Make no mistake, I'm hoping for the best! I don't mean to come off negative, or harsh, but this is business we're talking about....and feel-good neighborly moments, while always appreciated, are usually conspicuously absent during negotiations such as you are describing.
Personally, I would be hesitant to allow a right-of-way over my property. That doesn't mean I wouldn't, only that I would expect a new neighbor to have figured all of this out before buying property next to mine, then expecting me to make his life easier.
Let's say I agree to the right-of-way. Then, in a couple years my new neighbor packs up and moves....now what? Chances are, that ROW I granted him stays with his property, which is now up for sale....What kind of NEW neighbors will I have?? Good, bad? I've got no control over it, so I'm stuck with whatever, and whoever happens.
I hope it all works out in your favor, WIH. That's twice today I've crossed my fingers for a fellow PB'er. I know what it's like to have a dream and a plan, like most on here probably do, and I want to see you succeed with yours.
Hopefully, we'll be helping you with your pond plans soon!
