Dozens Of Heated Residents & Business Owners Speak Against ‘Wawa Amendment’

The meeting room at the Falls Township municipal complex was packed Tuesday evening as residents and nonresidents gathered to discuss Falls’ efforts to adopt an amended ordinance regarding service stations.

The ordinance, which is an amended zoning ordinance, would change the language on how automobile service stations are identified and the rules concerning their zoning within the township. The ordinance comes as a response to the unanimously defeated Wawa, Rite Aid and fast food restaurant proposal at the corner of West Trenton Ave. and Pine Grove Road.

Chairman Bob Harvie cited an article by the Bucks County Courier Times as the reason for the hysteria and confusion by the public, as many of them showed up to stress disapproval with the Wawa site, thinking the board would potentially be approving the plans. Harvie stated the article is one reason of many why he stopped subscribing to the paper a few years ago.

Solicitor Michael Clarke noted they had been reviewing the ordinance for several months and chose not to amend it until the zoning board had completed their review. The project, which was voted down unanimously by the Falls Zoning Hearing Board, needed several variances last year. It is standard procedure that the board reviews their ordinances every ten years.

According to Clarke, the township’s rules regarding setbacks were illegal according to preemptive law changes by the state of Pennsylvania. The law also was an effort to bring the ordinance into current times. The change amending the feet between service stations is not however preemptive by state law. It is that reason why dozens of residents spoke of Falls Township working closely with big business.

While Harvie said that the board does not have a new plan in front of them, and Buckingham has passed their deadline for appeal, they could certainly resubmit plans whenever they wish to.

“They are going to reapply, we know they are going to reapply, that is a given,” Shawn Stillwell said, wife of Kevin Stillwell owner of the Plaza Shell.

Darryl Zaslow, a lawyer representative of Village Mall, stated that the board may be violating the Sunshine Law, stating the board and it’s solicitor hide behind vague details of what happens at their executive sessions. According to Zaslow, the board did not provide communication of how it arrived at it’s amended ordinance. He claimed the board was in no position to enact such a change. Zaslow stated to LevittownNow.com he may be filing a Right to Know request against the township to determine if they provided their plans to the county.

After a public outburst by Harvie advising Zaslow “to shut up”, the council took a brief break. After an apology by Harvie, Board Member Jefferey Rocco voted to amend the ordinance back to 1,500 feet, but only within the confines of the township.

The amendment which will be re-advertised, was referred by residents and lawyers representing them throughout the meeting as the “Wawa Amendment.”

While the 1,500 feet restraints will prohibit gas stations from appearing too close together, it will not protect Stillwell’s business in Morrisville Borough.

One lawyer stated if the township is truly concerned about blight, they would consider the three gas stations and two 7-11’s that could go out of business if changes in the law are made to accommodate a Wawa.

“Wawa is not trustworthy, they are not someone we need in our community, the ordinances are written for the health, welfare and safety of the community not the deep pockets of billion dollar corporations.” Shawn Stillwell said. “I would hope you would reject these changes as they are so obviously made for Wawa.”