TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE GIVES INITIAL APPROVAL TO SPRINGFIELD AVENUE CHANGES TO HELP WAWA

The Township Committee on Tuesday night moved a step closer to reshaping Springfield Avenue into a more retail friendly pedestrian street, while also altering some areas to appease developers of the proposed Wawa Market near the Irvington city line.

The TC approved the introduction of three ordinances that would allow 24-hour gas stations in specific portions of Springfield Avenue; allow a convenience store with a gas station to be opened in a Highway Business Zone; and rezone most of Springfield Avenue from Highway Business Zone to Pedestrian Retail Business Zone.

The small areas of Springfield Avenue near the Irvington line and the Millburn line would remain Highway Business Zone and would be permitted to have the 24-hour gas stations. But the remainder of the avenue would be Pedestrian Retail and disallow gas stations and certain other businesses.

The only current gas stations on the avenue are the Sunoco near the Irvington line and the Union 76 near Millburn Avenue. As Highway Business Zone businesses, they would be allowed to sell gas 24 hours if the related ordinance is passed next month on final reading.

The change would pave the way for Wawa to open as a gas station/convenience store with 24-hour sales, a plan that has been given initial approval by the TC.

The TC voted unanimously on two of the ordinances, but split, 4-1, on the 24-hour gas station ordinance, with TC member India Larrier opposing. Her vote followed some opposition from residents who were concerned the impact would be negative.




All three ordinances must now go to the Planning Board and will be voted on for final passage at the Aug. 18 TC meeting.