Murrysville council unanimously denies petition seeking rescission of subsurface leases for borough parks

Murrysville council voted unanimously Oct. 15 to deny a citizen petition from Protect PT asking the borough to rescind three subsurface leases that would allow drilling beneath Duff and Kovalchick parks.

The petition prompted a series of public comments from residents and environmental advocates who said the leases pose environmental risks and raised questions about whether the borough—or the lessees—properly established ownership of mineral rights. Tom Pike, an environmental policy advocate with Protect PT, told the council the petition included roughly 330 verified Murrysville signatories and read parcel IDs he said are in dispute. "Please resend these 3 leases," Pike said, urging the council to avoid exposing taxpayers to potential litigation.

Other residents reiterated concerns. Danny Westfall said he opposed subsurface leasing under Duff Park and urged the…