Council advances ordinance drafting on rezoning for 2705 Lehigh Place as residents oppose proposed Wawa

City council members at the Committee of the Whole voted to have legislation prepared to rezone 2705 Lehigh Place from an R-4 residential district to a B-1 commercial district, a procedural step that would allow first and second readings of an ordinance at upcoming meetings. The action followed public comments opposing a proposed Wawa convenience store and gas station at the former Frisch's site.

The zoning matter matters to residents because the rezoning would permit a commercial use where homes currently exist and would clear the way for a large convenience store and fueling station. Council staff said the Moraine Planning Commission recommended the rezoning, and planning staff told the council the city would prepare an ordinance for a first reading on Aug. 14 and a second reading on Aug. 28, 2025.

Jill McCray, who said she lives at 2400 Marconi Avenue, told council she grew up in Moraine and opposed the project. “it's already a highly congested traffic area, and it's only gonna make things worse,” McCray said. She described the neighborhood as “mostly made up of family businesses and small town charm” and said she feared the proposal would drive out local businesses and displace residents whose apartments or houses could be torn down.

Another nearby resident, identified in the record as Virginia Wrong of 4906 Pensacola Boulevard, said property values could fall and added, “16 pumps is too many. Way too many.” Both speakers addressed council during the public-comment portion of the Committee of the Whole meeting.

Representatives for the applicant said traffic had been studied. “We're confident on the traffic,” Patrick Wornament said, identifying himself as affiliated with Wawa and noting he and development partner Casey Abney had presented a traffic impact study at an earlier meeting. Planning staff also told council the planning commission recommended drafting legislation for the rezoning after its May 20, 2025 meeting.

Council proceeded only with preparation of an ordinance; council members did not approve the rezoning itself. On the motion to prepare the legislation, the roll-call record in the meeting minutes shows Councilmember Bridgette, another member recorded as Webb, Mayor Murphy and Councilmember Miller voting yes; Councilmember Allen and Councilmember Marcus voting no. The motion passed, allowing staff to draft the ordinance and schedule readings.

Staff and residents stressed the difference between the action taken and final approval. Planning staff confirmed there will be two readings and two votes on any ordinance: the first reading and vote is scheduled for Aug. 14 and the second reading and vote for Aug. 28, when residents may speak again. The council’s vote to prepare legislation is a procedural step that does not authorize construction or grant any permits.

Council members and staff noted the process allows additional public input at the scheduled readings and encouraged residents to appear at those meetings if they wish to speak. The Committee of the Whole moved on to other business after the vote; no final zoning change or permits were approved at this meeting.