Holland Super Wawa Proposal Sparks Anger, Concern; Board To Vote

NORTHAMPTON, PA — Concerned citizens expressed opposition to a proposed Super Wawa in Holland, holding picket signs and delivering public statements at the Northampton Township Board of Supervisors meeting on Wednesday night.

Fifteen Holland residents gave public comment to urge the board to vote against the development, which would house a market and gas station between Holland, Rocksville, and Buck Roads.

The Board of Supervisors will vote on the proposal in a special meeting on Wednesday, July 7 at 7 p.m. At the meeting on June 23, Holland residents implored board members to vote against the Wawa, raising issues of public safety, aesthetic sensibilities, and property value, among other concerns.

“I’m an expert witness on teenagers going to Wawa,” 18-year-old Brett Duffey said in his comments, to laughs from the audience. Saying that he “know[s] what teenagers do when they go to Wawa,” he expressed worry about loitering and crime in the parking lot.

Residents have started a petition against the development, asking for support to “Protect our community by keeping Super Wawa out!” The petition reads:

Get ready to say goodbye to the quaint feel of the Holland Village area and welcome in a barrage of new pollution and risks! Air pollution, noise pollution, light pollution, traffic congestion, soil and groundwater contamination, loitering and an abundance of refuse and vermin. This is a completely inappropriate addition to the farmland, parks, nature center, golf courses, athletic fields, schools and residences that make up our wonderful community.

On Friday morning, 2,356 people had signed.

Plans for the Wawa include at least 16 fuel pumps and 50 parking spaces, in addition to a 5,585 square foot building. The “Super Wawa” designation comes from the large canopy to be installed above the gasoline pumps.

Provco Pinegood Northampton, LLC had submitted the development proposal, Director of Planning and Zoning Michael Solomon advised on the township website prior to an April 13 meeting of the Northampton Township Planning Commission. The Planning Commission did not approve the proposal, following public comment from several residents and a 6-1 vote.

However, the Planning Commission serves on an advisory basis; the Board of Supervisors still needs to hear, and vote on, the development proposal.

The applicant and their attorney will present the plan at the July 7 meeting for a Board of Supervisors vote, Solomon told Patch. This meeting will be held in person in the large meeting room at 55 Township Rd in Richboro.

Those wishing to view the plan or contact Planning and Zoning officials may do so on the Northampton Township website.