A coalition of Cherry Hill residents, known for their successful opposition to a proposed Super Wawa, has been cautiously optimistic regarding the change in ownership at the Barclay Farms Shopping Center. However, Preserve Barclay members have expressed favorable sentiments about the new ownership and their plans for the shopping center.
Preserve Barclay, a volunteer group comprising residents from the Barclay Farm and Kingston Estates neighborhoods, passionately opposed the development of a Super Wawa at the shopping center located off Marlton Pike. The application for the convenience store and 16-pump gas station, filed by the property’s former owner, Hortense Associates LP, was withdrawn in December of the previous year due to community objections.
Upon Hortense filing a change-of-ownership notice with the township in June, Preserve Barclay adopted a “wait-and-see attitude,” as noted by Martha Wright, the spokesperson for the group.
The shopping center’s new owners, Bergman Real Estate Group and Capstone Realty Group USA, recently disclosed their $16.1 million purchase and presented ideas for the vacant space within the shopping center, including a medical office, a boutique grocer, or a discount wine or liquor store.
Preserve Barclay expressed support for these ideas, emphasizing their belief in the need for investment in the shopping center. The group clarified that they are not opposed to development or investment but had concerns specifically about the addition of gasoline pumps.
The controversy surrounding the proposed Super Wawa revolved around the adverse impacts it could have brought to the area, including light and noise pollution, traffic congestion, and the removal of grassy medians. Furthermore, it was seen as a threat to the safety of Kingston children who frequently biked across the street to reach Barclay’s swim clubs.
The cancellation of the Super Wawa left a 45,000-square-foot space to be filled within the Barclay Farms Shopping Center. Residents of Barclay-Kingston had expressed interest in transforming the shopping complex into a restaurant hub or community gathering place, suggesting ideas like patio dining, farmers’ markets, and a brewpub.
Preserve Barclay, encouraged by the recent ownership change and the recognition of the shopping center’s unique character, remains hopeful for the future of the Barclay Farms Shopping Center. They look forward to seeing it evolve into a destination that maintains the area’s distinct charm while offering enriching experiences for Cherry Hill residents.
