The Murrysville Zoning Hearing Board won't listen to Manor Development Group II's challenge to a zoning decision just yet.

A hearing that had been scheduled for Thursday will be delayed as the two sides continuing mediation.

In December, council rejected the developer's request to rezone 50 acres on Berlin Farm Road near Route 22 from residential to business use. Last month, Manor Development Group II filed an appeal with the Zoning Hearing Board. Council decided to enter into talks with the group to try to reach a settlement in the dispute.

The developers are trying to make the case that the municipal zoning ordinance does not allow for large retail centers. They say their property, a total of 114 acres, is the only suitable spot for such a development on Route 22.

The developers argue that the municipality's comprehensive plan calls for more commercial centers like the one they're proposing along Route 22.

Council last week unanimously agreed to have Thomas Ayoob, III, an attorney who was hired earlier this month, prepare the municipality's defense in the event that mediation is not successful.

Ayoob will be paid $200 an hour.