At the Feb. 9 meeting of the North Whitehall Township Board of Supervisors, two residents voiced strong support for longtime local business owner Gene Weierbach during public comment, criticizing township officials over what they described as unfair treatment.

Alex Green, of Rising Sun Road, said he attended in support of Weierbach and his family, alleging they had been harassed by township officials over what he characterized as a dispute stemming from an oil change.

Green called the situation an injustice and said a YouTube video about the matter had drawn nearly 197,000 views, bringing negative attention to the community.

He cited the auto repair business’s 5.0 Google rating and 21 reviews as evidence it is a valued local asset and called for one official to resign.

Supervisor Rich Semmel, who was recently appointed to the board, objected to being named.

Township officials responded they had offered Weierbach a settlement that would allow him to continue operating as he has for 20 years, but said he declined the offer.

Maureen Gyory, of Red Hill Road, Slatington, said she lives adjacent to the Weierbach property and described it as well maintained.

She questioned why the business was being targeted, noting other repair operations had previously operated in the area without issue.

Gyory also raised concerns about the use of taxpayer funds, estimating more than $100,000 may have been spent on legal fees related to the matter.

Solicitor Rocco Beltrami said the board’s attorney charges $180 per hour and outside counsel handling the case has billed approximately 150 to 160 hours.

Gyory called the expenditure a waste of public money and said she hopes the family receives justice.

Gene Weierbach said his appeal has not yet come to trial.

He added his concern is ensuring similar situations do not happen to another resident operating a business from home.