[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6254132,"mediaKeyId","3176114-f8b1b924f40228c6fb0a9aaaadf37318","parentId",3176114,"title","Resident questions $6M mall demolition plan and reports denied Right-to-Know request","audioSeconds",124,"startMs",2396000,"endMs",2520000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3176114-f8b1b924f40228c6fb0a9aaaadf37318&start=2396&end=2520","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3176114-f8b1b924f40228c6fb0a9aaaadf37318/thumbnail_2396000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6254132/Washington-County/Pennsylvania/Resident-questions-6M-mall-demolition-plan-and-reports-denied-Right-to-Know-request","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6254132-0e638a95679743cec73bf9f8b5113b69/orig.mp4?Expires=1770917004&Signature=izaLDfLlwWoMxzelf6sfdaQ5hv~IKmcb154bgnll50HQFGMqU~JTGMit-CzuImLjbyetB9IIEHWu5-DNQe8h0V-1ChAkRqYbFl-u8A1flBU8icvN~s0wmpF~JyG5~mgQfbFUtLU2amgOoFqRRr4BfryQtQpVumCxhhQXCm0p0euephoJD9xIKPE6EhlBDXodtPIVXEbHzA1zece7hlkUgYp22kO8bHnSPfmLpwtD5kWYnYxpwO1fbRS0ce-YkADiS~Aio-h6YZJVZCSf79uq25Uvrt5tPmN4jdH91F7xp1EByMw8topse~mSi0cfa--KmQFhy5Dp0zsSp2Fk2yPYAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-02T05:05:10.793Z","article","A Washington County resident told the commissioners he had requested records about the county’s involvement in a plan to demolish the Washington Mall and said his Right‑to‑Know request was denied.

Thomas Lonich of South Germantown spoke during public comment and said the county, in collaboration with the Washington County Redevelopment Authority and Chapman Properties, had committed up to $6,000,000 for demolition of the mall. He asked the board for documentation supporting the project and a formal finding of blight and said his Right‑to‑Know application for meeting notes, agreements, studies, memoranda and ownership documents was denied with the response, “No such document exists.”

Why it matters: Demolition of a major commercial property and use of public funds for redevelopment may affect property rights, potential liens, future tax revenues and local redevelopment plans. A Right‑to‑Know denial for records that a resident expects to exist raises transparency questions that can influence public trust and future decision‑making.

What the speaker asked: Lonich asked whether demolition costs would be repaid by property owners or developers, whether liens would be imposed if developers later sold the property, and requested the records the county used to reach any blight determination and to negotiate demolition terms. He said the media had quoted a county commissioner and a Chapman Properties representative as supporting demolition and development plans and that he intended to return to the board to press those questions further.

What the record shows: The public‑comment segment records Lonich saying he submitted a Right‑to‑Know request for “any and all notes, meeting notes, calendars, agreements, memorandums, agendas, minutes, emails, texts pertaining to the demolition project,” and that the county’s response stated those documents did not exist. The meeting record does not include a formal county response to Lonich’s claims during the session, and the solicitor did not provide a substantive reply in open session other than to note other unrelated items the solicitor was tracking.

Next steps: Lonich said he would return to raise additional questions. The commissioners did not announce any immediate follow‑up or a staff report on the Right‑to‑Know denial during the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Washington County Board of Commissioners Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","At the Washington County commissioners meeting a resident asked about an allegedly approved $6 million demolition project for the Washington Mall and said his Right-to-Know request for related documents was denied.","taxTitle","Washington County, Pennsylvania","taxId",18156,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6254137,"Washington County commissioners approve slate of contracts, grants and purchases",197,1939000,2136000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3176114-f8b1b924f40228c6fb0a9aaaadf37318&start=1939&end=2136","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3176114-f8b1b924f40228c6fb0a9aaaadf37318/thumbnail_1939000.jpg","/articles/6254137/Washington-County/Pennsylvania/Washington-County-commissioners-approve-slate-of-contracts-grants-and-purchases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6254137-7a050a78cc1f934dec8c84250ca746f7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770917004&Signature=UXFbsnjWZiisUWI57Pjj49Ng5Hqqk3I-wezFzIQilCGCm~puOIgWPxEsZciXy4RZkfYGtTcoJCx5pxlw~XR~lXm0SphNB7mINH2SxcLT5axSAXIExj4FxLjbO4fD-ZQs8ptPparvjjIIQdG9fJbUCupehOhoa-EpgtgnY0YiHbQ6ykwg1m~p-zftoIOmXS9IcXGScctyJlkDxHwBvv7on0JwjDB0BHDrYVs451Wd7ze1SMMwBJUyjktQYXJIVnpZaPSML8wPBNblVaODYIUPiL99r0qokNKA1QlVloxYDbqRkFwinCewWarCLq3hVisUad5it2IpAma2x2XQdUVSQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a package of routine procurement actions, contract amendments and grant-funded projects at its legislative meeting on May 1, 2025.

Why it matters: The approvals authorize construction inspection for a bridge rehabilitation project, emergency repairs at a park shelter, a three‑year security software support contract, public-safety equipment service renewals, upgrades to the county fire-academy access and camera systems, and multiple human‑services and behavioral‑health contract adjustments. Several of the purchases are funded by grants, oil‑and‑gas lease monies, capital funds, or operating budgets noted in the agenda.

Key approvals and funding: The board approved an agreement to authorize construction inspection for the Tunnel No. 4 rehabilitation project with American Engineering for $68,781.58, to be paid from Transportation Alternative set‑aside grant funds; an emergency electrical payment of $37,970 to replace failed service at Shelter 7 in Domingo Creek Park, paid from oil‑and‑gas lease monies; a three‑year SonicWall Gen 7 support agreement for $24,812.24; renewal of AED field and technical support with Stryker for $57,230.01 (general fund and emergency‑management monies); renewal of SentinelOne antivirus workstation and server licenses for $38,130; and purchases for camera and access control improvements for the fire academy totaling $47,073.10 (capital funds). The elections office payment to ES&S for primary election support for $137,500 was also approved and will be paid from the elections operating budget.

Human services and contracts: The board approved midyear contract adjustments for Behavioral Health and Developmental Services totaling $640,000 for the period July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, and increased a prior allocation to BHC Advanced Services Inc. to $319,203 for the same fiscal period. The commissioners also approved opioid settlement funding agreements with recommended providers totaling $164,960.58; all such agreements were made subject to solicitor approval.

Procurement process and compliance: Several purchases were executed through co‑operative purchasing (CoStars) and cited as not requiring separate bidding. The board repeatedly recorded roll-call votes approving the items; many motions were moved, seconded and carried unanimously in the meeting minutes.

Administrative items and other approvals: The board approved a survey of Cross Creek County Park's southeastern portion at no cost to the county (requested by MarkWest Liberty Midstream Resources LLC); an amended division order with Range Resources for a specific unit; approval of a contract for tunnel rehabilitation inspection; authorization to advertise for air‑handler replacement and analysis at the Crossroads Center building; and approval of a MOU for a household hazardous‑waste collection event with the PRC, under which the county will contribute $7,000 for administration and grant match.

What was not decided: Approvals were for contracts and budget authorizations; the meeting record shows no extended debate about the substance of most items and does not indicate changes to scope except where an amount or funding source was called out in the agenda item. Several approvals stated that no additional county funds were required.

Next steps: Departments will execute contracts and schedule work as authorized. Where grant or external approvals are required (for example, transportation grant funds or contractor scheduling), departments will proceed per standard contracting processes and return to the board if additional funding or changes are required.","At its May meeting the Washington County Board of Commissioners approved multiple routine contracts, bid extensions, grant-funded projects and purchases covering infrastructure, public safety, IT, and behavioral health.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6254140,"Washington County commissioners order hotel-tax withholding from WCTA pending 2024 audit",287,1481000,1768000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3176114-f8b1b924f40228c6fb0a9aaaadf37318&start=1481&end=1768","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3176114-f8b1b924f40228c6fb0a9aaaadf37318/thumbnail_1481000.jpg","/articles/6254140/Washington-County/Pennsylvania/Washington-County-commissioners-order-hotel-tax-withholding-from-WCTA-pending-2024-audit","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6254140-4aef9590cc33e7b86385471afe902633/orig.mp4?Expires=1770917004&Signature=kuvsnfYIIVO4IAuri9MNjtCOwskyswsPr5x~2~7FSv~mbWO02IGlg6q0Ad71Lx9ROM0c7Hmwlw33fJOW9zzuCr1VkoMfVH1hX~ijHjDjWmSEfAmle81Wr0~-t1Rt43Ob~r7c7W7wLDnpS7A4RLSYzIffDdVyIFn73UZtpHm0zU287XzLulzv42ZqvsUyLinDj2Wz2vPvX-JbRjGOB2PRhYQYy-4MP5PzecYdUENSnhSUEBDK4eogX8kYiajNkg-bpFJ3ce~VS7LwnUL8Lij4~WQhnTJ141vYtVZZL7GIKKn~uOuEwIWgkNmeSIFE6BdYODcmrSAyrbwHZnGX7yCNPA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Washington County Board of Commissioners voted to direct the county treasurer to withhold distributions of county hotel-tax revenues to the Washington County Tourism Agency (WCTA) until the commissioners receive an audit for the 2024 fiscal year showing income and expenditures in a form and content determined by the commissioners.

Chief Clerk read the motion asking that \"the county treasurer withhold the distribution of county hotel tax revenues to the WCTA until the county commissioners have received an audit for the 2024 fiscal year with information on the income and expenditures incurred by the WCTA and a form and content as determined by the county commissioners, pursuant to section 17507(f)(g) of the county code for fourth class counties.\" The motion was moved and seconded and decided by roll call.

Why it matters: Commissioners and members of the public questioned the agency’s spending and transparency at a time of increased tourism activity in the county. Commissioners asked for detailed answers about WCTA expenditures, consultant contracts, travel costs and the agency’s reported cash balance, and said they wanted the commissioners to review a complete audit package before releasing hotel-tax funds.

Discussion and dissent: Several commissioners said they had received WCTA materials and a written 10‑page response to questions but still sought further documentation. One commissioner noted the county had received a clean audit for the agency in prior years but said answers to recent questions were incomplete and asked for transparency, saying, \"We have a duty and an obligation to provide transparency to taxpayers, and that's what I'm doing.\" Another commissioner said timing was a concern because county tourism events and the county’s 250th anniversary activities were beginning this weekend.

Outcome and next steps: The motion to withhold distributions passed by roll call; commissioners directed staff to define the required audit content and to withhold hotel-tax payments to WCTA until that material is delivered and reviewed. The chief clerk cited county-code authority for the withholding. Commissioners did not specify a deadline for submission in the meeting record. The action does not itself adjudicate any finding of misuse; it conditions payment on delivery of the requested audit information.

Funding and oversight note: Commissioners referenced that WCTA reportedly holds a multi‑million‑dollar balance; one speaker described \"upwards of $3,000,000 still being held,\" and asked how those funds have been allocated. The motion instructs the treasurer to withhold distributions pending the audit; it does not, in itself, redirect or reallocate hotel-tax revenues.

What was not resolved: The meeting record does not show that the board determined whether withheld funds will be placed in escrow, returned, or become a lien on property; commissioners instructed staff to obtain and review the audit and supporting documents before additional decisions are made.","The Washington County Board of Commissioners voted to withhold county hotel-tax distributions to the Washington County Tourism Agency until the commissioners receive an audit for the 2024 fiscal year and supporting income/expenditure detail.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident questions $6M mall demolition plan and reports denied Right-to-Know request

Washington County commissioners approve slate of contracts, grants and purchases

Washington County commissioners order hotel-tax withholding from WCTA pending 2024 audit