Hatboro Wawa Developers Offer Traffic Fixes (ICYMI)

HATBORO, PA — Developers hoping to build a new Wawa in Hatboro are trying to sweeten the deal for local officials, offering to take care of paying to redevelop a busy intersection near where the store would operate.

Hatboro officials and developers Hatboro York Road, LLC are currently locked in a legal battle over plans for a "super-Wawa" at the corner of York and Horsham roads. Hatboro's zoning hearing board voted down the plans, which were opposed by many residents of the surrounding area.

But, in May, a judge ruled that the board "unconstitutionally excluded a legitimate land use" by denying developers the right to build a Wawa, with gas tanks, on the property. Hatboro's council voted to appeal that ruling.

Now, the developers say they're willing, with the borough's approval, to apply for a state grant and pay for improvements at the intersection of Horsham Road and Rt. 263.

"The community has expressed concerns relative to traffic congestion and pedestrian safety at this intersection for many years," said Tom Verrichia, owner of Hatboro York Road. "Our goal as a local developer is to address and consider all community member concerns prior to any development."

Some of the concerns expressed by residents and officials over the new Wawa have centered on increased traffic at the already busy intersection.

"The intersection redevelopment is part of our proposed plan to bring a new Wawa to Hatboro," said Verrichia. "It is part of our commitment to the economic and infrastructure development of the Hatboro community."

Hatboro Mayor Nancy Guenst, however, called the developers' offer misleading.

She said the money would come from an application to the state, which the developers want the borough to sign. She said the borough will not do so because the case remains in litigation.

She added that Hatboro already has a grant application for improvements at the intersection in the works and that it was approved by council Monday night.

The developers say a related group worked similarly with officials in Penndel and were able to get $500,000 in state transportation funds to help with improvements near a new store.

Developers have sent two letters to Hatboro officials asking for the borough's support and say a formal application to the state is due July 31.