Wayne Wawa Proposal Encounters Opposition

WAYNE, NJ – A proposal to build a Wawa convenience store and gas station in Wayne has met resistance from township residents.

MCBS-RENJ Wayne LLC, a developer, has pitched a plan to transform the site of the now-shuttered Nagel’s Candy Barn at the corner of Route 23 and Cedar Place into a 24-hour Wawa.

The township planning board began hearing the application during its meeting on Monday nightto determine if it wishes to approve the plan for the 5.8-acre site.

The developer has proposed demolishing the property’s existing building and constructing a 4,736-square-foot store with 52 spots and gas station with eight pumps.

Gas stations and convenience stores are a permitted use in the township’s commercial zone, however the proposed location has access to a residential street and is near homes.

During the meeting, Jeffrey Martell, a civil engineer, said his client “would like to be a good neighbor” to Wayne.

While there are more than 250 Wawa stores in New Jersey, the location in Wayne would be Passaic County's first.

During a public comment portion of Monday's meeting, nearby residents expressed concerns over the environmental impact, traffic and home property values. They also said they believe Wayne has enough convenience stores and gas stations, especially near where Wawa has proposed to go.

Ray Egatz, who is leading a "Say No To Wawa" movement, said residents are not opposed to development, but they want to see "intelligent, environmentally safe development" that benefits the community.

Testimony will resume on the application at the board’s April 13 meeting.