The sale this week of 10 acres of land in Oakland Twp., Susquehanna County, to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for $2.1 million has rekindled discussion about plans to develop a site that has sacred importance.
The land on Route 171 comprises Boughton's Auto Salvage - a garage, junk yard and used-parts facility - that Jeffrey and Nancy Boughton acquired from his father, Clyde Boughton, in 2000. Clyde had owned the property since 1965.
Church spokeswoman Kim Farah in Salt Lake City confirmed the purchase Friday.
In addition to the purchase price, the Boughtons also reserved gas and oil rights on the property if the church ever decides to lease it.
Ms. Farah said the purchase was important because the parcel is "near a site of historical significance to the founding of the faith."