Aug 15, 2016 3 min read

As expected, Peters Township Council unanimously agreed to use eminent domain to acquire Rolling Hills Country Club, joining its partner, Peters Township School District, which voted earlier this month to take the same action.

Assistant township manager, Paul Lauer, who takes over for current manager Michael Silvestri at the end of the month, said at Monday’s special meeting the township is looking at doing a bond issue of around $9 million to finance its portion of the project. The bond issue would also finance a new, $1 million ladder truck for the township fire department.

“We need to target a number in excess of what we need,” Lauer said. “I believe we will be south of that.”

Both the township and the school district, which joined forces earlier this year to acquire the 190-acre site which fronts East McMurray Road, have been negotiating with Pinehurst Land Partners LLC to acquire the property. The parties, however, have not been able to reach an agreement after weeks of negotiations.

“This action will authorize a declaration of taking,” said John Smith, the township solicitor, adding it “could take some time” before the process is resolved.

Condemnation takes place when a government seizes private property and compensates the owner at fair market value. The power of the government to do this is called eminent domain, meaning the government takes private property for public use.

The township has proposed using 93 acres of the site for parks and recreational purposes, possibly a swimming pool. The school district plans to use 97 acres for a school campus that could include a new high school.

Jonathan Kamin, a Pittsburgh attorney who represents Pinehurst, said he was disappointed with council’s action. But, he said, Pinehurst will continue to work with the township to come to an amicable resolution.

Residents who spoke at Monday’s meeting were mostly in favor of using the land for additional park space, as well as a swimming pool.

“As we grow, we’re going to have to address the lack of space for recreation,” said Patrick Airhart, chairman of Peters Parks and Recreation.

McMurray resident Bob Donnan, however, questioned the move and said more traffic is the last thing needed on East McMurray Road.

“Personally, I think it is wrong for government to seize private property,” Donnan said.

But Robert Lewis, council chairman, said a lot of people were not happy when Montour Trail was built.

“Now, it is one of the jewels of the township,” he said.

Added council member, Monica Merrell: “This is a piece of property we can’t let go of. It will add significant value. We tried to bargain and negotiate in good faith.”