A Greater Philadelphia Economy League study released by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission concludes that open space preservation is good for the economy. Commission Chairman and Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel says it’s not only good for business, but also good for property values.

“Every property in Southeastern Pennsylvania is worth $10,000 more.  That’s the average no matter where it’s located just because of the land that we’ve preserved, so it’s very exciting.  7,000 jobs are directly related to open space management and preservation in the southeast.  That’s a payroll of $300 million.  The numbers are really astonishing.”

Hoeffel says park and trail users spend money at nearby businesses, so the economic benefits in Southeastern Pennsylvania add up to hundreds of millions of dollars, and open space preservation also helps to keep health care costs down by giving people places where they can go out and get exercise, thereby staying healthier.