Board gives conditional approval to Wawa redevelopment at MacArthur and Mickley, asks developer to work on traffic mitigation

Developers seeking to replace the Sears Auto Center with a prototypical Wawa convenience store presented preliminary and final Land Development plans at Whitehall’s June 10 meeting. The project includes a roughly 6,000‑square‑foot store and a fuel canopy with 16 fueling positions.

Tom Schlegel, an attorney for the project, and Ryan Whitmore, the civil project manager, outlined the site plan and said the building will meet area and bulk criteria. Ben Guthrie, a traffic engineer, presented the traffic‑impact study and confirmed primary access would use existing mall driveways (right‑in / right‑out) with a secondary access onto Mickley Road; the plan provides conduit for future electric vehicle charging but does not include chargers at opening.

Several residents and commissioners raised safety concerns about southbound traffic on MacArthur Road attempting illegal left turns onto Mickley to reach the new store. The developer agreed to work with the township engineer and PennDOT on possible signage, temporary trailblazers, and restriping options to reduce unsafe turning movements. Board members emphasized mitigation should be specific and measurable before final construction approvals.

On the motion to conditionally approve Resolution 3325 (major subdivision/land development for the Wawa redevelopment), the board recorded votes in favor and noted a requirement that the developer coordinate traffic signage and safety measures with township staff and PennDOT. The resolution’s approval was described as conditional on standard engineering and permitting follow‑up.

The decision clears a major redevelopment parcel near the mall and signals the township’s intent to pursue site safety improvements in tandem with private development.