Spa Today, Wawa Tomorrow?
Some Hatboro residents are up in arms over the possibility of trading this historic southern gateway into the borough for a new Wawa at Horsham and York roads. Patch took a tour of the 18th century Millers House, home to Spa Escape Salon and Day Spa.
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The historic complex at the south end of Hatboro. From left: the former White Billet Nursing Home, the Mill House, and the Grist Mill along the Pennypack Creek.
Photos (23)
Photos
The corner at Horsham and York roads has been the subject of debate recently among Hatboro residents and business owners. Wawa has announced plans for a new Super Wawa, complete with an island of six gas station pumps. If that plan moves to fruition, the building currently housing Spa Escape would be demolished.
Suzy Q
8:28 am on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
I hope that this Wawa never comes to be. Our "historic gateway" is beautiful, a Wawa........let's not go there.
Kara Seymour
8:48 am on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
It's a shame they would allow a historic building to be torn down for a Wawa. What does the local historical society think about this?
Theresa Katalinas
9:23 am on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Kara,
The folks at the Millbrook Society have said they're in favor of having the buildings saved. I think it's just a matter of money. The asking price for the Old Mill Inn and the building that houses Spa Escape is $899,999.
Kelly Jones
8:59 am on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
There are two Wawa gas stations in the area, one on Horsham Road and the other on 611. Out of all the places they could choose to build this Hatboro one, why do they think they could get away with bulldozing a historic site? Do they think that they can build anywhere if they have enough money? How about the people of Hatboro put them in their place; say no to Wawa HERE.
Joe Orlando
10:26 am on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Kelly, there are actually two Wawa gas stations on Horsham rd. One at Norrisstown rd and the other at Limekiln pk.
DONNA
10:37 am on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Spa Escape Salon and Day Spa would like to thank Toni for the beautiful pictures and wonderful words, we enjoyed how she captured our salon and day spa. We fully respect and care for this historic building.
The employees at Spa Escape Salon and Day Spa
Anonymous76
4:04 pm on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
The spa building is a very attractive building. It's one of the reasons I think Hatboro is a pretty town, unlike a couple of other boroughs in Montco. The traffic at that intersection is already pretty intense at rush hour. I think a Wawa would create a traffic nightmare in the morning - it's already dicey driving past the one on Horsham Rd. near Norristown Rd. at that hour. I think the town should keep the Wawas and 7-Elevens to the major thoroughfares - better access and safer for drivers.
BBH
4:19 pm on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
I drive past both Wawas on Horsham Rd going to and from work during rush hour. I don't think that Wawa being there impacts the traffic pattern to the extent of not considering the business to open. Quality of life is defined on an individual basis and I am wondering if those people in favor of the Wawa project are free to join the Hatboro Resident Association????
Mary Cummings
8:46 pm on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
The premise of the HRA supports historic preservation, shopping locally and quality of life. Anybody in Hatboro can join and it's to be expected that there may be some disagreement in its membership. However, the majority of the members currently are opposed to the Wawa and are finding that a large number of Hatboro residents share that sentiment. You may want to investigate the chamber of commerce, as they might be more in line with your position.
Tara
5:57 pm on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Just curious...who owns the Old Mill? Is it privately owned? Is it bank owned? Is it a registered historical building? Has anyone looked into grants to purchase & maintain it in a flood zone or could it be moved to a safer location? Or is everyone waiting for someone else to handle it?
If it's for sale is it even possible to deny any one entity a chance to purchase it (zoning permitting)? Just asking wouldn't that be like refusing to sell your home to a family from another country, faith, or ethnic group? If zoning supports a WaWa and the space & building is for sale as the owner see's fit how can someone stop it? Just because an upstanding business rents space in a building doesn't mean the owner cannot sell it to be used for something else.I would assume the Spa should check their lease in regards to their rights.
Or is this a ZONING issue. Is WaWa trying to change the existing zoning?
Gina Wherry
9:25 pm on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
I believe you are combining and confusing the issues at hand. It does not matter who owns a property, unless by eminent domain, in order for it to be transferred to another person or entity. What does matter is historic preservation and current zoning, and restricted use. All of which probably comes into play here. Let's not forget the rights of a tenant with a contractual lease. If it's bank owned, the tenant has fewer rights, but nonetheless, rights. And even if those rights are so few, a company like Wawa should do the Right thing: Respect the current business owner by reinforcing solid business ethics and breed community partnership. And remember that Wawa was once a small, family business when it began many years ago. Isn't history fascinating?
Mary Cummings
9:37 pm on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Theresa, I have been hearing conflicting information regarding a few of those items. I did know that TD inherited the property due to a default. But as far as the historic register, we are learning that may not be the case. Additionally, I have heard that the zoning board approves variances, but they must have final approval from the council. Some clarification on that (civics 101) would be nice! My apologies regarding the misinformation. I deleted my comment, but I think I got most of it right!!
Theresa Katalinas
9:38 pm on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Thanks Mary. The zoning hearing board is the entity that approves variances. The council can take a position on the issue and can opt to send its attorney to the meeting to represent the council one way or another, but the decision is still that of the zoning hearing board. If a variance is granted (for this or other properties) the council would then review and consider granting approval for the land development plan itself. Hopefully that makes sense.