Dear MassLandlords Stakeholder,

I've talked to many of you over the years about slivers of land, wetlands and other unbuildable lots that get tagged onto larger deals. Sometimes we buy this land hoping to get a building permit. If it doesn't work out, we're stuck. Now we've found a way to offload these lots. We've created a new 501(c)3 charity, the Massachusetts Urban Conservancy (MUC like "muck").

MUC will accept unbuildable land from owners and remove associated real estate taxes and insurance from their expenses. We plan to offer lawn replacement or reforestation, as well. Without needing to transfer title, lawn replacement or reforestation can reduce landscaping expenses for participating members. In summary, MUC will offer those two services:

1. acquiring unbuildable lots, and

2.) removing expenses from land you'll keep owning.

This has been a tricky thing to launch. Most folks who are excited about conservation are not excited about rental housing.

Our lead donor has pledged a lot in Randolph, an environmental justice community. We're going to make the land available to educate local school kids about nature. This is going to be great PR for property owners! We're giving back to the community. And we're supporting a real need for local agriculture by providing pollinator habitat and holding back invasive plants. Whereas in our hands the land would be junk, MUC can make it meaningful.

We're having a small fundraiser. There is a lot of support for this outside the real estate community. MUC has a GoFundMe speaking to the larger conservation world.

I hope you will join us on one or more of the Zooms and then donate if possible!

-Doug Quattrochi
Executive Director
MassLandlords, Inc.

Public Relations

• MUC (like "muck") is an opportunity to give something back to the community.
• Increasing biodiversity and native species has many long-lasting benefits for residents:
  • Pollinate local farms.
  • Cool off urban heat islands.
  • Beautify neighborhoods.

We've figured out how to help property owners and give back to the community. Help us reach our goal!

Cost Savings

Working with MUC will benefit landowners in many ways, including:

• Reduced landscaping costs for landlords choosing lawn replacement.
• Lowered liability insurance and real estate taxes for landlords choosing to donate unbuildable lots.
• Great public relations!

This lawn replacement project provides beautiful pollinator habitat. The old grass could not sustain so many butterflies or birds. No mow mowing, watering, fertilizing, raking or mulching!

It's Easy!

Help us launch the Massachusetts Urban Conservancy to accept land donations and replace lawns.

Help MUC get on its feet!

 

Your tax-deductible donation will help us lower costs for property owners, increase educational opportunities for local students and promote biodiversity.