At Thursday’s budget workshop, a resident asked how much Upper Merion has spent pursuing its proposed mixed-use sports, entertainment and housing development. The board did not provide a figure. The response was that the township needs to spend money to determine whether the project is viable.

Township records confirm $163,993.66 in electronic payments to one consultant, Neumann & Associates, LLC, between September 2024 and April 2026. The accompanying table breaks down those payments.

Neumann’s 2026 agreement calls for $12,500 a month through December. If all 12 monthly fees are paid, the township’s payments to Neumann since 2024 would reach at least $301,493.66. That is a projection, not an amount I can confirm has already been paid. It does not represent the full cost of pursuing the project.

The agreement expires December 31. It says that if the township is still pursuing the facility (which they said last night they were), the parties contemplate extending it or reaching a new agreement by December 1. Renewal is not automatic.

Another resident asked why the budget presentation showed no money for the project. The answer she received was: “It’s not a budget item, that’s why it’s not in the budget.”

ANSWERS WE'RE STILL TRYING TO GET:

Does the proposed 2027 budget include money to continue Neumann’s work after his agreement expires? If not, does the township intend to renew or replace the agreement, and how would it pay for continued work?

I've linked the township's agreement with Neumann and Associates in the comments.

WHAT ARE YOUR QUESTIONS?

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Corey