Seaside Heights Wawa Rumors Seem to Be Unfounded

The former Seaside Community Church property. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

It looks like fans of hoagies and paying the same price, cash or credit, for gas will still have to head over the bridge from Seaside Heights.

Internet rumors that circulated over the past week indicated Wawa had purchased property on which a church sits on Hiering Avenue and were planning to build a convenience store and filling station. Officials say Wawa did not buy the property, and there is no indication the company is planning on being involved with the site.

The property has not been sold, Borough Administrator Christopher Vaz said. But he’s been told a buyer is interested in converting the property into condominiums.

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“The plan, as explained to me, would be to maintain the church’s exterior for ambiance/aesthetics,” said Vaz.

Wawa has not been in touch with the town about plans to open a location, he said.

“In my experience it would be unusual for a company like Wawa to buy property without first meeting with the mayor or other town representatives to assess interest and any land use issues to expect,” he said.

Wawa operates one location on the island, in Chadwick Beach, that is a store-only. A larger store with a gas station is located across the Route 37 bridge in Toms River.