Politics & Government
Breaking News: Wawa's Request for Zoning Variances Denied!
At its 20 September 2021 meeting, the Newtown Zoning Hearing Board denied Wawa's request for zoning variances regarding signs and fuel pumps
After three grueling hearings and one public comment session, the Newtown Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB) denied Wawa's requests for variances to the new E30 Special Exception zoning ordinance.
At its September 20, 2021, meeting, the ZHB voted 4-1 to grant a special exception for the Wawa convenience store/gas station, which the Township did not oppose, but DENIED ALL VARIANCES by a 3-2 vote.
Per the ZHB solicitor, the ZHB votes on the Wawa application went as follows:
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- On the Special Exception: Wall, Cohen, Potero, and Vlastaris voted in favor. Iapalucci voted against.
- On the Variances: Wall and Cohen voted in favor. Potero, Vlastaris, and Iapalucci voted against.
That means that the Wawa can operate at the proposed location on Lower Silver Lake Road and the Newtown Bypass, however it will be limited to 6 fueling stations (i.e., 12 pumps whereas Wawa asked for 8 stations/16 pumps), and there will be no signs other than what is allowed by the E-30 Special Exception ordinance. For more details about the signage variances requested, listen to the testimony: "Newtown Township Versus Wawa: Round 1, Signage."
The ZHB has 45 days from September 20, 2021 (i.e., until November 4) to issue its written decision and the Applicant will have 30 days from the date of the written decision to file an appeal to the Court of Common Pleas of Bucks County if it chooses.
