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Barrett Township approves $24,469 settlement with Hive to Harvest after lease dispute
Summary
The board accepted Resolution No. 2026-051326-0 resolving litigation with nonprofit Hive to Harvest, authorizing payment of $24,469.50 (reported as attorney fees). Debate at the meeting focused on how a prior zero‑rent lease with renewal options of up to 15 years was approved and whether proper public review occurred.
The Barrett Township Board of Supervisors voted to accept a settlement and mutual release with the nonprofit Hive to Harvest, authorizing a payout of $24,469.50 to resolve outstanding litigation and attorney‑fee exposure.
A board member explained the resolution accepts “a lease and two protocols” and that documents will be made public. The payout was described at the meeting as covering attorney fees tied to the prior dispute. The board then moved and seconded a resolution titled in the minutes as Resolution No. 2026‑051326‑0; supervisors voted in favor.
Public comment at length contested how the original lease was handled by prior officials. Several residents criticized the prior board and questioned oversight by the township solicitor, Todd Whitesman. One commenter asserted the prior process produced an improper result—zero rent with renewal terms—and called it “a bad lease.” A current supervisor acknowledged the board had approved “entering into an agreement” in an earlier session but said the final signed lease (which included longer renewal terms) had not been reviewed publicly before problems emerged.
Supporters of Hive to Harvest and some other residents said the organization is a nonprofit that invested in kitchen equipment and rehabilitation and that the settlement was intended to move past litigation and enable the nonprofit to operate as a community asset. The board said the settlement and protocols are intended to protect public health and to allow shared‑use arrangements where appropriate (for example, Boy Scouts and other nonprofits may use the kitchen under inspection and sanitary protocols).
What the record says: The transcript reports the settlement payout as $24,469.50 and indicates the lease allowed up to 15 years of renewal and did not require payment of utilities by the tenant. The township and speakers described significant legal fees previously incurred; one speaker referenced litigation costs “upwards of $40,000.” The board described the agreement as a way to “move on” and build a positive relationship with Hive to Harvest.
Next steps: The resolution was approved at the meeting and the settlement documents will be made public, with the board indicating it will work to strengthen oversight and clarify how future leases are reviewed and approved.
