Wynnewood & Lancaster Gas Station Parcel: What Will the Future Bring?

Many of you have noticed recent sidewalk and curb concrete work being done on the site of the abandoned gas station and adjacent closed bank building on the parcel at the corner of Wynnewood Road and Lancaster Avenue. According to Chris Leswing, the township’s building and planning director, this work was routine maintenance. 

While this is good news for the present, there is no doubt this is one of the most important development locations facing our Wynnewood community. This parcel is across the street from Whole Foods and has the potential, if the development is done properly, to further enhance the gateway to our community.  The site’s existing C-1 zoning would allow another gas station or a high-traffic fast food operation, neither of which would be desirable, in our view.

Recognizing the importance of this parcel to Wynnewood and the entire Lower Merion community, Chris Leswing has been working with the WCA and the Shortridge Civic Association to develop a proactive approach to the inevitable development of this parcel.

During the past 12 months Chris has met with both civic associations to discuss realistic alternative concepts for the site. Chris suggested both civics and the township agree on some broad concepts to benefit both the site and the community. Chris said he would then take that information and forward it to the owners of the two parcels comprising the site.

We want to send this message: Both the township and the civic associations want a community-enhancing project on this site and not something that will be a high traffic generating eyesore. We hope, with the assistance of the township to make it clear to anyone proposing development,  that the township and the civics support a community-enhancing project,  and we will vigorously oppose any proposals not meeting these goals. 

As part of this process, both the WCA and the Shortridge Civic Association have articulated their positions in letters to the township planning department. Both letters are linked below:

Wynnewood & Lancaster Shortridge Letter

Wynn & Lanc lot letter to Leswing