Власти штата Пенсильвания планируют ликвидировать участок дороги для реконструкции заброшенной заправки

LOWER MERION—Lower Merion officials are planning to hold a hearing to vacate a roadbed in Wynnewood in the hopes that it could give life to a gas station site that’s been closed for well more than a decade. At their last meeting, the commissioners approved a motion to hold a public hearing for the township to officially vacate a small section of Morris Road that functions as a cut-through from Lancaster Avenue to East Wynnewood Road. According to township officials, approximately 4,197 square feet of roadbed would revert to the properties located at 637 East Lancaster Ave. and 18 East Wynnewood Road, and approximately 4,004 square feet would revert to the property located at 625 East Lancaster Ave. Paul McElhaney, director of public works for Lower Merion, outlined some of the details. “You may be familiar with it,” McElhaney said. It’s behind the defunct gas station that everybody calls a major eyesore. So, we have determined that the road really serves no purpose for the township anymore and that it’d be more beneficial for us to vacate it and return the property to the two property owners. This will enable that property to be developed in a more efficient, more pleasant way, more appealing. So it’ll bring much more to the township than what we currently have there.” Although there was no indication of what the site might be used for, the nearby GIANT grocery store had submitted plans to reopen the gas station several years ago, but opposition arose due to the site’s size. But township officials say they believe vacating the road would help the site get developed. “The proposed vacation would also support the redevelopment of the adjoining corner property. Incorporating the former right-of-way into the development site would improve internal circulation, create opportunities for additional parking, and allow for 3 expanded landscaping and green space,” according to township documents. “These improvements would enhance the long-term viability of the property while advancing the Township’s broader goals of improving safety, supporting economic investment, and promoting efficient land use along the Lancaster Avenue corridor.” Commissioner Sean Whalen, as the ward commissioner, asked the others to support the plan, describing it as a little stub of a road. “It is also now where most people come directly out of the Whole Foods parking lot and go against the one-way traffic and just go the wrong way,” Whalen said. According to Whalen, there have been some concerns about the turn onto Wynnewood Road, but that issue is expected to be addressed with any future development of the gas station site. According to township officials. “Vacating Morris Road would eliminate the Township’s long-term responsibility for maintaining the roadway, resulting in a minor reduction in future maintenance obligations. No significant fiscal impacts are anticipated.”