[As reported in Bucks Local News, May 28, 2018] It’s no secret that the Delaware County-based Wawa Food Markets has been looking to build a store in Newtown, a highly-desirable market currently not served by the popular local chain.
Now Wawa believes it may have found the spot - a five acre piece of property in the township’s office-research zone on Lower Silver Lake Road located just south of the heavily traveled Newtown Bypass and directly across from Crossing Community Church.
At the May work session of the board of supervisors, attorney John VanLuvanee, representing Michael Cooley of the Provco Group, presented sketch plans for a Super Wawa at the site [read "Developer and Attorney Present Their Case for a WaWa Superstore on the Newtown Bypass"].
The next step will be for the developer to submit a draft ordinance amendment to the Board of Supervisors for consideration. Once received, the supervisors will review the draft amendment at a public meeting before deciding whether to forward it to the jointure for action.
Supervisor John Mack conducted his own non-scientific survey of the proposal to get a better feel for where residents stand as he considers the issue. He received 1,000 responses and more than 270 comments.
“It’s purpose is to solely inform me of the public’s opinion regarding this issue,” said Mack of his survey, noting that he is still analyzing the results.
“I can tell you that of the people who oppose the Wawa on the bypass - their number one concern, selected by 85 percent - is that it will open up a Pandora’s Box of development along the bypass,” said Mack.
“The number two concern - about 76 percent of those who oppose it - said this is not compatible with the historic and rural nature of Newtown,” said Mack. “I don’t know what to say about that. That’s in the eye of the beholder, I guess.”
“Traffic concerns are right up there as well,” added Mack.
“Of those in favor - over 90 percent - say they like the reasonably priced gas,” said Mack.
As part of his research, Mack said has reached out to the owners of several gas stations in town who told him a Wawa would have an impact on their business. “That’s one of the things I like about Newtown are the small businesses,” he said. “I know a neighbor of mine will go out of her way to support small businesses even if they charge more.”
Mack said as he considers the issue he’ll be taking into account all opinions - minority and majority. “There are many aspects to this and there’s a long way to any action,” he said.
Mack and the other supervisors also heard from a handful of residents at the work session. They raised concern over traffic, quality of life issues and preservation of Newtown’s historic nature [read "Residents Present Their Case For and Against a Super WaWa on the Bypass"].
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