Planners should heed opposition to Wawa

As a resident of the Clinton Avenue section of Eatontown, I am very upset at the proposed building of a 24/7 super Wawa on Route 35, which is adjacent to residential streets, at the old Eatontown Roller Rink site.

After attending several meetings, I feel that the majority of the Planning Board of Eatontown is not acting in the best interests of the residents, but rather are more interested in accommodating Wawa.

The residents have been out in force at Planning Board meetings opposing this issue. The level of noise pollution, immense increase of traffic on residential streets, loitering, property value loss and gasoline tanks being so close to private homes are just some of the reasons for our opposition.

This small area of Route 35 already has four gasoline stations and several large convenience stores. There is no need for more businesses of this type!

I hope that the Planning Board respects the wishes of the residents of Eatontown and not of some large corporation that is only interested in profits. Perhaps the Planning Board will have the courage and foresight to wait until a more community and environmentally friendly business decides to come to this area of Eatontown. Or at least, restrict the access of commercial and customer traffic onto our residential streets.

David L. Nahan

Eatontown