2 people sue Nemacolin, claiming it abruptly ended lifetime memberships

Two people from West Virginia are suing Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, alleging that the Fayette County resort eliminated a lifetime membership program they purchased years ago.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Pittsburgh, seeks class-action status for all the members of the Nemacolin 400 Club, which began in 1988.

The 400 Club membership provided special access to Nemacolin’s golf courses, pool and fitness facilities, parties, events and other amenities, according to the lawsuit. It also gave members discounted rates for other services there.

David Seman, of Morgantown, bought a lifetime 400 Club membership in 1988 at a cost of $1,500, according to the lawsuit.

Cheryl Hook, also of Morgantown, thought she was receiving the same membership when she bought a 400 Club property there in May 2017 at a cost of $147,000.

However, last year, the lawsuit said, Nemacolin ended the 400 Club memberships without notice.

“Defendants informed plaintiffs that they could no longer access the Nemacolin Golf Courses and certain resort facilities and amenities,” the complaint said. “Defendants further informed plaintiffs that all 400 Club membership benefits and privileges would be terminated.”

Soon after, it continued, Nemacolin created a new membership program called the “Woodlands Club.” The fees for that program include an initiation fee of $25,000 and an additional annual maintenance fee of $10,000.

The lawsuit estimates that the class of possible plaintiffs for the lawsuit is at least 100 people.

It includes claims for breach of contract, unjust enrichment, fraudulent misrepresentation, as well as an allegation under state law of unfair trade practices.

A message left Wednesday evening at Nemacolin went unreturned.