MassWoods

From the Rittenhouses: Because they inadvertently signed a deal with a local builder that included a Right of First Refusal on their remaining acreage, they warn others to be more cautious. Their advice: when you sign something, get a good lawyer, not just a friend. Don’t hurry decisions that have lasting effects. Get plenty of advice.

From the Trust for Public Land: Be creative and flexible, there are many options to meet landowners’ needs. In this case 47 acres were going to be sold as one parcel, but the TPL had to come up with a new plan when the Rittenhouses decided that they wanted to keep the deed for the 17 acre apple orchard. TPL also used creativity to negotiate with the local builder to release the Right of First Refusal (ROFR.)

From the Town: Because towns cannot commit funds to projects without approval, organizations such as the TPL can help to conserve parcels by quickly securing an option to buy. The option is then assigned to the town when they get the necessary expenditures approved.