EDITORIAL: Farm sale reaps benefits for all

Although the University settled for a lower price, the compromise deal was worthwhile. Donated as an arts center in 1975, the Bucks County property was no longer of use to the Graduate School of Fine Arts after the program was cut due to budget constraints in the mid-'80s. Funds procured through sale of the property are much more beneficial to the school. Yet while a deal with a development company would have garnered a higher price, the farm's neighbors rallied to preserve the property. The University underwent intense negotiations to try to comply with requests of the Bucks County residents, holding off on the sale -- despite two offers from development groups -- until a local coalition raised money for the purchase. True, GSFA lost out when the University finally settled for $3.75 million rather than the original asking price of $5.5 million. But this was a case where it was right to support a balance of University financial needs with community relations. The school will still receive substantial funds to support fellowships and attract new faculty members. Half the plot will be subdivided into parcels that will allow minimal development, such as houses. And half of the site will be used as a horse farm. Faithful to the original agreement with financier Monroe Gutman, the open space will be preserved, protected by the Heritage Conservancy, a non-profit group dedicated to preserving natural and historic resources.