Wawa and associates,
On behalf of many residents and businesses of Media who have
contacted me, I wanted to express our sincere appreciation for Wawa’s
consideration of Media, PA and the efforts to bring a “Super Wawa” to our
borough. As an iconic company in Delaware
County, and a very close and good neighbor to Media; a lot of us were eager to further
explore the challenges presented with such a project. In the good faith Wawa was willing to work
with Media, we at least felt the same courtesy should have been extended to your
group and Media Real Estate. Tragically, it appears it wasn't.
There may have been impasses either identified or unforeseen
that could have ultimately prevented this new store; but at no time were the
economic benefits taken for granted by our community: 35 new jobs, $1 million
in contracting fees, $5 million in building fees and a steady tax revenue would
not only be great for Media, but for any town.
In this economical climate those opportunities
should have been taken more seriously by our elected officials here in Media. I do however, commend Councilwomen, Monika
Rehoric and Dawn Roe for both supporting this project, along with our Media
Business Authority who was an advocate too.
Unfortunately, many here in the borough felt that Wawa, Media Real Estate and Linn Architects were not respectfully treated or appreciated by other
members of Media’s borough council. Concerning as that is, and in no way reflective of this town; these borough officials did not show the leadership or conduct to effectively
mitigate a professional outcome. If our leaders were surprised this proposal was pulled, as reported that they were by news outlets, it just goes to show how misinformed and badly organized they were to begin with. The
frustration was there as seen throughout 2012, but the needed resolve and/or awareness by borough council was not.
It is our hope that Wawa considers Media again sometime in
the future. As a community advocate that has supported
some of our families with jobs and careers, along with a well known history of charity; it is important that we convey our
sincere appreciation and utmost respect for the investment Wawa considered making in Media, Pa.
Sincerely,
Tedman O’Hara
Once again you nailed it on so many levels! Thank You from the Miller's whose address is also Media Pa
ReplyDeleteA lot of people's postal address says "Media". The Millers live in Upper Providence. Their 'outsider's' POV is always appreciated.
DeleteIt's an absolute disgrace that this was handled this way. I'm glad our council would rather have our gateway covered with tacky Verizon Retail flags(okay I get it by the 4th flag, you're open) and a lovely "Cash for Gold" establishment. This barren field now serves as a reminder of the inability of our local "elected" officials to act. Very disappointed, yet not surprised the least bit.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the over/under for how long this remains a retail brown field? I am guessing it will sit vacant for 5 to 10 years. Baltimore Pike does not serve as an attactive gateway to the town; an active Super Wawa would have helped.
ReplyDeleteMaybe Wawa could come back to build a store at the gateway over on the west side instead. The west side gateway is kind of hurtin'. Would be a great place to locate a super Wawa and at the same time would be welcome gentrification.
ReplyDeleteNot a bad idea,maybe it can exit through glen Providence Park onto Kirk lane.
Delete@ Anonymous above - Obviously I/we don't know who you are but I like your thinking!!! I can only hope that maybe you are a borough resident and filled out your survey to convey that YOU wanted 3rd Street Bridge Dam(n) Road 2 way 2 lane. If you didn't shame on you!
DeleteKent did not care...he likes his gated community.
DeleteCareful what you wish for Media. I own a business next to a Wawa unfortunately. Be prepared to have your property littered with Wawa trash. Be prepared to have your parking spots taken by rude Wawa customers that will threaten you if you ask them not to park on your property. Be prepared for the "slip and fall" lawsuits from folks parking on your property to get to Wawa that never gave you any business at all. Look forward to the after hour crowd throwing up and urinating on your property. And best of all look forward to dealing with the folks at Wawa corporate when all this occurs. Not to mention that there is a Sunoco gas & go within less than a block from this location ~ is that the picture you want folks to see when entering Media, the sickening price of a gallon of gas?? Really??!! How about a nice professional office building as opposed to the Walmart of gas & go.
ReplyDeleteI hear mandatory Tuesday night spankings are tough to endure, too.
DeleteMr. Borden do you speak of the Media Wawa? I go there all the time and there is no issue such as you speak of?
DeleteNo I am not speaking of the Wawa in Media on Balt. Pike ( Rt 1) I also did not say it occurs at every Wawa but you can bet that in this area of Media where they wish to build ( state st area ) where parking may come at a bit more of a premium you can almost bet that what I say can happen will happen. Wawa customers will abuse the parking spaces of adjoining businesses and you'll picking up their trash everyday. Count on it. I hear Trader Joe's wants to locate, that would be a much better fit or the area than another gas station especially when one exists ( Sunoco ) about one block from where Wawa wants to jam things up. A wawa gas station at that location would cause traffic jams in the morning no doubt, who needs that?
DeleteNow that the used car place has closed, couldn't Wawa consider expanding into that space which is right next door? Maybe it is not big enough for a gas station, but it would be great to at least reconfigure the parking lot and make it safer.
ReplyDeleteGood thought; I actually broached this to the Wawa manager a while back. Apparently, the owner wants a fortune for the place. But, yeah, in addition to improving the Wawa itself would also eliminate some streetscape clutter.
DeleteMake no mistake, WaWa is a botton line corporation. The friendly face is fine if you are not in business. Where Wawa sets up the little gas station and coffee corner run by the "Mom & Pop" disappears. Tragically, Tedman.
ReplyDeleteI'll be back, Anonymous. At least I have the courage to put my name to my comments. I always thought "Protest" was a right. By the way, what is your thoughts about Wawa, the 3rd Street Bridge, this blog? Isn't Media a great place to be in 2013.
DeleteYou also have the courage to allow others to ignore your sign and ask "Who's that weird guy out there?"
DeleteMJ is exactly right ~ anonymous = nothing intelligent to say
DeleteBalt.and Manchester would be the ideal spot.traffic at providence Rd. is the main drawback to that site.
ReplyDeleteStill think the 3rd st. One way bridge is stupid.
Three cheers for Cindy Miller. Don't agree with everything, Cindy. But like your involvement--and your husband's. Wish more people in Media Borough showed your interest. I'm with you 1,000 per cent on 2-Way bridge.
ReplyDeleteAlso, not afraid to use your name. Who is this Anonymous who is all over this blog?
Thank You Michael. 5 out of 7 on Council wish we were not so involved! And I like you wish more Borough residents showed interest. All this damn bridge stuff (and now WaWa)sure has opened my/our eyes politically!
DeleteHummmm Anonymous 1/9/14 9:49am Guess you haven't checked registration records lately, you ____________ (fill in the blank)
DeleteEveryone should check out the comment section of Philly.com regarding big changes coming to Wawa. A lot of unhappy people with Wawa.
ReplyDeleteWhat is Wawa Customer Satisfaction Survey?
ReplyDeleteCustomers reviews and feedbacks means a lot to the company, as the company wants to grow its business and now its really tough to survive in the market. So the company established and came up with www.mywawavisit.com to know about the services provided are really
Wawa Customer Satisfaction Survey