During a recent government meeting, community members expressed significant concerns regarding a proposed Wawa convenience store in the Opecan District, highlighting the area's existing traffic issues and potential future complications.

Mr. Boards raised critical points about the inadequacy of current traffic studies, arguing that the proposed rezoning could hinder future planning efforts. He emphasized that the traffic impact analysis (TIA) numbers presented were unrealistic and urged the board to delay approval until more accurate data could be obtained.

Bridal Neri, a local resident, echoed these sentiments, referencing a long-standing plan to relocate the 307 interchange to alleviate traffic congestion. She pointed out that previous studies funded by the federal government had already identified the need for improvements at this junction, which has been a known issue for over two decades. Neri expressed her support for Wawa but questioned the timing and location of the proposal, citing potential delays for emergency services due to increased traffic.

Sandra Rittenour also voiced her concerns, noting that the traffic situation in the area has worsened with ongoing housing developments. She highlighted the inadequacy of existing infrastructure to handle the anticipated increase in traffic, particularly with the opening of new businesses like a car wash. Rittenour warned that the proposed Wawa could exacerbate noise and light pollution, as well as environmental issues related to runoff.

Gary Scottner raised questions about the economic implications of the new Wawa, suggesting that the introduction of additional convenience stores would not necessarily increase overall sales but rather divide existing business. He also pointed out safety concerns for children in nearby subdivisions, as increased traffic could lead to dangerous conditions.

The meeting underscored a community deeply concerned about the implications of the proposed Wawa, with residents calling for a thorough review of traffic patterns and infrastructure before moving forward with the rezoning decision.