As far as shutting the water off I try not to as the bill for turning it on and off is really high in winter.

When it hits critical mass in the US, it could shut down businesses and schools for a month or more. 

Since we need to pay for this both in permit costs and with contractor costs, we'd really like to know if we have any option to perhaps run just to the b box (buffalo box where water can be shut off in the parkway) for the other property. 

I bought right when the world was shutting down due to COVID and you might be in a similar situation with this next waive.

Realtors are not as savy as we are and immediately shut down the idea, often times never even asking the seller if it's an option.

Some people just prefer the old fashioned way so you don’t want to shut the door on that. 

My church is on Francis Street, only a few streets from my property, so very relevant information to my property.

I suspect that you and the family are still emotionally attached to the old homestead and you are wondering if you should keep it - do a business Bed and Breakfast - or take the cash and give up your attachment to the old place ----- well ---- only you can answer those questions ---What would you do with the cash - pay bills - invest - savings - vacation - give most of it to the church -?

I did mine at a nearby church before and was surprised at the number of folks that showed up to express concerns.

I shut it down and stayed with ABB since.