Plans are underway for a new Wawa convenience store and gas station to be constructed in Covington Township, adjacent to North Pocono High School. A recent vote by township supervisors resulted in a 3-2 decision favoring 2025 Bochicchio Covington LLC’s proposal for the development. The store will be situated near the intersection of Drinker Turnpike and Bochicchio Boulevard in the Daleville area of the township.
The approved project will feature a 6,600-square-foot store equipped with 16 gas pumps at eight stations, 57 parking spaces, and signage along Drinker Turnpike. Access to the store will primarily be from Drinker Turnpike, with an additional entrance from Bochicchio Boulevard.
Supervisor Chair Melissa Kearney expressed concerns about the project’s impact on traffic, especially considering its proximity to North Pocono High School. Despite favoring the convenience store chain based in southeastern Pennsylvania, she voted against the plan due to the use of Bochicchio Boulevard as an access route, citing safety concerns for students and faculty. Supervisor Wanda Andreoli also voted against the project but did not publicly state her reasons.
In response to traffic concerns, the developer plans to implement several measures, including a concrete divider on Bochicchio Boulevard, additional barriers, medians, speed bumps, new traffic lights along Drinker Turnpike, and a second lane on Bochicchio Boulevard. The site was photographed on April 4, 2025, highlighting the location of the future store.
The project’s approval is contingent on obtaining a highway occupancy permit from the state Department of Transportation and a well permit from the state Department of Environmental Protection. A stormwater permit from the DEP has already been secured. The new Wawa will be the third location approved in Lackawanna County, with additional sites planned in South Scranton, Carbondale Township, and Dickson City.
In Dickson City, the borough’s planning commission recently granted a subdivision for a property on Main Street, with further development plans expected soon. Additionally, Wawa is conducting a traffic study for a proposed location near Route 6. Meanwhile, a Wawa store opened last December in Wilkes-Barre Township, with more Luzerne County locations planned in Dallas Township and Plains Township.
Community Impact: Navigating New Developments
The introduction of a Wawa convenience store in Covington Township holds several implications for the local community. On one hand, the new store is expected to stimulate economic growth by creating job opportunities and enhancing local commerce, which could be beneficial for the area’s development.
Conversely, increased traffic and potential congestion on Bochicchio Boulevard could pose challenges for residents, especially concerning safety for students at the nearby North Pocono High School. The developer’s commitment to implementing traffic management measures may alleviate some concerns, yet ongoing community engagement and monitoring will be crucial to address any emerging issues effectively.
Overall, the new Wawa represents a balance between modern convenience and the preservation of rural characteristics, a sentiment shared by many residents. As the project progresses, the community will need to navigate these changes, ensuring that development aligns with local values and priorities while enhancing the quality of life for all residents.
