Both Wawa and Sheetz aim to build their convenience stores at the same Phoenixville intersection, but neighbors aren’t having it as they raise concerns about what the builds would bring to their “suburban oasis,” writes Jesse Bunch for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Members of Protecting Schuylkill Township, which seeks to protect the quality of life for those in the community, claim that by building these stores, the consequences would outweigh the benefits for people who live near the intersection. Some concerns include hazardous pollution, changing traffic patterns, and other disturbances.

“These are our homes, and it’s our health and safety. You live here for three years, and it’s suddenly, like, ‘Oh, this is not as safe of an environment as I thought it was,’” said resident Sarah Sterling.

Wawa’s introduction to the site came in 2017 and a proposal was recently passed by the township’s board of supervisors in April. Meanwhile, Sheetz’s proposal is still fresh and would be the chain’s first venture into the Philadelphia region as the nearest Sheetz is in Morgantown.

Neighbors believe that Schuylkill Township’s zoning guidelines for the gas stations are too liberal. Additionally, two stores so close together would generate even more negative health effects to those inhabiting the area nearby.

“Any time any of our residents bring a concern to the board of supervisors, they take it seriously,” said Township Manager Laurie Getz. “So it is under consideration.”

Read more about Wawa and Sheetz concerns in Phoenixville at The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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