Residents rally against proposed Wawa gas station citing traffic and health concerns

The Martin County Board of Commissioners meeting on December 10, 2024, focused on a proposed development project that has sparked significant community concern. The primary discussion revolved around a planned Wawa convenience store and gas station, which has faced opposition from local residents.

Paul Schilling, the Growth Management Director, outlined the compliance of the project with existing land development regulations. He noted that the proposed site exceeds the required distances for fuel dispensaries and storage systems from residential areas, adhering to state statutes. Schilling also mentioned that 40.67% of the 2.5-acre site would be designated as open space, with the remainder allocated for construction.

During the meeting, David Baggett, a representative involved in the project, reported on a previous community meeting held in May, which had a good turnout. He indicated that some residents had expressed concerns directly to his office, but he believed that many of these issues had been addressed within the project's compliance framework.

However, community members voiced strong opposition to the project. Christine Truett, a resident of Savannah Estates, presented a petition with over 1,100 signatures opposing the development. She raised concerns about traffic, safety, and the potential negative health impacts of having a gas station near residential neighborhoods. Truett criticized the planning process, suggesting that the approval of the project was driven by compliance with codes rather than genuine community planning.

The meeting also touched on traffic management issues, particularly regarding stacking at nearby intersections. While the developers assured that traffic would clear within one cycle of the traffic light, residents remained skeptical about the adequacy of these measures.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the proposed Wawa project has ignited a passionate debate among residents about the future of their community and the role of local governance in managing development. The commissioners are expected to consider the community's concerns as they move forward with the decision-making process regarding the project.