Plan Commission denies request to modify commitments and gives unfavorable recommendation for Wawa at Main & Dan Jones

The Plainfield Plan Commission voted on May 4 to deny multiple petitions that would have allowed redevelopment of the former Walgreens site at the northwest corner of Main Street (U.S. 40) and Dan Jones Road into a Wawa convenience store with 16 fueling positions.

Petitioners sought three primary approvals: (1) modification of recorded commitments that previously excluded gasoline stations and certain uses (RZ‑99‑014), (2) a zone map amendment from General Commercial (GC) to Automotive Commercial (AC) for the 2.63±‑acre parcel (RZ‑25‑103), and (3) architecture and site plan approval for a 6,372± sq ft store with canopy and pumps (DP‑25‑103). Staff warned the site is adjacent to residential properties and that two variances would be required at the Board of Zoning Appeals for landscaping and dumpster orientation if the project proceeded.

Mimi Hurwitz (Hurwitz Enterprises) and Wawa representatives described design commitments to pull the building toward Main Street, provide pedestrian connectivity, contain on‑site lighting, and restrict outdoor retail items such as propane and ice. Hurwitz emphasized Wawa’s community-oriented workforce and lower fuel prices, and Patrick Moon of Wawa noted Wawa’s 24/7 operating model and employee benefit programs.

Several residents and property owners opposed the project in public comment. Brenda Elrod, who lives across from the site, said past commitments related to Walgreens were not enforced and blamed lighting, dumpsters, and traffic impacts on neighbors; she questioned the need for another gas station within a short distance of existing retail fuel providers. Property owner testimony also cited safety problems entering and exiting driveways along U.S. 40 and Dan Jones.

Commissioners focused debate on traffic forecasts and the appropriateness of automotive‑intensive uses adjacent to residential parcels. Commissioner McPhail and Commissioner Everling said they did not see a compelling community need to rezone and override prior restrictions given safety and covenant concerns. The commission first voted to deny the requested modification of recorded commitments (RZ‑99‑014), then certified an unfavorable recommendation on the rezone (RZ‑25‑103), and denied the development plan (DP‑25‑103). All three votes were carried in favor of denial on recorded roll calls.

The petitioner was informed the denial will halt advancement to Town Council in the form presented; the applicant may revise the plan, pursue the variances at the BZA, or explore other procedural options. Staff had previously noted INDOT corridor planning (including potential future roundabout or median U‑turn treatments on U.S. 40) and two planned variances would factor into later reviews if the applicant re‑submits.

Provenance: Staff introduction and presentation (SEG 116–128); engineering and traffic context from Scott Singleton (SEG 137–141); public comments from Brenda Elrod and a nearby property owner (SEG 150–159); Wawa response (SEG 166–170); motions and recorded votes denying commitments, issuing an unfavorable recommendation, and denying the development plan (SEG 211–249).