April 14, 2008
Dear BTLT supporter:
I am writing to you in regards to a recent proposal that has come before our Board. It involves the potential sale of seven acres of land in the Crystal Spring - North property for the construction of a health care facility within the Medical Use Zone. In order for the Board to respond to this development, it believes it needs to provide BTLT supporters with a broad understanding of the project and the rationale for such a sale. The Board also wants to provide an opportunity for its supporters to voice their opinion on this matter.
As you know, BTLT is in the final stages of the $2 million campaign to purchase and preserve Crystal Spring Farm - North, which is located on the Pleasant Hill Road in Brunswick. If you have been following the project, you may be aware that the Land for Maine's Future program donated $425,000 to the campaign in exchange for a conservation easement on 155 acres of the property. The BTLT intentionally held 7 acres of the land located in the Medical Use Zone out of the easement. This decision gave the BTLT the flexibility to sell it at some point if necessary to complete the capital campaign. Please see the enclosed map which shows the 7-acre parcel in relation to the rest of Crystal Spring Farm.
Several months ago, BTLT was approached by someone interested in building a long term care facility on this property. This facility would serve lower income people, an underserved population in this area, and has the potential to benefit the community at-large. In exploratory discussions, we concluded that such a sale could be conducted in a way that would preserve natural vistas through appropriate landscaping. Public access to the abutting conservation land and trails would be enhanced by retaining a right of way and constructing a parking lot for public use. The sale of this property could raise significant resources for the BTLT that would allow the Trust to pursue new conservation projects. From this perspective we believe the sale of the seven acres could be a win-win for the larger community, both expanding lands under conservation and also increasing availability of health services to those with limited incomes.
In evaluating this opportunity, it is important for supporters to consider that the BTLT provided a significant amount of seed money from its own Land Conservation Fund to get the Crystal Spring Farm - North Campaign off the ground. This expenditure depleted the Trust's resources for future land conservation, and the Board's intent always has been to replenish that fund to address future conservation priorities. Because of increased campaign expenses related to the renovation of the farmhouse, the successful completion of the $2 million campaign will not allow for the repayment of the BTLT's Land Conservation Fund monies.
The BTLT board is considering negotiating this sale because of the potential benefits of leveraging resources for conservation that are part of our strategic objectives. It will not do so without first vetting the idea with its supporters. If you have a viewpoint to share with us or would like additional information, we encourage you to contact us via e-mail (btlt@gwi.net), phone (729-7694) or letter (BTLT, 108 Maine Street, Brunswick, ME 04011). The Board would appreciate your response by April 30. We deeply appreciate your ongoing support.
I would also like to take this opportunity to invite you to participate in the BTLT annual meeting that will take place Thursday May 22 beginning at 7:30 pm at the Frost Mansion, 24 Elm Street in Topsham.
Sincerely yours,
Lloyd Van Lunen, BTLT president
