After three grueling hearings and one public comment session, the Newtown Zoning Hearing Board (ZHB) denied Wawa's requests for variances to the new E30 Special Exception zoning ordinance.

At its September 20, 2021, meeting, the ZHB voted 4-1 to grant a special exception for the Wawa convenience store/gas station, which the Township did not oppose, but DENIED ALL VARIANCES by a 3-2 vote.

That means that the Wawa can operate at the proposed location on Lower Silver Lake Road and Newtown Bypass, however it will be limited to 6 gas fueling stations (Wawa asked for 8), and there will be no signs other than what is allowed by the E-30 Special Exception ordinance.

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 cure” 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.

Listen to this 21-minute excerpt from the meeting...