Pennsylvania Farmer Rejects $15 Million Offer to Preserve Farmland
Mervin Raudabaugh, a farmer in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, declined a $15 million offer from a data center developer to preserve his farmland, opting instead to sell development rights for about $2 million. His decision, influenced by the developer's persistent approaches and supported by local voters who fund land preservation, ensures the land remains agricultural. Since 2013, the township has preserved 21 properties, with Raudabaugh potentially able to sell the land as farmland for a few million dollars.
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Mervin Raudabaugh, a farmer in Silver Spring Township, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, declined a $15 million offer from a data center developer to protect his farmland. He sold the development rights for approximately $2 million, ensuring the land remains agricultural.
Raudabaugh's decision was influenced by persistent approaches from the developer, leading to potential legal action. The township, supported by local voters who allocated part of their income taxes for land preservation, facilitated the sale through the Lancaster Farmland Trust, a nonprofit organization.
Since 2013, the township has preserved 21 properties, with residents contributing an average of $120 annually for these efforts. Raudabaugh may still sell the land as farmland, potentially earning a total of a few million dollars, significantly less than the original data center offer.
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