Muncie Township residents press Lycoming County for records, county says only $5 million loan on record

Terry Lockley, speaking for residents of Muncie Township during public comment, asked county officials to produce “any communication, including solicitation of potential additional funding requests from Lycoming County government, its agents, or assigns, relative to pursuits by FanVest, PrimeCor, and any of its agents, subsidiaries, or affiliates in further development of the former Lycoming Mall properties.”

Lockley’s request followed earlier reporting and local concern about rumors the developer might seek additional public funds beyond a previously announced $5,000,000 county loan. Lockley said the township has received a denial to an earlier right-to-know request and that residents wanted confirmation whether FanVest or affiliated entities have sought more money.

Commissioners and staff responded that, as of the meeting, the county’s records show only the original $5,000,000 loan. Commissioner Mark Messina said the county is awaiting the developer’s first payment, expected in June, and that there is no record of a formal additional request to the county because the developer has not submitted a final development plan. A county official explained the denied public-records request was extended for 30 days to allow the solicitor’s office to review documents and determine what is releasable under right-to-know law.

County officials described their role as a lender for the loan and said the county is a first-lien holder on the property, a position intended to protect public interest if the project stalls. Commissioners and staff repeatedly emphasized that any money the county disburses or loans will be publicly documented and that negotiations often involve confidential discussions with developers until formal applications or leases are in place.

Residents pressed a range of concerns about potential outcomes of redevelopment, including traffic, sewer and water capacity, public-safety staffing, and long-term tax impacts on townships. Commissioners said those local land-use and zoning decisions would be decided by township supervisors and local hearings; the county’s role is limited to financing and advising on infrastructure grants and reimbursements. Several speakers referenced state and federal funding streams and incentive programs discussed during the meeting — including ARPA funds, Act 13 funds, and LERTA — which county officials said might be sought by developers but are subject to separate application processes and approvals.

Commissioners encouraged residents to attend local planning and zoning hearings, where engineering, stormwater and traffic mitigation plans would be reviewed and where the public can raise concerns formally. County staff reiterated that if FanVest later submits applications or formal requests for additional public funding, those requests would become part of the public record and be disclosed in accordance with right-to-know laws and any applicable non-disclosure agreements.

The county did not announce any new approvals or further disbursements at the meeting. The right-to-know request Lockley referenced remains under review by the solicitor’s office; county staff said they would produce releasable records consistent with state law once the review is complete.