Wawa In Schuykill Township Remains Controversial Issue

SCHUYLKILL TOWNSHIP, PA — After months of rumors, negotiations, and protests from some area residents, plans for the potential Wawa in Schuylkill Township remain under consideration.

The township held its first public hearings on the issue back in June.

The proposed property is located at the intersection of Valley Forge Road (Route 23) and South White Horse Road. Opponents of the Wawa cite increased traffic in the area as one of the most important reasons to not build at that location. According to opponents, traffic at that intersection is currently graded as "failing," and the new Wawa would worsen an already bad situation.

A traffic impact study and plan was presented at a hearing in Schuylkill Township on Sept. 19. The most recent plan involves a reduction of the Route 23 shoulder to allow for new turning lanes.

The owners of the property are proposing two development plans. One of the plans involves demolition of the commercial building and carriage house that currently stand at the corner in question. A variance would be required to demolish that carriage house, deemed a class II historic resource by the township.

The Wawa would include gas pumps and 40 parking spaces, according to the township.

A sign held by one of the anti-Wawa camp at a recent meeting summed up their argument fairly succinctly:

"No Wawa - Property Values Down - Armed Robberies Up - Inconvenient Traffic - Noise and Light Pollution Up - Not Eco Friendly."

The next hearings on the issue will be held on Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. and Nov. 9 at 6 p.m. at the township municipal building.

The municipal building is located on 111 Valley Park Road.

Image via Wawa