Although the Emmaus Zoning Hearing Board was meeting Jan. 25 simply to determine if a LED sign advertising Wawa could be erected on Chestnut Street, several residents and business owners voiced their displeasure of having a Wawa convenience store come to Emmaus.

Cedar Crest Development LP plans to build a Wawa convenience store and gas station at the corner of Chestnut Street and Cedar Crest Boulevard. Entrance would be from Cedar Crest Boulevard and Chestnut Street at the Eyecare of the Valley property.

The board also considered the proposal for the Wawa to be 5,585 square feet which is larger than the borough code of less than 4,000 square feet for convenience stores.

Developer John Cogan said stores need space for customers with disabilities and for displaying items for sale.

Neighboring business owners raised their concerns to members of the zoning hearing board.

Juan Martinez, owner of Don Juan Mex Grill, 1328 Chestnut St., said small business owners “would be crushed” if a Wawa comes to Emmaus and that the board should take a “moral” stand on Wawa coming to Emmaus.

Susan Roberts, owner of a small business in Emmaus, said a Wawa would produce a hardship on businesses in Emmaus.

Barbara Ferguson, whose family owns a 7-Eleven in Emmaus, produced a petition signed by 25 small business owners opposing the construction of a Wawa.

The zoning board recommended approval of the larger store and the LED sign.

Emmaus Borough Council is expected to consider the rezoning request at its Feb. 5 meeting.