Abington 'Super Wawa' Heads to Final Land Development

Abington is getting closer to having a “Super Wawa” on Old York Road.

Last week, the Abington Board of Commissioners passed an ordinance creating a new use under the zoning code, which would allow a “motor vehicle fueling center” in certain "PB" or Planned Business zoning districts. With the ordinance passed, this effectively gets the ball rolling on the development of a 4,700-square-foot Wawa with six fueling stations and a 3,500-square-foot bank at the large, vacant parcel near the corner of Old York and Baeder roads. 

The ordinance passed by a vote of 10-2; Abington Commissioners John Spiegelman and Matthew Willis voted against the ordinance, Commissioner Dennis Zappone abstained from the vote, as he works for the applicant; Commissioners James Ring and Thomas Farren were absent.

Several nearby residents have been protesting the proposed development for months, citing traffic concerns and the fact that the Wawa will be a 24-hour business. And some residents have given their support to the proposed convenience store and gas station, saying the site, which used to be home to a gas station, has been vacant for years.

Though people have been getting emotional about the site, Abington Director of Code Enforcement Larry Matteo said last week’s hearing drew a smaller crowd than expected, about 40 people … and lasted only 90 minutes.

Matteo said the developer, Provco Goodman, Jenkintown, LP, will be working with the township to make modifications to improve the intersection at the corner of Hilltop, Baeder and Old York roads. 

A similar ordinance was approved in December, but Matteo said due to a resident’s lawsuit, which alleged that the December hearing was not advertised properly, the ordinance was revamped and brought before the board again.

Some of the changes in the new ordinance include: a second use of the site, which could now be a bank, a drop-off-only dry cleaner, a professional care business, a retail shop or a restaurant/take-out place. The maximum impervious coverage has also been reduced from 80 to 70 percent.

The Abington Planning Commission will hear the final land development application for the site Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at the township building. The plans will go before the code enforcement committee next week, and the board of commissioners could consider the final plans as early as next month.

Matteo said he expects the applicant to start building on the site immediately following approval.

--

Check back later for an update.