The future of a planned restaurant within Penn Township’s Blackthorne Estates hinges on an upcoming zoning meeting, as new ownership faces a formal challenge from developers over the facility’s use.
Blackthorne Investors is challenging the occupancy permit issued to The Club at Blackthorne, arguing against the operation of a restaurant within the housing community, according to township solicitor Michael Korns.
The matter is slated for discussion at the township’s next zoning hearing board meeting, set for 7 p.m. Feb. 12 at the municipal building.
New ownership, new plans
The challenge comes as Anthony and Leah Cifelli, ages 40 and 43, take the reins of the 36,000-square-foot facility. The couple purchased the clubhouse in December from former owner Jeannine Schemm for $3.9 million, according to Westmoreland County property tax records.
The Cifellis, who own the 10-year-old bar service company Ace Bartenders, have worked at the venue since it began hosting weddings in 2020. While they plan to continue hosting weddings and private events on the upper level, they are working to finish a restaurant space on the bottom floor — a project that was about 30% complete when they took ownership.
“I think anyone in the wedding and events industry, any of the vendors, it’s always one of their goals or their end goal to have a venue of their own,” Anthony Cifelli said.
A history of friction
The clubhouse facility, located off Harrison City-Export Road, has been the subject of longstanding community and legal disputes. The golf course has been closed to the public since 2023.
While originally housing a pro shop and social space for golfers, the clubhouse building has operated as a private wedding venue since November 2022. This shift prompted a lawsuit by the township in May 2023 against the clubhouse, golf course, Blackthorne Investors and Bedrock Developers.
Bob Vucelich, owner of the golf course and Bedrock Developers, previously sought to build a new clubhouse near Kapalua Lane to allow the course to operate. Although commissioners initially voted against it in August 2023, an agreement was reached seven months later.
Resident Dan Settnek, a former HOA board member, noted that while a driveway and parking lot for that new facility were paved, a new clubhouse has yet to be built.
Vucelich did not return multiple requests for comment.
Related:
• Blackthorne Estates plans to build new golf facility, open golf course in spring• Blackthorne golf course, clubhouse will not close, township states
• Blackthorne clubhouse owner attempts to resolve dispute with golf course, lawsuit states
• Blackthorne Estates residents weigh in on upcoming Penn Township golf course vote
• Township alleges zoning violation over revised use of golf clubhouse
Community access, misconceptions
The Cifellis are now navigating a complex relationship with the residents of Blackthorne Estates, many of whom have spoken out against the lack of access to the clubhouse.
“I think the problem was… (residents) were being sold on the fact that the golf course is open, the clubhouse is open to your disposal,” Cifelli said, contending the club has always been privately owned. “These people had it in mind that this was part of their community when that was never true.”
However, Cifelli aims to bridge the gap. He has met with the homeowners association to discuss an arrangement where residents could pay a fee to use the facility’s bottom floor.
“I’m basically waiting to hear back from them,” he said.
Mike Castellini, secretary of the HOA board, said via email he “looks forward to a productive partnership” with the Cifellis but declined further comment.
Looking ahead
Despite the pending zoning challenge regarding the restaurant, the Cifellis say the wedding business is thriving. The venue can host up to 350 guests and features an outdoor covered pavilion.
“Every amenity you would need for a wedding space that someone might ask for, we can accommodate,” Cifelli said, noting that tours are constant and bookings are already stretching into next year.
Korns declined to provide TribLive a copy of the document challenging the clubhouse occupancy permit in advance of the Feb. 12 meeting. The Trib filed a Right-to-Know request for the document.
Settnek is hopeful the Cifellis and homeowners association will come to an agreement.
“I care about this community very much,” Settnek said. “I want to see it open and I want to see people make use of it.”
