To Gas or Not to Gas

The Upper Moreland Commissioners could determine if covenants are made to be broken as the governing body considers allowing Weis Markets add fueling stations to the Marketplace at Huntingdon Valley.

The board set Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. as the date and time for a public hearing on the matter. The covenant, which was enacted in 1989, prohibits gas stations, fast food restaurants, automotive businesses and outdoor motion pictures from locating in the 255,000-square-foot shopping center, which is located on County Line and Davisville roads.

Commissioner Chairman Sam Valenza said the board is only considering amending the covenant to allow fueling stations at this time.

"In order to allow a change in this they have to have a public hearing," he said. 

The board last month heard plans from Weis which call for a Gas-N-Go to be stationed in the parking lot of the new supermarket, located at 2100 County Line Road at the site of a former Pathmark.

If its installation is permitted, the Gas-N-Go would consist of four dispensers with two pumps each and would be located at the front of the parking lot. There would also be a small market with only window access that would sell such items as cigarettes and small car-care products.

The plan is for the commissioners to take action following the Oct. 7 public hearing, Valenza said, adding that that is subject to change. 

"We always have the ability to postpone it," he said.