The president of Murrysville Council says a municipal overlay ordinance could be the key to settling a rezoning dispute between the municipality and Manor Development Group II.

Mediation between both sides began last month. A committee of council members Nancy Kacin, Theo van de Venne and Regis Synan have been meeting with the developers, who want to build an upscale shopping center along Route 22.

After the initial series of meetings, Kacin said the overlay ordinance -- which would outline business and residential zoning areas -- will be brought to council soon and could include regulations to satisfy the developers.

As for those who oppose the MDG proposal on the principal of preserving the rural atmosphere of Murrysville?

Well, it might be difficult to satisfy people on both sides of the issue, Kacin said.

"I think we're going to upset somebody," she said.

The overlay district would designate specific areas for commercial development within Murrysville. It would have specific requirements for developers to follow.

A public hearing would be held before council votes on the overlay district.

During initial meetings with the developers, the amount of land they wanted rezoned was larger than the 50 acres originally presented to council last year, Kacin said, but officials were wary of agreeing to a large amount of rezoning.

"It's a fine line because they can't go up and build one store," Kacin said.

Councilman Theo van de Venne said the process is being kept confidential but both sides are trying to find common ground.

"We're essentially trying to get to a solution or some means that would satisfy both Manor Development Group II and the subcommittee," Van de Venne said.

David Trueman, a developer with Manor Development Group II, said he has been advised by the group's attorneys not to comment on the proceedings. He said discussions with the municipality are ongoing.

Van de Venne said for both sides to settle their differences, they will need to find a compromise both parties can live with.

"In mediation, I think both sides have to give in to some extent," he said.

Kacin is confident that when the discussions are done, a result both sides can live with will be reached.

"I think it will be a win-win for everybody," she said.

A date for the Zoning Hearing Board to hear the case has not been rescheduled. Last month, the hearing was continued while both sides continued mediation.