Pump plans give
Bustleton gas pains

By Jeannie O’Sullivan
Times Staff Writer

When BJ’s Wholesale Club opened in Bustleton 19 years ago, it became a member of a community that values its predominantly residential status and warily monitors its commercial neighbors.
BJ’s was no exception. But at the Greater Bustleton Civic League’s Jan. 25 meeting, BJ’s drew criticism from neighbors on a number of fronts.
So it’s no surprise that neighbors aren’t keen on BJ’s plan to install six gas pumps and a propane-filling station on the property, at 2054 Red Lion Road. They alleged that company has a spotty record of mitigating noise, truck traffic, intrusive lighting, and litter.
"They’re an anti-community company," said Harry Haberkern, a retiree who is the civic league’s former zoning chairman.
An attorney and engineers representing BJ’s attended the Jan. 25 meeting hoping to garner civic approval before appearing at a Feb. 28 meeting of the city Zoning Board of Adjustment. Propane refills and self-service gasoline sales require a permit.
Facing staunch opposition, the panel fielded concerns from residents who contend their quality of life has suffered because of excessively bright parking-lot lights, sale fliers littering their properties, and traffic and noise from delivery trucks.
The vehicles, civic league members said, often don’t travel on the designated service roads, idle loudly and conduct the noisy business well into the night.
"There has been a credibility gap," admitted BJ’s attorney Marc Brookman.
Brookman explained that the bright lighting was a security measure. He couldn’t comment on the trash, but said the receiving department is open between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m.
"It’s all day and night," one resident said.
The gas pumps wouldn’t generate additional traffic, Brookman said, because most of the customers would be BJ’s members who would be shopping at the warehouse anyway. And no entranceways would be added, he said.
The civic league’s executive board had met with the BJ’s representatives earlier last month. The group, which voted overwhelmingly against BJ’s plans during the meeting, made plans to attend the zoning hearing, contact City Councilman Brian O’Neill (R-10th dist.) and collect petition signatures.
In other civic news:
• The group heard about a conservation plan underway for the 22-square mile watershed — also called a drainage basin — surrounding the Poquessing Creek, which runs through Philadelphia, Bucks and Montgomery counties.
The plan will identify and implement ways to improve the water quality and mitigate any adverse impacts of land use and pollution, said Suzanne Forbes, owner of Forbes Environmental and Land Use Planning.
Forbes said her company, along with Borton-Lawson Engineers, was selected by the Philadelphia Water Department to oversee the project, which entails public outreach, water-and-land analysis, and a course of action.
Similar projects are in place for the other six watersheds throughout the region, she said. For more information, visit www.phillywater.org/poquessing
• The civic league’s next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 22, at 7:30 p.m., at the American Heritage Federal Credit Union at 2060 Red Lion Road. ••
Reporter Jeannie O’Sullivan can be reached at 215-354-3038 or osullivanj@phillynews.com