Major Decision Reached In Controversial Northampton Wawa Lawsuit

HOLLAND, PA — A major decision has been reached in the ongoing Wawa location controversy in Northampton Township.

A civil lawsuit in the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas was filed by several Bucks County residents against both the Northampton Township Zoning Hearing Board and Provco Pinegood Northampton, LLC, both of whom have been involved in the proposed Wawa location at 287 Holland Road.

The decision, which was signed by Judge Denis M. Bowman on Tuesday, will have the case remanded back to the Zoning Board, whereby the developer will have to prove that the gas pumping is “entirely incidental and subordinate” to the retail use.

According to court documents, Provco Pinegood Northampton, LLC submitted a Land Development Submission to the Northampton Township Zoning Officer in January of 2020. The submission proposed the demolishing of existing buildings at the location and the building of a new Wawa convenience store with 16 diesel fuel and gasoline pumps.

One of the major points of contention in this case is whether or not the proposed location can legally sell fuel. The developer will have to do this in the upcoming Zoning Board meeting.

Several citizens submitted an appeal to the Zoning Board in February of 2021. They argued that the Zoning Officer had "misinterpreted and/or misapplied the applicable Zoning Ordinance provisions in reviewing the Land Development Submission."

After much pushback from the community and the citizens involved in the civil lawsuit, Provco Piinewood resubmitted plans and a sketch for the prosed location in March. A hearing for the resubmission was held in the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas, Courtroom #350, at the Bucks County Justice Center in Doylestown on April 4.

The proposed convenience store has caused a lot of controversy in the area, as Holland residents wonder if having another Wawa will be good for the community.

Members of the Township have voiced their disapproval of the proposed Wawa, as some made their thoughts clear at a 2021 meeting regarding the new location. Fifteen Holland residents gave public comment at the meeting to urge the board to vote against the development.

A Change.org petition made by residents voiced concerns over the new location.

"This intrusive plan will have significant effects on the livelihood of local residents, traffic conditions, safety and our sense of community. Get ready to say goodbye to the quaint feel of the Holland Village area and welcome in a barrage of new pollution and risks! Air pollution, noise pollution, light pollution, traffic congestion, soil and groundwater contamination, loitering and an abundance of refuse and vermin. This is a completely inappropriate addition to the farmland, parks, nature center, golf courses, athletic fields, schools and residences that make up our wonderful community."

"As the Board of Supervisors has reminded our residents, we are constrained as to what we can say publicly regarding Land Development and Subdivision Plans and Applications that are pending within the Township," the Board said in a statement. "At the same time, however, we want to provide as much information as possible to our residents."

The hearing does not currently have a set date. The end decision in it should decide, once and for all, if another Wawa location will make its way into Bucks County.