The owner of a 1.7-acre dirt lot next to the Darby transportation center has a vision to turn 934 Main Street into a “next-concept” convenience store, a “Whole Foods Wawa” walkable for its workers and customers, and a positive community focal point.

The store would sell fresh produce, gas, and include 10 electric vehicle charging stations.

It would employ up to 40 local residents, writes Kathleen E. Carey for the Daily Times.

Aminah Shabazz Perez, principal of Property Management Group, is looking for federal community project grants to fund the $4.5 million project.

Former Darby mayor Paula Brown said construction would disturb a sensitive floodplain, putting those downstream at risk of flooding.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued a field order May 18 halting earth-moving activities at the site because of permit and planning issues.

Perez said she doesn’t need permits for areas less than an acre.

“People want this in this community,” Perez said. “I do want to make a difference … You make it so hard to do in the underserved communities. Why? Why? …”

The property was vacant for 10 years and used for an illegal towing operation, she said.

Read more about the development proposal for a Darby convenience store in the Daily Times.

Things no longer found at a gas station.