Wawa Proposal Reviewed By Newtown Planning Commission

The Newtown Township Planning Commission reviewed plans for a proposed Wawa on the Newtown Bypass during their most recent meeting. Wawa offered an informal conceptual presentation during the meeting. And while no vote was taken, the Planning Commission members did offer up some feedback.

The Wawa is proposed at the Newtown Bypass and Lower Silver Lake Road. The applicant is seeking to put the gas station and convenience store on a privately owned parcel across the street from Crossing Community Church

The plan includes 58 parking spots with entry and exit off Lower Silver Lake Road. The parcel is currently zoned office research. The proposed use would be retail store with service station, and so a zoning change would be needed.

According to Planning Commission Chairman Allen Fidler, who summarized the presentation during the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors meeting on Wednesday, several issues and concerns were raised.

The "informal consensus" is that the commission is not currently in favor of using the parcel for that particular project at this time, Fidler said.

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.

Supervisors Chairman Phil Calabro, in responding to Fidler's summary, said some facts about possible development on the Bypass should be clarified. He noted there are very few available parcels for development along the busy roadway. The largest piece of land is Silver Lake Park, and that is owned by the township.

Calabro said it's "insulting" when people say there is a risk of the Bypass turning into Rt. 1, "when there are not that many parcels available that can be developed" along the road.

Fidler responded that some of the fears may stem from redevelopment of existing frontage on the Bypass.

Image via plans submitted to Newtown Township.