Although I understand the financial pressures that the State’s land purchase may cause, I can’t express enough on how overly excited I feel over this transaction. The tax issue that has not yet been resolved is a small cost to pay when weighing out the benefits that this purchase creates for the public. Preservation of our natural resources, including the wetlands, streams, and White Lilly pond existing on this parcel is a worth more than wishing for an organization to purchase the parcel solely to subdivide and develop it for a tax revenue. But of course, economic times like now, puts further pressure on us to lean towards choosing revenues over the preservation of natural resources, which we shouldn’t fall for because it will only result in hurting our future generations. Think of the State’s purchase of this beautiful White Lilly property as an investment for our future generations. It’s truly a priceless transaction when thinking about how White Lilly will now be associated with providing recreational activities including fishing, snowshoeing, and hiking, as well as environmental education for children and their families to experience. What’s better than providing a place for families to spend quality time together in the outdoors?

As I understand it, the Troy Housing Authority was limited on who they could sell this parcel to anyways, because it is stated in the parcel’s deed that only a non-profit organization could purchase it. One of the previous landowners from many generations ago must have cared deeply about the property, understanding what this parcel could potentially offer.

Priceless……