A Jim Thorpe developer hasn’t given up on his pursuit for short-term rentals on his Sierra Vista property in Mahoning Township.

Jake Arner, president of Awesome View Properties Inc., informed township supervisors on Wednesday that his time for appeals has expired for his zoning request.

“I don’t understand what your objections to those were,” said Arner, whose intention is to alleviate traffic congestion and parking issues. “I’m only here to work with the township and work with you to make (things) better.”

Arner asked the board for some feedback, but didn’t get any after board Chairman Robert Slaw looked down the table at the rest of the board.

“I guess we have nothing to say,” Slaw said.

However, Arner wasn’t done seeking input, and said his intent is to go forward with plans for short-term rentals.

“Is there the possibility of changing the zone that I’m in?” he asked. “Or are you not interested in considering it?”

Supervisor Ronald Reeser said he wasn’t prepared to make that determination at this time.

“I’d need more information on that to even consider it,” Reeser said.

Arner said he was there to get some input from the board.

“I’m for the good of the community,” he said. “We would like to do things for the betterment of the community.”

Last month, Arner asked the board why the township wouldn’t go along with his plans.

Board Chairman Robert Slaw told Arner that township solicitor Tom Nanovic advised the board that it shouldn’t discuss the matter, because it is still in the appeal process.

On Feb. 29, the township’s zoning hearing board denied Arner’s plan. That decision came after the zoning hearing board reconvened from Jan. 30.

The zoning hearing board denied the request for commercial parking using True Grid pervious stone parking on existing lots, as well as the request for short-term rentals.

After the Feb. 29 meeting, Arner said, “I’m disappointed that we couldn’t solve the traffic and parking problems that exist in Jim Thorpe and impacts the residents of Carbon County.”

Zoning hearing board member Sandy Palinchak said after the Feb. 29 meeting that the board denied the requests because, “It’s an R-3 district, which does not allow commercial parking or short-term rentals.”

Sierra Vista Estates has 104 units on 200 acres of property on Flagstaff Road next to the Flagstaff ballroom and has been approved as a residential development in the township.

Arner had testified that the proposed commercial parking along five lots that border the Flagstaff property would create about 500 parking spots. If a proposed gondola were to be approved, there would be additional parking.

Arner said he really hoped the gondola would move forward, as that’s been his goal for over 30 years.

He said at that time he has 25 parties that have expressed interest in buying lots, and love the idea of short-term rentals.

Arner has also planned a residential development in Jim Thorpe. Canyon Rim Estates, Arner’s residential development in Jim Thorpe, has 270 units and was approved for short-term rentals, a winery, a tram and a camping facility.