Billionaire Who Grew Up in Endwell Now Buying Up Land in Idaho

Endwell native Thomas Tull has been spending millions of dollars to acquire thousands of acres of pristine wilderness in what's being called a "land grab."

The Wall Street Journal reports that the billionaire businessman who now lives in the Pittsburgh area has been buying land in eastern Idaho since late last year.

According to the story, more than 7,000 acres were purchased by Tull and entities linked to him. The land in the Teton Valley is south of Yellowstone National Park.

The Journal reported real estate agents estimated the total cost of the acquisitions at $65 million.

The newspaper story indicated some people who live in the area have expressed concerns about one person owning so much land. Some residents apparently aren't pleased with increased activity, including truck traffic, they've noticed since the land was acquired.

A spokesman for the 51-year-old Tull told the Journal that most of the land is to be kept for private use and no major development projects are planned.

According to the newspaper, plans filed with the county call for the construction of a timber-framed lodge, a main house, a five-bedroom guesthouse, a one-bedroom cabin, an equipment storage building and a horse barn with a riding arena.

Tull is a 1988 Maine-Endwell High School graduate. He operated a few businesses in Broome County before founding Legendary Entertainment.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com.

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.