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Hundreds of longtime campers say their access changed overnight after Roaring Run RV Resort in Westmoreland County sold for $2.5 million. Former owner Jay Corl had told people their contracts would stand, but a message from new owner Tannery LLC told 700-plus members those agreements were not part of the sale.
The email offered new rates — $60 per day, $250 per week, or $3,000 per season — and told some folks to leave if they did not accept. Campers who treated the 100-acre site as a seasonal home now face tough choices about money, time, and plans tied to weather and family schedules.
This section frames the facts, names involved, and what changed for members and campers. Expect clear reporting, references to media coverage like cbs news and local outlets, and a focus on data and photos as the story unfolds.
Key Takeaways
- Roaring Run was sold to Tannery LLC for $2.5 million and new owners said prior contracts were not included.
- Over 700 members were told to accept daily, weekly, or seasonal fees or vacate.
- Former owner Jay Corl had assured members their agreements would be honored.
- Campers face quick decisions affected by time, weather, and personal commitments.
- Local and national outlets, including media like cbs news, are tracking data and photos as the story develops.
What happened at Roaring Run RV Resort in the Laurel Highlands
One short email reshaped who could stay and under what terms at Roaring Run, a 100-acre site in the laurel highlands. The owner, Jay Corl, had told members in a meeting their contracts would remain in force. After the sale to Tannery LLC for $2.5 million, new management emailed 700-plus members saying prior agreements were not part of the transfer.
The message presented paid options—$60 per day, $250 per week, or $3,000 for the full season—and set a strict deadline. That abrupt change forced campers and members to weigh short-term costs, moving logistics, and lost on-site services they had come to expect.
“We were told things would stay the same; then we had to choose or leave,”
Members must consider storage, moving RVs, site upgrades they’ve made, and coordinating local services. We include photos and data as the story develops to chart impact and document care for the community. A limited forecast of seasonal weather also factors into planning for those who need more time to relocate.
| Item | Old Expectation | New Options | Immediate Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access | Preserved under prior contracts | $60 day / $250 week / $3,000 season | Urgent decisions for 700+ members |
| Services | Included or assumed | May be billed or reduced | Budget and planning changes |
| Logistics | Seasonal stability | Short notice relocation | Storage, moves, and upgrades at risk |
Lifetime memberships at Pittsburgh-area campground voided despite promise they’d
What followed the sale was a sudden split between the spoken assurance campers heard and the written rules from the buyer. Before closing, owner Jay Corl told members their contracts would carry forward. After the $2.5 million transfer, Tannery LLC emailed more than 700 members saying otherwise.
From sale to fallout: Timeline of the ownership change to Tannery LLC
First, a member meeting where the owner gave assurances. Next, the sale closed. Then, an email arrived declaring prior agreements not part of the transfer.
The former owner’s assurance vs. the new owners’ position
The clash hinges on spoken words versus sale paperwork. Investigative teams from kdka investigations sought comment. Corl agreed by phone but did not meet reporters and later left his residence when approached.
New fee structure and options emailed to 700-plus members
The buyer listed clear rates: $60 per day, $250 per week, or $3,000 per season. The note warned members to accept those options or vacate immediately, with possible legal action if they did not comply.
Photos and community data document the impact on people who treated the site as a seasonal home. Tannery’s attorney said they “care deeply about cleaning up this mess,” which may open room for negotiation.
- Timeline: meeting → close → email
- Core dispute: verbal assurance vs. sale records
- Rates and short deadlines forced quick decisions
How campers say the decision affects families, finances, and community
Longtime members describe sudden upheaval that touches more than wallets.
Many people paid significant sums — often $10,000 or more — for what they believed were secure lifetime memberships. One camper, Mark Wills, says his investment topped $16,000. Now those investments feel threatened as families recalculate budgets and seasonal plans.
The resort has been a 100-acre refuge where friends became family. Campers speak of shared traditions, weekend meals, and a steady rhythm tied to the season. Catherine Thompson told reporters she could not imagine someone saying memberships “mean nothing.”
Members say they need time and clear answers. Weather, work, and school schedules complicate moves, and some fear losing services they counted on. Many are collecting photos and data to show what they paid and how they used the site.
| Issue | Member Reports | Immediate Concern |
|---|---|---|
| Financial stake | $10,000–$16,000 paid by many | Refunds or compensation |
| Seasonal plans | Retirement and family visits | Affordability of new fees |
| Community | Friends, traditions, shared meals | Loss of social ties |
| Services | Included utilities and upkeep expected | Uncertainty over what is billed |
- Financial stakes: Investments may be lost or require legal action.
- Human impact: Families need time and care to decide next steps.
- Evidence: Photos and data help members document claims.
“We planned our retirements around this place,”
Accountability, legal actions, and what both sides are saying
Many members say they plan to press the issue in court. Campers have collected records, photos, and copies of the written and spoken assurances. Several told reporters with kdka investigations they will pursue legal remedies to determine if contracts should have transferred with the sale.
Members prepare to take their fight to court
“We’re gonna take legal action,” said Ron Kepchia, reflecting a wider push for clarity. Members expect discovery to focus on sale paperwork, contract language, and any representations made at the meeting.
Owner responses: Former owner hard to reach; new owners seek a resolution
Reporter Andy Sheehan from kdka investigations tried to interview former owner Jay Corl. Corl agreed by phone but did not appear and later declined further comment on advice of counsel.
The new owner’s attorney said they would like to resolve the dispute and “care deeply about cleaning up this mess,” signaling potential room for negotiation.
Following developments with KDKA and CBS News coverage
Local outlets, including cbs news, are tracking filings, timelines, and media calls. Readers can expect motions, possible mediation, and a slow build of verified data and photos into the public record.
- Key court questions: assignment of contracts, contract language, and member claims.
- Media role: kdka investigations and cbs news provide public timelines and on-the-record statements.
- Community: residents are organizing as a team of neighbors and fans while pursuing legal remedies.
Conclusion
When new management sent its notice, the community moved from certainty to urgent planning. More than 700 people who paid roughly $10,000–$16,000 now face new terms after a $2.5 million sale. The buyer offered $60/day, $250/week, or $3,000/season and asked non-accepting members to vacate immediately.
Campers should use the verified data here to guide next steps. Document upgrades, gather correspondence, and consider services, storage, and weather when planning moves. Share food, tools, and support with friends and family as you sort options.
Legal questions remain; the former owner has declined comment while the new owner’s attorney says they seek a resolution. The experience many value depends on clear contracts and neighborly care — practical steps and community effort will shape the outcome of these lifetime memberships and the things people worked for.
