We, the undersigned residents affected by the approved zoning change at Route 202 and Fisher Place (also known as Block 163, part of Lot 1 and Lots 1.01, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5.01, 5.02, 6, 8, 9 and 10, approximately 44,231 square feet) of the Bridgewater Township by Wawa Corporation, do hereby oppose the proposed change at the said location.

This proposed 24-hour mega gas station / convenience store is out of character with its surrounding area. Should the master plan be approved, our community will be changed in many significant ways for the worse. For example:

o  We will be next door to a 24/7 commercial hub not unlike rest areas on major highways barely buffered by a thin layer of screening trees and shrubs. We will lose our peaceful enjoyment and privacy to the noise, the fumes, stress and hassle, and danger.

o  As our community loses its sense of enclosure, it loses a fundamental appeal associated with any desirable communities, leading to an inevitable decline in property value.

o  The resale value of houses in our community will decrease.

o  Additional traffic due to the development will significantly exacerbate the existing congestion on RT 202, making it dangerous, if not impossible, to merge from Charlotte Drive especially during peak hours when it matters the most.

o  The increased traffic and changed traffic pattern will render this section of RT 202 unsafe for local residents, either walking or driving.

o  A 24-hour mega gas station + convenience store at the proposed location will most likely draw heavy traffic, especially out-of-towners from through traffic on RT 202, causing unwanted congregations, conducive to drugs, violence and crime, therefore threatening the safety of our children.

o  The gas station will pose a hazard to our environment and health as is well established of any gas stations adjacent to residential areas.

o  The proposed Retail Buildings A, B and C does not have a tenant.  Bridgewater already has more than enough of vacant office/retail space.

While the detriments to us are severe and obvious, there is no justification beyond self-interest of Wawa and the Developer. The service provided by the proposed Wawa and the Developer is neither unique nor needed, as evidenced by the abundance of similar businesses in close proximity. The harms it causes are neither necessary nor reasonable for residents of local community.

We submit to the Board that this is a radical variance request from the Developer (14 variances!!!). It is inappropriate, and is harmful to the local residents. We trust that the Board will consider all the detriments this request will cause to the residents directly and immediately affected as well as its negative impact to the Township of Bridgewater in the long run, and act in accordance with the Township’s land use plan and the spirit of zoning laws / regulations and best practice.

The Board has done so before, as it denied the proposed development of a strip mall on Milltown Road, and addition of a convenience store to the Sunoco Gas Station on Country Club Road and RT 28. We trust that the Board will do it again in this case.