Wawa store could be built at former CVS site in Middletown; zoning issues at forefront

The building on the property that is not currently in use was built in 2008 and has a total of 13,145 square feet. That building is to be demolished.

The proposal is to construct the convenience store to be 6,372-square feet with a food service drive-up pickup window — there will no be an option to order food in the pickup lane. The fuel sales will include six double-sided fuel dispenser islands with a canopy.

The business will be in operation 24 hours a day with approximately 40 employees, according to documents.

The property is currently zoned for a BC-H district that permits a convenience store, but not fuel pumps. Thus the need for a zoning change and waivers due to the small size of the lot.

City Planner Claire Fetters said staff recommends the denial because the acreage is too small to meet the planned development acreage criteria, it is a utilization of the planned development district to spot zone the property to allow for a use that is prohibited in the current zoning district and the comprehensive plan calls for other uses and vision for the property.

Also noted in the staff recommendation for denial is the potential for the over-saturation of retail fuel establishments in the vicinity of the proposed site. There is a BP gas station on the northeast intersection of Commerce and Ohio 122, approximately 650 feet from the proposed Wawa site. Another gas station would have a negative impact on the future development, according to staff.

Wocher referred to a Wawa as a “restaurant with fuel sales.” He said the store will not have a trucking clientele and the drive-up window does not “stack” vehicles with it. There is no menu board for ordering as orders are placed with an app and customers arrive for pickup at the designated time.

Planned are 40 parking spaces for those who are walk in customers and decorative fencing and landscaping are also part of the plan.

Wawa has a strong reputation and a following in “made-to-order food.” beginning in the Mid-Atlantic coast, with now more than 1,000 stores.

With the development ongoing at Renaissance Pointe and neighboring hospitals, Wocher said they feel confident in the suitability of the project.

“The 40 jobs that are proposed will complement the city and the quality of food we are providing will be a complement to what is is existing and happening,” Wocher said of the $7 million investment in the city.

The request was tabled because only four members of the planning commission were in attendance. It will be reconsidered at the Feb. 12 meeting and the will go before city council for consideration.

In 2024, construction began on Wawa stores in Deerfield Twp. on Fields Ertel Road and others in Liberty Twp., Fairfield, Mason, Colerain Twp. and Springdale. All are expected to be open by this summer.