Virginia couple donate 10.6 acres to Habitat (@ $79K loss)

[underpants]

Habitat to start its first New Kent neighborhood
http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/article/NKHH28_20090227-222224/218047/

A New Kent County couple who came to realize how difficult it was to find affordable housing in their community have made it possible for six families to do so.

Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity will break ground today on a six-home subdivision off Hopewell Road -- its first project in New Kent -- that will be built on 10.6 acres sold by Bert and Elsie McLaughlin.

The couple sold the land to the agency in September for $60,000 -- $79,000 less than its appraised value. The discount is considered one of the largest family donations in Richmond Habitat's 23-year history, said its executive director, Leisha LaRiviere.

The McLaughlins donated an additional 16 acres to the county for conservation, thus allowing six rather than four homes to be built under New Kent's cluster subdivision ordinance. Two acres will be used as an open recreation area for the new neighborhood.

New Kent County Administrator John A. Budesky said he was pleased to see people in the community recognize and step up to support the county's affordable housing needs.

"I believe in every community there are a certain number of folks who can benefit from any affordable housing choice and the option that Habitat provides. New Kent is not any different," Budesky said.

[MadHound]

1. That's a twist,

Hell, Habitat paid $20,000 over the going price to buy the lot next door to mine. Of course that was back nine years ago when the economy was in a bit better shape.

[flvegan]

2. What a fantastic story.

Thanks for posting it.

On edit: I can't believe I'm the first Rec on this.

[arcadian]

3. You can get an acre of land in New Kent for $13,000?

Damn, might be cheaper for me to just buy a lot and live in a tent. I'm not adverse to doing so.

[tammywammy]

4. Recommended n/t