Plans for a center for veterans in East Penn Township must overcome an old legal dispute between the land owner and the township.

Pennsylvania Outdoor Veterans wants to purchase a former community center in West Bowmans.

But the owner of the property owes $624,000 in fines to the township for failing to maintain the property for several years.

While the township supervisors support the idea for the community center, they aren’t willing to forgive the money they’re owed by the owner, Clair Troxell.

“We can give you the letter of support, but it doesn’t mean we’ll release the lien,” said William Schwab, chairman of the East Penn Township Supervisors.

Ryan Bowman, founder and executive director of Pennsylvania Outdoor Veterans, approached the supervisors with the group’s plans during a special meeting Thursday night.

Bowman, who is Troxell’s nephew, said his organization plans to buy the former community center from his uncle so they can host veterans and their caregivers. He said the events would include activities like fly tying for fishing in the Lehigh River, and resume writing.

“There have been some legal issues surrounding the property with the township. I hope the supervisors will put that aside for the veterans, their families and caregivers,” Bowman said.

The organization is in line to receive federal funding for the project and also has obtained grants.

Bowman approached the supervisors for a letter of support needed to obtain the federal funding - which they agreed to provide. He also wanted to find out if the township would consider allowing him to purchase the property without having to cover his uncle’s debt.

The township has a lien on the property which says Troxell must pay the $624,000 judgment if his properties are sold. That includes the community center as well as Troxell’s nearby home and trucking business.

Schwab said he would consider releasing the community center property from the lien for an amount less than the $624,000, but the lien would still be attached to Troxell’s other properties.

Bowman said his organization would be willing to make a donation to the township fire company in order to get the property released from the lien.

“I’m just asking for the property to be released so it can be transferred,” Bowman said.

When Schwab asked if Troxell would be willing to pay any of his debt, Troxell said it would be unlikely due to medical bills and tax debt.

Schwab said that prior to the supervisors next regular meeting, they will meet in executive session to discuss how much the township has spent addressing Troxell’s property issues.

The supervisors’ next schedule meeting is June 7.