Sunday, January 21, 2007

This Dr. Has Heart!

Dr. Charles Edwards, a Charlotte, North Carolina heart surgeon, has done the unthinkable in some folks eyes. He has forever given up the right to develop 1300 acres of land on a pristine trout stream known as the Cane River located in the mountains of the state. The Charlotte Observer article says that the development rights are estimated to be worth in excess of 10 million dollars.

"If a developer had been able to acquire this property and put in that type of development, it would have been highly lucrative and easy to market," said Carl Silverstein of the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. "The family is really giving up a lot."

Under an easement they signed with the conservancy, the Edwardses retained ownership of the land but ceded the right to develop it. It is permanently attached to the land title.

He gets to keep the land and gets a healthy tax deduction.

If we ever get a chance to meet Dr. Edwards we will be sure to shake his hand and try to wrangle an invite for a fishing trip.


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