A Tale of Two Easements
For the past 25 years, property owners Mark and Donna Romer and Dorothy Cleal had an agreement that they would not develop their adjoining properties without consulting each other. In November 2016, they took the ultimate act to formalize this agreement in perpetuity by recording conservation easements on their parcels. Capital Region Land Conservancy facilitated these two easements covering 1.4 acres for the purpose of protecting the watershed and scenic views of the James River from Riverside Drive scenic byway and the view of the surrounding landscape from the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. In addition, these properties adjoin the James River Park System and portions of the park that the City of Richmond protected by a conservation easement in 2009. Thus, these easements provide a further buffer for natural resources and recreational uses protected at the James River Park.
"Sharing similar goals, we were able to work as a team to not only donate the conservation easement but to make sure our neighbors and visitors would always be able to enjoy this very special view of the James River."
Mrs. Cleal and Mr. and Mrs. Romer’s love and appreciation of this iconic view of the City of Richmond, shared by all who travel Riverside Drive, drove the process to accomplish this easement.
