What’s happening at this long-vacant State College gas station? Businessman faces lawsuit
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- State College property owner sues tenant, seeks $225K and return of 605 University Drive
- Lease signed Nov 2021 set $7,000 monthly rent; owner claims $180,000 unpaid in rent
- Property vacant since 2014; borough approved conditional use for planned gas station
What began as a plan to open a new gas station and convenience store in State College has instead escalated into a lawsuit, with the property’s owner alleging a local businessman owes more than $225,000 and has refused to hand back the keys.
Real estate investment company Welteroth Property Group accused Resham Dadra in a lawsuit filed Monday of failing to pay rent, taxes and other charges for nearly three years. The Lycoming County-based company is seeking repayment as well as the return of the long-vacant property at 605 University Drive.
The four-count lawsuit said a lease was signed in November 2021 with plans for Dadra to turn the former auto repair shop into a new gas station and convenience store. The agreement included an initial 10-year term with rent set at $7,000 per month.
But Welteroth alleged Dadra fell behind on payments and never made up the difference. The company said it warned him twice in 2024 that money was owed and he needed to vacate the property, but those notices were ignored.
Welteroth claimed they’re owed more than $180,000 in unpaid rent plus nearly $45,000 in property taxes, insurance and maintenance costs it covered. A message left Wednesday morning with the company’s attorney was not immediately returned.
Dadra’s attorney declined comment.
The property has sat vacant since 2014 after the previous owner pleaded guilty to his role in a cocaine ring where state prosecutors said the site was used in the operation. Welteroth bought the property for $1 million at auction in 2015.
Architectural renderings showed a small sign near the proposed entrance that said “APlus,” a convenience store chain used by Sunoco, though branding was never broached during a public meeting in February 2023. Borough Council unanimously approved a conditional use permit the following month.