservation circles--a development that led to the last piece of the financial puzzle.
Read more stories about Stafford Date published: 3/5/2009
wow trees
(posted by
jaeshuan
, Mar. 5, 2009 10:05 pm)
everyone wants to save it, yet you never see anyone who cries about saving it actually out "enjoying" it. it is a phenomenal waste of money.
Total waste of money.........
(posted by
Justice1
, Mar. 5, 2009 8:56 am)
Our tax dollars at work. Once they are stripped out of yoru wallet, they go right to work doing absolutely nothing. What a worthless purchase and use of taxpayer money. Where in the County's list of responsibilities does it outline purchasing and protecting property? You school supporters out there should be livid. This is money that would be better spent purchasing fuzzy dice for all the buses.
Nice work-now to buy the next piece.
(posted by
MrZorro
, Mar. 5, 2009 7:53 am)
There is one piece of land left that needs to be purchased.
And now that the Slavery Museum has failed, Fredericksburg should add that 20 acres, the Museum's proposed location, to the Rappahannock River Easement.
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