New Wawa Gas Station Drawing Mixed Reviews in Lower Moreland

Residents in Lower Moreland might soon be able to pick up a Shorti hoagie and fill up their gas tanks all in one fell swoop. But not everyone is happy about their delicious six-inch sub to go along with a full tank of fuel.

The Board of Commissioners approved a text amendment change to the township’s revitalization ordinance that would allow a Wawa with fueling pumps to go up at the corner of Red Lion Rd. and Philmont Ave.

Under the current structure, convenient stores are permitted in the revitalization district along Philmont Ave., but gas pumps are not. Flooding in the area of the new proposed site was one worry that was brought up at the meeting Wednesday.

But the commissioners who did approve the amendment in a 4-1 vote (Commissioner Eleanor Schneider opposed), feel the business could increase further development on the street.

Another concern for residents was the possible traffic incidents due to heavy backups at the popular convenient chain store. Board President Fran Devinney said a traffic engineer from Wawa and the commissioners completed a traffic study, and determined the traffic along Red Lion Rd. and Philmont Ave. could be improved during peak and non-peak hours.

One more key concern on the minds of the residents with a new Wawa in the neighborhood is loitering. The Wawa at 155 Byberry Rd. has proven to be a late-night loitering spot for teenagers in the township.  It’s kind of like what the In N Out used to be near the corner of County Line Rd. and Huntingdon Pike.

These places are known meeting spots to hang out, drink and a possible place for the exchange of drugs. It is a real concern for residents who live in close quarters to the new proposed site.

There have already been a number of petitions submitted by residents to the township regarding this matter, even before last week’s meeting. The next step in this process is to begin the land development process. No meetings is scheduled as of yet regarding this matter.