Wawa In Newtown Twp: Planners To Consider Key Zoning Change

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — A zoning amendment that could pave the way for a Wawa gas station and convenience store off the Newtown Bypass will be reviewed Tuesday night by the Newtown Township Planning Commission. The Planning Commission is scheduled to discuss revising the Joint Municipal Zoning Ordinance (JMZO) to allow for a gas station use in the township's Office Research district.

The chain is proposing to construct a gas station and 5,585 square-foot convenience store on a privately owned parcel along the Bypass at Lower Silver Lake Road, across the street from Crossing Community Church.

The parcel is currently zoned office research. Since the proposed use is retail store with service station, a zoning change is needed.

Officials have said this zoning change would be the "first step" in the Wawa approval process.

The proposal will go on to the Newtown Area Jointure for adoption into the JMZO. If adopted into the JMZO, gas stations would be permitted by "conditional use" in the Office Research District.

The plan includes 58 parking spots with entry and exit off Lower Silver Lake Road.

An informal review of a conceptual plan was conducted by the Newtown Township Planning Commission in July, when several issues and concerns were raised.

The "informal consensus" at the time was that the commission is not currently in favor of using the parcel for that particular project at this time, Planning Commission Chairman Allen Fidler said after the meeting.

Issues and concerns include traffic patterns, pedestrian safety, and the possibility of future development along the Bypass. Other issues include the affect on neighboring communities, signage, and lighting.
Specifically, some residents are concerned that the proposal to bring the gas station and convenience store to that location could lead to further development of the Newtown Bypass, and thus create a Rt. 1-like atmosphere.

Tuesday's Planning Commission meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. Here is the full agenda.

Image of the site off the Bypass where the Wawa is proposed. (By Kara Seymour)