Board will fight court ruling on Wawa plan BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer OLD BRIDGE — The township’s Zoning Board of Adjustment has decided it will not let residents be inconvenienced by the construction of a Wawa convenience store at a busy intersection. The board will appeal a Superior Court judge’s reversal of the board’s original decision to deny the store/gas station application, according to Barbara York, a member of the Zoning Board. The store was slated to be built near the intersection of Jake Brown Road and Route 516. “I travel the road frequently,” Mayor Jim Phillips said. “It’s well-traveled, and at times very congested. The thought of putting another convenience store [there] with 12 gasoline pumps, it just boggles the mind.” Phillips spoke at the Zoning Board meeting Dec. 21, asking the board to appeal the court’s decision. His attorney spoke with the board’s attorney, and the board went into executive session to discuss the matter. “I strongly believe that my administration and our Planning and Zoning boards have an obligation to protect and preserve the quality of life of our existing residents,” Phillips said at the meeting. “Furthermore, longtime business owners have a right to expect that their livelihood will not be jeopardized by congested roadways, overdevelopment and redundant construction. There is no doubt that a Wawa convenience store and gas station will attract much more traffic to the area, and will cause many turning problems, traffic backups and safety concerns in the heart of our town.” Wawa’s representatives have said the store would only bring a 25 percent addition in traffic to the area, which Phillips said is too much. He added that, based on existing Wawa locations in town, the store will bring much more traffic than they claim. There are three Wawas in Old Bridge now, located on Route 34, Route 18 and at the intersection of Texas Road and Route 527. “Wawas are very nice stores,” Phillips said. “I just don’t approve of one there.” The store’s representatives first came before the Zoning Board in May 2005 seeking a use variance, bulk variances and preliminary site plan approval for the proposed 3.4-acre location. The board unanimously voted against the application after four hearings. There are two gas stations in close proximity to the proposed site — one across the street on Route 516, and one on the corner of Jake Brown Road. A 7-Eleven store and the Double D Deli are both within a half-mile of the site. Phillips cited these businesses as further reason why the Wawa would be an unnecessary addition. The board will file an appeal with the appellate division of the Superior Court.