Wawa Developer Gets Last Minute Extension; Vote Postponed To October

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — For the third time since June, a vote on a proposed Wawa convenience store in the township has been delayed.

Provco Pinegood LLP had been scheduled to appear at Wednesday night's board of supervisors meeting seeking preliminary as final land development approval for the project. At the last minute, they asked for an extension to Oct. 26 "no reason given," according to supervisor Kyle Davis.

"Provco decided it won’t show up at the board of supervisors meeting and asked that it be on the
October 26 board of supervisors meeting," said Supervisor John Mack. "This is the second time Wawa has bailed out at the last minute and the township complied. I hope this is the last time this decision is delayed."

This is the third time a preliminary as final plan review has been delayed.

Provco was originally scheduled to appear before the supervisors in June. At the last minute, it requested an extension of time from the township to August.

In August, the township asked for an extension until September to give vacationing residents and supervisors the opportunity to be heard.

This time it was Provco's turn to request an extension of time.

Provco is seeking land development approval to build a 5,585 square foot convenience store and gas station at Lower Silver Lake Road and the Newtown Bypass.

The last time the plan was before the township was in April when the planning commission recommended denial.

After several hours of review, the commission couldn’t muster enough votes for a recommendation to approve, deadlocking at three votes in favor and three votes against. The tie vote resulted in a de facto recommendation of denial, according to solicitor Jerry Schenkman.

Provco’s plan for the nearly five acre site depicts a food market with six fueling dispensers.

Plans show the convenience store facing the Bypass with front and rear store access, pedestrian walkways, bike racks, one electric vehicle charging station, two air pump stations and 60 parking spaces, including three designated for ADA.

Access to the store would be off of Lower Silver Lake Road via a right in entrance only and a full intersection at the entrance to the store across from Crossing Community Church.

If the supervisors approve the plan, Provco would be cleared to break ground on the project. If the board denies the plan, the township and Provco will end up in court delaying the construction of the project until the litigation is resolved.