‘Super’ Wawa to replace Boat House in Upper Prov
UPPER PROVIDENCE >> When Campbell’s Boat House served the last roast beef sandwich and poured the last beer, it was no longer a secret change was coming. The township took the next significant step as the planning commission recommended the preliminary/ final plan for an expanded Wawa on lots that include the Boat House site.
Architect Bob Linn represented Provco of Pineville Properties which will construct a new Wawa, the company’s 17th for the Delaware County-based corporation. Linn said the project started in May 2016 when discussions were initiated with township officials and emergency responders, and neighborhood meetings were held. The team appeared before planning in December 2016 and January 2017.
Linn’s overview was relatively succinct. The plan calls for reverse subdivision of the existing Wawa lot, the Boat House, and the parcel to the south which has a single home that belonged to the Messick family. The total area is just less than 3 acres.
The new structure will be about 4,700 square feet, compared to the 3,971 square-foot current building. Six fuel pumps with 12 dispensers are planned along Providence Road frontage. Parking will increase from 39 spaces to 70. An area of 10 two-seat tables will be outside under a front canopy. Linn said the plan will feature landscaping and buffering “on steroids,” with much consideration given to residential areas at the north and west. Linn said there was no stormwater management on the present site. Development will now comply with current ordinances, and a run off issue is expected to be solved.
The review letter from township consultants had 14 items which were satisfactorily addressed by Linn and Adam Powell, the project engineer from Linn’s firm. Of the two safety concerns, Linn said the developer agreed to contribute funds to the township to purchase signs for crossing guards serving Rose Tree Elementary School. They are an up-to-date design which uses LED lights on a paddle, far more visible and effective than “lollipops.”
In another safety matter, a much more costly solution is being proposed. Matt Hammond, executive vice president of traffic, planning and design, has been working with the members of the Rose Tree Fire Co. on Evergreen Road, across from the project site. Fire company personnel had asked for consideration in helping traffic issues related to their getting apparatus onto Providence Road.
Hammond simplified the technique, comparing a device in each fire truck to a the standard garage door opener. Once pushed, they would trigger existing transmitters which turn traffic signals to green for emergency vehicles. Hammond said this would solve the problem of the signals not being activated until vehicles are already onto Providence Road.
“This will be a drastic improvement working on both north and southbound traffic,” said Hammond.
While no cost was mentioned, both Hammond and Linn said it was expensive state-of-the-art technology which the developer was willing to invest in.
Planning Commission Chairman Michael Crotty had only a few concerns, primarily delivery times which exclude overnight. There were no questions or comments from the general public. The six members unanimously approved the plan which will go on to council for consideration.