The Newtown Planning Commission Versus Wawa

At its April 21, 2021, Zoom meeting, the Newtown Planning Commission discussed Provco’s Zoning Hearing Board “Special Exception” application that includes variances to allow a proposed Motor Vehicle Fueling & Convenience Store (i.e., Super Wawa) on the southwest corner of Newtown Bypass & Lower Silver Lake Road in the Newtown Office Research district.

Note that this so-called “E-30” use recently was created by the Newtown-Wrightstown-Upper Makefield Joint Zoning Council via a “municipal curative” process.

The requested variances to the E-30 use includes 8 multi-product fueling dispensers where 6 are permitted & associated signage, including an electronic sign visible to the Bypass where electronic signs are prohibited throughout Newtown.

Presenting at the meeting was John VanLuvanee, Esq., agent on behalf of Provco Pineville Acquisitions, and project engineer Jason Korczak of Bohler Engineering. After the presentation and general discussion and questions by Commission members, each member was requested to vote on the special exception application in general and specifically regarding the variances for the fueling dispensers and electronic signage on the Bypass (see figure below).

Podcast of Meeting

The following is an edited 21-minute audio clip from the meeting.

What's Next?

Allen Fidler, the Planning Commission Chairperson, will present the consensus of the Commission to the Newtown Board of Supervisors at the April 28, 2021, public meeting. The Board of Supervisors is a party to the Zoning Hearing Board hearing on this application, which is scheduled to take place on May 6, 2021. The Supervisors can vote to oppose or approve this application or one or more of the specific variances requested. If it opposes, it can send its Solicitor to the Zoning Hearing Board to argue its case.

Related Content and Background:

• Provco officially submits zoning application to bring a Super Wawa to the bypass in Newtown Township
• Wawa is Back!
• New Zoning Law Clears the Way for Wawa on the Newtown Bypass - What Message Does It Send Other Developers?
• Residents Present Their Case For and Against a Super WaWa on the Bypass
• Fresh from a Victory in Court Case Against Plumstead, Wawa’s Attorney Convinces the Newtown Planning Commission to Support Amending Zoning Ordinance to Allow Wawa on the Bypass
• If Wawa Comes to Newtown, Will It Be Able to Sell Beer & Wine Like the One in Middletown?