A [plan for a] Wawa convenience store with fueling stations on the Newtown Bypass at Lower Silver Lake Road is expected to [be reviewed by] the township Planning Commission on March 1.
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NOTE: At the request of Wawa, this review is rescheduled for April 5, 2022, Planning Commission meeting. In the meantime, the Township will have its consultants review the revised plans and issue review letter.
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The project is planned for the southwest corner of the intersection, and calls for a 5,585- square-foot store with an additional canopied area having six fueling stations with a total of 12 pumps, according to information on the project provided by township Supervisor John Mack. The 4.9 acre site is not big enough to offer more fuel stations, as stipulated by the township code.
Pedestrian Safety a Concern
The Bucks County Planning Commission reviewed the proposal and sent a letter of recommendations in January to the Newtown supervisors who will ultimately decide on the project. Chief among their consideration is pedestrian safety for those walking to the convenience store along or across the busy, high-speed Newtown Bypass.
“Facilities meant to provide safer pedestrian connections, such as pedestrian refuge islands, timed traffic signals for pedestrians, and crosswalks with flashing beacons, should all be considered. Additionally, a complete sidewalk network along Newtown Yardley Road, from Upper Silver Lake Road to the bypass, should be considered," the county planners wrote to the supervisors. The sidewalks also would provide "a pedestrian connection between the proposed convenience store and the Newtown to Delaware and Lehigh Trail that is currently under study."
"We're thrilled to have this project moving forward," said Michael Cooley, Provco vice president. "This project has been very well received." [Although not by everyone. Read
“Newtown Planning Commission Versus Wawa”; “Wawa's Request for Zoning Variances Denied!”; “Wawa Survey Results”]
He hopes construction will start in late summer. When it opens, the store and fueling station will have about 50 full and part-time employees.
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