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Preservation Sought as Hacker's Hill Goes Up For Sale

October 20, 2009 - CASCO -- For nature lovers in the Lakes Region and beyond, Hacker's Hill in Casco is no ordinary hill. Instead, it's a treasured mountain-top experience many deem worthy of saving.

"We feel like we found God on a hillside," said Lynne Erkkinen, of Yarmouth, as she visited the spot for the first time Sunday. "We hope somebody can buy it, or make an arrangement with the town to keep it open. It's still part and parcel of people's lives."

Much to the chagrin of many who have enjoyed visiting Hacker's Hill over the years, the 52-acre property, which offers sweeping views of Sebago Lake, the White Mountains and western Maine, is listed with a Gray-based realtor for $1.69 million.

The property is residentially zoned and includes two parcels: a 35-acre open field at the top of the hill and a smaller wooded section. There are two cell phone towers atop the hill, which have prepaid leases through 2025. A steep 400-foot paved road leads from Quaker Ridge Road to the top of the hill.

Because of the mountaintop views, listing broker Cathy Manchester, who has a personal connection with the property, having watched her daughter take her first steps on the hill, said Hacker's Hill is "the finest piece of property in southern Maine. There is no match for it."

Manchester said she's had some interest but no offers so far on the property, which went on the market July 28. She said the Hall family, which has owned the property for more than 100 years, is eager to sell, especially to a private conservation group that would keep the land open to the public.

"While the property is open to anyone, it would be nice to have a non-profit come forward. If a non-profit does step forward, we will donate our commission to that cause," said Manchester, of Keller Williams, The Cathy Manchester Team.

On a clear day, most of western Maine and eastern New Hampshire is visible from atop the 753-foot-high hill. Hacker's Hill, named in honor of Hacker Hall, who cleared the property several decades ago and allowed public access at no charge, is busy every weekend during warmer months and draws especially large crows during fall foliage season.

On Sunday, those leaf peepers were out in full force, partly spurred by recent reports that the hill could be closed to the public depending on whether the future owner would allow public access. Many visiting the hill Sunday echoed Manchester's sentiments that the land and view is worth keeping open.

"I'd never heard of it 'til last week," said Bill Shouse of Portland. "I had no clue this was here. It's fantastic. It would be great if a conservation group could purchase it."

Julie Floerchinger, of Limington, has been coming to the hill for many years. "That would be scary to find they would close it up, because it's such a nice place. It'd be a shame to lose it," she said.

Bruce and Anne Talbot, of Brunswick, "never knew there was anything like this that offered such great views so close. It's absolutely gorgeous," Anne Talbot said. The Talbots hope either the state or a private conservation group would purchase the land. "If it's going to be sold, it should be a state park. But my hurrays to the owners for keeping it so pristine and very well kept."

According to the Loon Echo Land Trust, which already protects about 3,400 acres in the Lakes Region and maintains four conservation easements in Casco, there are currently no plans to purchase the land.

According to executive director Carrie Walia, the land trust isn't in the financial position to purchase the $1.69 million property. She is holding out hope, however, that a fundraising campaign will commence or a major donor will come forward to protect the property.

"The sale price is extremely prohibitive," Walia said. "We're hoping there will be a grassroots campaign, but as of now we don't have any plans."

Like many, Walia is amazed the Hall family has allowed public access to their property, as well as taken great pains to remove trash, maintain a bathroom at the top of the hill, and mow the fields.

"It's wonderful that the Hall family has maintained the property for the public's benefit. It's uncommon for people to maintain and improve facilities on their own," she said.

A Lewiston couple, visiting the hill Sunday on their motorcycle, doesn't believe a private buyer will be as accommodating as the Halls.

"We're sure whoever buys it won't keep it the way it is," said David Johnson while at the hill with his wife. "If they did, we'd be surprised."

Posted: Friday, October 16, 2009
By John Balentine of the Lakes Region Weekly

Lakes:
Regions: Sebago


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