Feb 29, 2024 By Jon Andreassi 2 min read

Despite some tense discussion prior to the vote, South Strabane supervisors approved a co-working office space in the township.

Supervisors voted 4-1 to approve preliminary and final land development for Champion Center Enterprises’ project at 65 Fischer Road, with Jeff Bull opposing.

Washington attorney Thomas Lonich, who is representing Champion, grew frustrated at Tuesday’s meeting as township solicitor Dennis Makel questioned the group’s intentions for the property.

Makel emphasized that Champion’s conditional use application allows for them to operate a business or professional offices.

“Do you understand? Your client understand that?” Makel asked.

“As I’ve said several times before to this board and the planning commission. I understand it. My client understands it,” Lonich replied.

At issue is Champion Center Enterprises’ affiliation with Champion Christian Center, which has churches in Washington and Canonsburg. Both entities are owned by Pastor Nathan Miller. Johnny Miller, Nathan’s brother, has appeared as a representative for the project at township meetings. At a meeting in March of last year, supervisors were frustrated when Johnny Miller refused to acknowledge the familial connection.

In November 2022, Champion Christian Center had filed a conditional use application to build a tax-exempt church at 65 Fischer, but withdrew the application before the township could consider it.

Supervisors approved Champion Center Enterprises’ application for an office space last May with several conditions in place. While the initial plans called for 281 parking spots, no more than 200 will be permitted at the site.

Vehicles coming out of the parking lot will have to make a left turn. Champion Center Enterprise will be responsible for all necessary improvements to Fischer Road and traffic signs.

The property had been purchased by Bass Pro Shops in 2007 for $1.5 million. Washington County property records indicate that Bass Pro Shops sold the 30-acre plot to Champion Center Enterprises for about the same price in June.

When it came time to vote, Supervisor Mark Murphy asked Makel about the potential consequences of voting down the land development resolution.

“If we vote no, and they check all the boxes, will we end up in litigation?” Murphy asked.

Makel replied that Champion would likely file an appeal.

“Basically, he’s compliant with everything,” Makel said.