What Goes Here? The Empty Corner of Orefield Road and Rte. 309

The vacant corner of Orefield Road and Rte. 309 is owned by Wawa, according to North Whitehall Township Manager Jeff Bartlett, but exorbitant costs to make necessary traffic improvements have stalled progress.

Bartlett estimated that upgrading the intersection would cost a minimum of $750,000.

"The area at the intersection is a commercial district now but the area a couple hundred yards north is more suburban residential," Bartlett said.

If the proposed sewage treatment plant is built to the east of Rte. 309, as township supervisors recommended a couple weeks ago, then service could extend to that intersection and Bartlett surmised it would make it more attractive to developers.

The vacant land located west of Rte 309, where the hotel once stood, does not have access to public water and sewer. Bartlett said he didn't know of any plans for that corner.

The corner south of Orefield Road and the vacant Wawa lot has an old stone house that new owners are currently renovating. Bartlett said he believes they are planning to open an antique store in the building.

Do you think WaWa should build on the corner or would you like to see an alternative. Or maybe you'd like to see it remain vacant? Let us know.