Peters Township Council unanimously approves eminent domain to acquire Rolling Hills.

As expected, Peters Township Council unanimously agreed to use eminent domain to acquire the former Rolling Hills Country Club, joining its partner, the 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 that the township is looking at floating a bond issue of about $9 million to finance its portion of the project. The bond issue also would 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 toward acquiring 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 talks.
“This action will authorize a declaration of taking,” said John Smith, the township solicitor, adding that 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 that 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, and 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 Pinehurst will continue to work with the township to come to an amicable resolution.
Residents who spoke at Monday’s meeting mostly expressed support for using the land for additional park space and 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.
Resident Bob Donnan, hthough, questioned the move and said more traffic is the last thing that is 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 the 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.”