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Post by RealPitBull on Jan 19, 2012 9:18:28 GMT -5
Ok, so really, this is just a dream. But seriously, some day, some where, I want to open a small live-in sanctuary. I'm putting this out there because I want to start thinking about a game plan. I need tax info, grant info, etc. And I figure, if I put this out to the Universe, miracles can happen........
My vision? A house on a plot of land, more south-east NJ, with a small barn and a kennel of 10 runs. The idea would be to set up a rescue with space to teach classes and lectures. "Sanctuary" implies long-term housing, but that's not what we'd do - the goal would be to rescue and place adoptable dogs.
Thoughts, feedback, ideas, warnings?
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Post by johnr on Jan 19, 2012 9:35:29 GMT -5
Hey, I LOVE the idea. You are already 501c3, right? That'll help a lot. You can get exempted from property taxes as well, but sometimes it's best to get a partial exemption so that you can do for profit stuff on site, like training classes, grooming and boarding. I can't do anything high profile re fundraising because of county ethics rules and the possible appearance of quid pro quos. But I can help with grant writing behind the scenes. (And you are of course welcome to use ANY of the BRILLIANT fund raising ideas I've shared with you!!!! ;D) Size-wise, with even a little help, it's almost as easy to do 30 runs as it is to do 10, if you simply have proper hose hookups and good disinfectants. (Put the apple cider and peroxide theory into practice? I'd still recommend rotations with other disinfectants, eg bleach and trifectant.) Of course, finding the right property is key. Some place that is fairly rural and wants to stay that way. Don't buy where there are developments or plans to develop. Look at the master plan for any town you consider.
Keep me abreast of developments!
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Post by RealPitBull on Jan 19, 2012 9:39:54 GMT -5
Thanks John, that's all really helpful stuff. Especially the partial property tax exemption. I would definitely need to do that.
And yes, we are 501c3.
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Post by johnr on Jan 19, 2012 9:46:19 GMT -5
Thanks John, that's all really helpful stuff. Especially the partial property tax exemption. I would definitely need to do that. And yes, we are 501c3. Well, you've already cleared one MAJOR hurdle then! Let's talk some more! |
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Post by adoptapitbull on Jan 19, 2012 10:01:39 GMT -5
And I know you guys are NJ folk, but look into states like WV and KY, where you can get A TON of land for a little bit of money.
You'll need secluded, unrestricted land that can hopefully have city water access. If not, wells would work, but they kinda suck sometimes. Usually if you can't get city water, you can't get city sewer, either. Then you have to deal with a septic system. Not a big deal, unless it backs up on you. Could be a big repair bill there.
Zoning ordinances will have a sh!t fit about a Pit sanctuary, so that may be one of the biggest hurdles.
Hope this helps...just thinking out loud for ya.
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Post by RealPitBull on Jan 19, 2012 10:03:24 GMT -5
^ all helps a lot, Allison. This is why I put this thread up. I know there are a million things that need to be considered that I'd never think of on my own.
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Post by loverocksalot on Jan 19, 2012 10:44:24 GMT -5
Property is real cheap in the Poconos right now. We have been looking there. Many foreclosures. taxes too high in NY and NJ. Someday I want to house some dogs in need. Would love to have little houses for each with runs. If I hit the lotto. Oh and horses too. LOTS of land where my husband can also have his target range. So NJ out of the question for us. LOL
I can so see you doing this Mary. I hope it happens for you.
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Post by RealPitBull on Jan 19, 2012 10:47:59 GMT -5
I really want to stay in NJ, don't know if I could do the Poconos.
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Post by michele5611 on Jan 19, 2012 11:00:22 GMT -5
Well you know I won't leave Jersey - at least anytime soon.
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Post by RealPitBull on Jan 19, 2012 11:02:51 GMT -5
Well you know I won't leave Jersey - at least anytime soon. Yes, I know. Another reason this is happening in NJ, of course. NOT LEAVING YOU! |
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Post by michele5611 on Jan 19, 2012 11:07:35 GMT -5
;D
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Post by emilys on Jan 19, 2012 11:23:02 GMT -5
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Post by RealPitBull on Jan 19, 2012 11:24:22 GMT -5
The training company would absolutely be separate from the nonprofit. Right now I just do training for RPB, but I DID have a registered NJ business until I dissolved it a few years back to better focus on RPB.
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Post by johnr on Jan 19, 2012 11:38:22 GMT -5
The training company would absolutely be separate from the nonprofit. Right now I just do training for RPB, but I DID have a registered NJ business until I dissolved it a few years back to better focus on RPB. There are advantages to having a for-profit part of the total enterprise, though they must of course be kept legally separate. Not only can this be an efficient way to support yourself while tied to the property, but local authorities are MUCH more amenable to approving a given land use if there are some ratables. |
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Post by fureverywhere on Jan 19, 2012 18:19:37 GMT -5
You absolutely got me as a full time volunteer if it's out where we wanna move to anyway eventually...we want outta Essex County n we're not getting any younger...sounds like a great beginning so far...keep brainstorming kidz!!!!!
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Post by marc on Jan 20, 2012 21:08:52 GMT -5
I know it is far south for your northerners but Atlantic County has lots of open, cheap land. Semi decent location too.
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Post by catstina on Jan 20, 2012 21:28:48 GMT -5
I would donate as much as I could towards an RPB Sanctuary!
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Post by johnr on Jan 21, 2012 8:20:52 GMT -5
I know it is far south for your northerners but Atlantic County has lots of open, cheap land. Semi decent location too. Cumberland County is likely even cheaper. Southeast Burlington County, ie Bass River and Woodland Townships have cheap real estate, certainly by Jersey standards. If you are neither right at the shore nor in the New York - Philly corridor, NJ still can be affordable. |
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Post by adoptapitbull on Jan 21, 2012 8:49:31 GMT -5
A friend of mine lives in South Jersey by Millville. I'm not sure if that's Cumberland...
But anyway, in my friend's county, you are not allowed to build any more structures. What's there is there. She told me this years ago and I can ask her if it still applies. She had to make her horse barn super small in order for it to be allowed to be built on her land. I think you could get away with temporary structures like mobile homes, though.
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Post by johnr on Jan 21, 2012 9:07:03 GMT -5
^Yes, Millville is Cumberland County, as are Vineland and Bridgeton. These small towns are as urban as it gets down there. Almost all the areas south are rural or flat out wild. Never heard of any total building ban down there, but it wouldn't surprise me if a lot of the still rural and open land areas are heavily protected.
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I look forward to learning much here