Settlement within days

By Friday, hopefully no later than next Wednesday, the Turkey Hill Experience will take its final step in becoming the biggest tourist attraction in western Lancaster County.

At Monday’s borough council meeting, officials announced that the long planned sale of the property at Third and Linden streets, will happen by Friday or at the latest next Wednesday to the Columbia Economic Development Corporation, who will in turn sell the property to Museum Partners.

“Everyone is working toward that goal,” said Norm Meiskey, borough manager.

He explained the loan document between all parties needed to be redone and some changes in the terms and conditions were changed. Meiskey said the Susquehanna Bank is expected to approve the financial plan today or tomorrow.

Former council member Vern Detz said he was concerned those involved would ask for another extension of the agreement.

“The borough is the one taking all of the risks in this project. They (CEDC and Museum Partners) are just pushing paper. If they walk, the borough is still on the hook for this money. We are being strong armed,” Detz said.

Detz suggested that if there is another delay in the project, council should move on and find another developer.

“You have to have a different plan,” Detz said. “Enough is enough, let’s move on.”

Council President Mary Wickenheiser said this project would have been completed had a previous council not wanted to go with the local economic development group.

“The members at that time voted down an agreement with the Lancaster Economic Development Corporation.. We would not have been sitting here tonight without an agreement. The council at that time didn’t want someone to make money off this borough,” she said.