Stoltzfus farm is the last one on this road. Left — housing development (2019). Right — shopping center (2021). Behind — highway (widened 2015). Ahead — another development (building).
Jacob Stoltzfus, 68. Fourth generation on this land. 80 acres. Corn, cows, horses. Land value: $25,000/acre = $2 million. For bare land. Without house, barn, or 150 years of history.
Offers
Developer: $2.5 million. 'Think about it, Mr. Stoltzfus.' Jacob: 'I thought. No.' Developer: '$3 million.' Jacob: 'No.' Developer: '$3.5.' Jacob: 'I said no. In which language should I repeat? I have three.'
Jacob milks cows. Buggy enters the road between Tesla and BMW. Neighbors (new, from the development) complain: manure on road, rooster at 5 AM, barn smell. Jacob complains: highway noise, shopping center lights, development dog chasing chickens.
Who was here first? Jacob. By 150 years. Who'll leave last? Jacob hopes not him. That his son will stay. And grandson. And great-grandson. On this land. Among Teslas.