On Saturday, residents gathered at the site of the potential construction, expressing opposition to the project.
The following press release is from Voorhees resident Rita Bulk:
Voorhees residents concerned about traffic, public safety, environmental and lifestyle impacts of a proposed development of a Super Wawa and Tractor Supply Store near the intersection of Route 73 and Kresson Road, staged a protest near the site on Saturday, May 5 to call attention to and gather support for, their concerns about and objections to the project. The protest was planned in advance of the upcoming Voorhees Planning Board meeting Wednesday, May 9, at 7:00 p.m., when the proposed project, and the 22 variances with design waivers it requires, will be considered.
Homeowners with properties bordering the proposed new development have been vocal in opposition, noting that requested variances reduce requirements for buffers to their property, exposing them to increased air, noise and light pollution, reduced property values and increased crime. Residents throughout Voorhees have been outspoken about the proposed increased traffic and altered traffic pattern, which would make an already congested intersection even more dangerous. The plan would also eliminate bicycle lanes in the area, which are heavily used by town residents, as well as recreational riders, throughout the region.
Variances required for the project include lot sizes, reduction in the number of parking spaces required for this type of development, fence sizes and the height of light fixtures. The site plan also calls for altering the traffic pattern in and out of the existing TD Bank from Kresson Road, and adding a three-lane exit/entry onto Kresson Road at the already congested intersection.
The proposed plan calls for construction of a 5,585 square foot Wawa with 16 fueling stations, which would be open 24/7. The Tractor Supply Company plans include a 19,097 square foot store with 13,500 square-feet of outdoor display space, which would include heavy equipment and pallets of animal feed, fertilizer and other inventory.
