RUTLAND, Vt. (WCAX) – A Vermont Superior Court judge has denied the owner of the former Slate Ridge paramilitary camp in West Pawlet the opportunity for mediation in the foreclosure of his property.
The Town of Pawlet started foreclosure proceedings against Daniel Banyai earlier this fall over unpaid fines totaling over $225,000. They stem from Banyai losing a years-long court battle — and subsequent contempt of court charges — with the town over unpermitted structures on his property.
Banyai had sought foreclosure mediation with the town but the Vermont Superior Court denied it in a ruling earlier this month. “Given this contentious history, the court does not see that mediation would be either successful or helpful,” said the ruling.