Washing away the old Reed's Country Store

The board of WRO has a lot of experience in Whitpain. We have lived here for decades, involved in all kinds of activities. Occasionally, we see something unexpected, but rarely are we actually surprised.

We were stunned by the Zoning Hearing Board at their February '25 meeting.

Our February email told the story about a proposal that had gone in front of the Zoning Hearing Board in January for a mega-car wash at the corner of 73 and 202, replacing the former Reed’s Country Store and barn. The ZHB had elected to delay their vote until their February meeting (2/20).

The vote was 3-2 in favor of the car wash. 

We did not see that coming.

Typically, the Zoning Board moves in unison. In this case, it’s worth detailing the vote:

• Kyle Speece - Deny

• Marie Golson - Deny

• Kent Conway - Approve

• Dana DiSandro - Approve

• Amy McAndrew - Approve

Unfortunately, even in a contested vote, the members do not offer an explanation, so we have no clarification why Conway, DiSandro, and McAndrew voted for this plan.

Normally, safety issues override other parts of the conversation, but the three cast aside the obvious troubles of adding up to 200 cars per hour traveling through the already-problematic CVS and Wawa parking lots. To be clear, they did include a requirement that the developer “explore” improvements to add two-way traffic around the CVS, but no improvements were defined. A requirement to “explore” traffic safety is not enough.

In addition to the safety issues, the very idea of a car wash on the intersection at the heart of the Township disregards Whitpain’s own guidelines.

From the Whitpain Comprehensive Plan: https://www.whitpaintownship.org/DocumentCenter/View/596/Whitpain-Township-Comprehensive-Plan--Revised-March-2016-Whitpain-Township-Wire-PDF?bidId=

• (Page 114) Land Use

  • “Promote and enhance the Township's four village areas through a program of thoughtful redevelopment that includes performance and design standards.”

• (Page 121) Recommendations for Center Square, Broad Axe and Blue Bell:

  • Recommended uses include food establishments and retail goods. A car wash is excluded (but not prohibited).

    
    

On the bright side, residents of the new condos up the street will be able to walk to the car wash…