Railway Station Historical Society Railfan.net E-Mail List Photo Archive

10099995.gif   Original: 250 by 262 pixels - Current: 250 by 262 - 100%
                          Try your mouse wheel too!


From: "tonydawson1 Dawson" tonydawson1 AT msn DOT com
Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2005 20:41:57 -0500
Subject: Pemberton NJ
"10099995.gif" - image/gif, 19933 bytes, 250x262+0+0 (32c)

Latest on the Pemberton project.
Tony Dawson

Pemberton Twp. delays hearing on Wawa's plan

Thursday, February 24, 2005

By CAROL COMEGNO
Courier-Post Staff
PEMBERTON TWP.

The zoning board on Wednesday decided to postpone a hearing on a proposed convenience store and gas station.

Wawa Inc. wants to build a store and 16-pump station on vacant land at Arneys Mount and Fort Dix roads. The area is a historic site once operated by the Pennsylvania Railroad and is adjacent to a restored railroad station.

The board postponed the hearing after listening to objections from Frederic F. Azrak, a lawyer for the Pemberton Historic Trust. Azrak objected on jurisdictional and procedural grounds, saying Wawa's application did not meet legal requirements.

The board gave Wawa the opportunity to file a new application and is expected to consider the proposal at its April 20 meeting.

Wawa's plan would require several zoning variances for the 9 1/2-acre tract commonly known as the Trilco property, named for a defunct lumber company.

The Pemberton Historic Trust and Preservation New Jersey want the township to buy the tract so a former railroad operation can be re-created with a living history railroad museum, shops, a restaurant and an existing locomotive turntable.

The township received approval for an $800,000 state Green Acres grant last year to buy the property. The municipality also has a commitment for an $85,000 grant from Burlington County.

However, Mayor Robert McCullough and some members of council want to see an immediate taxable property at the site. ADVERTISEMENT - CLICK TO ENLARGE OR VISIT WEBSITE

Featured Advertisers All Shore Advertise with us!





In addition, McCullough said the property has not been available for purchase for more than a year because Wawa has exercised an option to buy it from the owner.

A smaller Wawa sits across the street from the proposed site. That would be replaced should the company's proposal be approved.

Some residents suggested Wawa expand or build a bigger store on its current site.

Bob Pelletier, a 53-year-old federal civil service employee, said the new store and gas station "would be nice to have," but said it should "be on Route 38 or South Pemberton Road, further away from local stores."

He called the plan for a museum wonderful.

"It would give us a positive image, something that we need," Pelletier said.

Burlington County officials also would like to see the land preserved. They say a historic railroad depot complex would give the township an enhanced image and attract visitors who could contribute to the local economy.

The county is pursuing a rails-to-trails open space project, and part of that trail already is in place alongside the railroad station.

Mary Pat Robbie, director of the Burlington County Department of Resource Conservation, said the county money is there if the township wants to use it.

More than 90 percent of the township is within the Pinelands preservation area, which limits development there.

McCullough, who is not a member of the zoning board, has said he does not want the township to lose a viable taxable property like a Wawa.

"We are faced with a 33-cent (per $100 of assessed property value) tax rate increase, and for us to take ratables off the table is not fiscally responsible," he said.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reach Carol Comegno at (609) 267-9486 or ccomegno@courierpostonline.com
Thank you for visiting www.courierpostonline.com



10099995.gif

Click Here or on the corner X to close this window.


    All photos are the property of the original photographer unless otherwise noted and are to be used for personal viewing purposes only.

    The use of these photos on any website or other distribution media is strictly forbidden without the express consent of the image copyright holder.

    Linking directly to this page is permitted as long as "Railfan.net Email List Photo Archive" is creditted on the linking page.