Newtown Planners Weigh In On Proposed Wawa

NEWTOWN, PA — Developers of a proposed Wawa gas station and convenience store off the Newtown Bypass appeared before the Newtown Township Planning Commission on Tuesday.

Representatives for Provco Group, which develops Wawa stores across the region, presented the most recent plans for the 5-acre vacant lot at the southwestern corner of the Newtown Bypass and Silver Lake Road.

Provco is seeking several variances from the township related to signage, the size of the canopy, the number of fuel pumps, and whether project meets the definition of a "special exception" gas station and convenience store in the township's OR zoning district.

John VanLuvanee, attorney for the developer, said having eight gas pumps instead of six would improve traffic flow.

"Each fueling station takes up a car, and if there are cars waiting, then they impede the traffic flow around the facility," he said. "As a matter of functionality, the eight will work better than the six. That's up to you. We'll make our case to the zoning hearing board, and if they agree, that'll be it."

Planning commission member Peggy Driscoll said the township shouldn't have to change its zoning to fit Wawa's business plan.

"The ordinance should be upheld," Driscoll said. "I think you're allowed six pumps and you should be happy with that."

Provco is also seeking approval for electronic signage, which is currently not permitted in the OR zoning district. Commission member Kierstyn Zolfo said granting Wawa a special exception would be unfair to nearby competition.

"If we allow this, then that puts them at a disadvantage," Zolfo said. "Or it forces them to make an investment."

Failing to reach a general consensus, planning commission members chose not to recommend the project for approval, instead weighing in on the individual variances sought by the developer. (As an advisory board, the commission does not have legislative power.)

Commission Chair Allen Fidler will present the commission's views to the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors at its April 28 public meeting. Provco is expected to request several variances from the Newtown Township Zoning Hearing Board at its May 6 meeting.

A similar situation is unfolding in Northampton Township, where Provco's planned Wawa in Northampton Township has been met with resistance from neighbors and reluctance from township planners, who voted against recommending approval of a proposed Holland Wawa. The zoning board has yet to make a determination.

In Doylestown, meanwhile, the new "Super Wawa" faced fewer hurdles from borough planners.

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