Public commenters press board for transparency on Mountain Manor legal costs and mediation

Multiple residents used the public‑comment period to press the township for records and transparency about legal costs associated with the Mountain Manor/Back 9 zoning enforcement matter and its appeal to the Commonwealth Court.

Jennifer D. said she had filed a Right‑to‑Know request for the total township spending on the litigation and asked why the board would not disclose the amount. Finance information provided at the meeting indicated the township had paid about $38,000 in legal fees through Aug. 26. Solicitor Ron Carasac reiterated the procedural history: the zoning officer issued a citation after a complaint, the zoning hearing board found the use was not allowed, the property owners appealed and the matter is now before the Commonwealth Court; a stay was requested while appeals proceed and the joint stipulation states the parties will seek resolution efforts while the Commonwealth Court considers the appeal.

Several commenters asked why mediation or more active settlement efforts were not already pursued during the stay; Solicitor Carasac offered to meet for mediation with lawyers present and said he would schedule discussions. Commenters also disputed whether prior oral indications about riding privileges were clear and asked the board to confirm enforcement expectations while the injunction and appeal are pending.

What’s next: the solicitor indicated the township is willing to meet with the other party and counsel to pursue resolution; the public may pursue Open Records appeals for access to supporting QuickBooks and expense documents.