The Upper Pottsgrove Journal has learned that the law firm, Kilkenny Law, which represents the three plaintiffs who have sued Upper Pottsgrove Township over the Gilbertsville building project, is now reportedly being considered to serve as the Township’s solicitor.
The lawsuit in question was initiated by three now–incoming township commissioners, Albert Leach, Tyrone Robertson, and Elwood Taylor, who sought to halt a long-planned and much-needed municipal building project intended to house the Police Department, Township Administration, and Public Works. That legal action stopped a project that had been years in the making and was fully funded without the need for additional debt or tax increases. The suit resulted in an injunction and is currently on appeal in Commonwealth Court. The filing of the lawsuit occurred during the recent election cycle and was widely viewed as a politically motivated stunt. The three plaintiffs filed the suit eight months after the Township announced the site.
Beyond the direct financial impact, the lawsuit effectively derailed the township’s best opportunity in decades to resolve longstanding and well-documented deficiencies in municipal workspace. The lack of adequate facilities has already had tangible consequences. The long-serving and widely respected Township Manager has announced plans to resign effective upon the seating of the new board. The highly regarded Chief of Police has also announced his resignation, which is expected to be addressed at the new board’s first public meeting. In addition, several experienced members of the Open Space Board have chosen to resign or not seek reappointment.
Residents now deserve a clear explanation from the incoming Board of Commissioners as to how suing the township, incurring millions of dollars in possible losses, halting a fully funded project, and leaving police officers and township employees without adequate facilities serves the best interests of Upper Pottsgrove.
While these developments are deeply concerning, the new Board does have the authority to take corrective action. By moving to vacate the court’s decision, the Board could allow construction to proceed immediately, place the already-expended funds to productive use, and finally provide police officers and township staff with safe, functional, and appropriate workspaces. Doing so would help mitigate further financial losses and begin restoring stability and confidence in township governance.