Our farm is located only a few miles west. But in another township thank god. I had a long conversation with a farm owner who this will effect. There appears to be 2 people that started this nonsense. Both have deep pockets and large land holdings. One of which I know and I am surprised and disappointed with. The other one no so much and only know by reputation. Neither of their proprieties are under land conservation easements. Though the majority of the surrounding properties are.
Both are “to the manor born” as are many around here. I have no problem with people who were born with a silver spoon. Know lots of them when you are in the horse business. But most know they are lucky and are grateful for it. I do have a problem with self entitlement be it self earned and even more so unearned.
We are working horsemen. Very fortunate to live in this area but we are very land rich and cash poor like most working horse people. Our farm is our business we couldn’t afford to live here if were not. Barely can afford it as it is. We have over 100 acres but if this were to be enacted here it could present a problem at times.
IMO diversity is what makes a community interesting and fun to live in. Very few people can afford to live in the area due to land prices, big or small. Even less so for horse people of limited means who can only afford a small operation. 20 acres around here with decent horse infrastructure will cost $800++ at minimum. Pretty hard to make a go of it if you only are allowed 8 or 9 horses. Even with a “real” job on the side to make ends meets. So we end up with everybody “looking” the same.
I know the people that bought Laurel Hill. A wonderful couple and IMO a tremendous addition/asset to the neighborhood. Down to the earth, not a pompous bone in their body and a lot of fun to spend time with. They bought the property of their dreams and not long after taking their barn boots off a couple of self entitled got in their face over other nonsense. Then the crap hit the fan when they rented part of their facility to a well known and liked H/J trainer who had to move from a great facility because it was bought by a rich jerk from SA. She does has a good business and clientele but not a large one by most people’s standard. Yes, there was more traffic but it wasn’t like 5-10 trailers, trucks, service providers were coming and going on a daily bases. She didn’t hold shows nor have provide non boarding lesson. By ANYONE’S standards the traffic increase was hardly worth talking about. Most rational people would hardly notice.
She had to move again. What a nightmare for all. There always seems to be some sort of drama and squabbling among the rich and famous in this township and the adjoining.
Again thank god we are in Highland Township, where you can’t buy a gallon of gas nor a loaf of breed. We’ve been here going on 10 years and there has never been a reason to attend a township meeting. Most are over in 5 minutes. We have our fair share of the rich and famous, poor and nameless but we are all on the same page.
But looking at the from a greedy standpoint if this should pass. The value of our horse property should increase. Might have to think about which side I should take.
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