Daleville, Virginia – The future of a Wawa convenience store being constructed in the Daleville Town Center is now in question. This uncertainty follows a recent decision by the planning commission, which voted against the proposal, signaling a potential halt to the popular chain’s expansion in the area.
The discussion about Wawa’s potential move into the Roanoke Valley began circulating in December. Wawa, known for its fresh food, coffee, and fuel services, has been a favored choice in other regions. However, the residents of Daleville expressed concerns at Monday’s planning commission meeting. One of the primary issues raised was the abundance of similar businesses in the vicinity. “We already have nine places you can fuel your vehicle from 81 to right there. Why do we need more,” a resident argued, highlighting the saturation of fuel service stations in the area.
Another significant point of contention was the proposed site’s proximity to Sheetz, a rival convenience store chain. The close distance between these two popular chains raised concerns about potential traffic issues. “Some of those people, some of those trucks are going to crawl over into the WAWA area,” a resident remarked, voicing worries about increased traffic congestion.
During the meeting, several attendees proposed alternative uses for the site. The most repeated suggestions were for a Fire and EMS station or a new restaurant. According to a traffic study conducted on the project, a fast-food restaurant would impact traffic more than a convenience store. The idea behind the Wawa was to create a quick, stop-and-go place for customers.
Despite these considerations, the planning commission ultimately voted against recommending the Wawa store. Chairman Tim Snyder commented, “The convenience store in that location in my opinion begins to remove what Botetourt County is in the 220 corridor.” This statement reflects a concern about the impact of such a development on the community’s character.
The final decision on whether Wawa will be allowed to expand to Daleville now rests with the Board of Supervisors. Their decision will determine the fate of the proposed convenience store and potentially shape the future landscape of the town center.
