Hartman behind Monticello deal

By The Daily Progress

Published: September 16, 2008

Regarding the Aug. 21 article headlined “Greenspace grows around Monticello: Foundation buys nearly 29 acres,” the Thomas Jefferson Foundation would like to clarify one point.

The $500,000 figure cited in the story was the appraised value of the land and the value of the property transfer. However, Monticello’s acquisition of the 29-acre tract was not a straight cash deal. Rather, it was a “bargain sale” in which the foundation paid the Hartman Family Corp. $250,000 and the corporation made a gift to the foundation of $250,000 (the difference between the sale price and the fair market value).

Monticello would not have been able to acquire this property at this time without the generosity and cooperation of the Hartman Family Corp. In recognition of the Hartman family’s commitment, the foundation will place a permanent plaque on the tract and hold a dedication ceremony, at a date to be determined, to mark the official addition of the property to the Thomas Jefferson Parkway.

The Thomas Jefferson Foun-dation is grateful to the members of the Hartman family for allowing it to preserve this property and make it accessible to members of the community, and regrets not clearly stating the true nature of the transaction at the first opportunity.

Wayne Mogielnicki
Albemarle County

Wayne Mogielnicki is director of communications for the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc.