New car wash receives mixed reaction in Roxborough

Construction is almost complete on a new car wash shop along the Ridge. The business, All Seasons Car Wash, will be located across from the new CVS and Wawa in Roxborough. 

Members of the Roxborough Development Corporation and nearby businesses say it’s a welcome addition to the neighborhood, but some residents worry that it will bring additional traffic to an already-congested area.

Holly Kent of Roxborough says the shop, which is scheduled to open on March 1, raises safety concerns. She said she often feels unsafe as she crosses Ridge Avenue to walk to CVS and Wawa. She expects the car wash—which will have a high volume of in-and-out traffic—to make matters worse.

“I don’t know how [drivers coming out of the car wash] are going to behave,” she said. “Look at the traffic right now. How are they going to control that?”

Even though there is a stoplight at the entrance of Wawa, where Cinnaminson Street comes to a T with Ridge Avenue, Kent said she doesn’t think that’s enough.

“I wish the police would pull over more cars or install cameras at the light,” she said.

Kent said she has complained to the police department, located at the intersection. However, Officer Charlie Kline, spokesman for the 5th District, said he’s heard very few complaints, if any.

But Anthony Staples, who owns Auto Maxx down the street, said resident Holly Kent isn’t alone. He’s heard similar sentiments from residents and pedestrians.

“It raises concerns in traffic,” he said. “But it doesn’t affect my business, either way.”

Staples said around morning and evening rush hours, cars are usually stopped on Ridge Avenue in front of his business.

But Staples said the car wash, in addition to Wawa, might cause a higher volume of in-and-out traffic.

However, he says he isn’t opposed to more traffic.

Since two other dealerships have left Ridge Avenue near the intersection, Staples said he’s lost a lot of business. Increased traffic, he said, will help increase his visibility.

“People will wash their cars and maybe browse,” he said. “That could benefit.”

RDC’s executive director, Bernard Guet, said the new business is a positive for the neighborhood because the local businesses will likely work hand in hand.

“With the Wawa and the CVS and the car wash, the three of them are going to work with each other,” he said. “[Customers] will get a car wash, fill gas, go to CVS and get into that habit of shopping in the area.”

The car wash is located just outside what Guet considers to be the main corridor—between Hermitage Street and Roxborough Avenue—and he accepts the fact that the area will not be utilized for pedestrians.

“People are not going to walk three miles,” Guet said of Roxborough’s segment of Ridge Avenue.

Whether it’s car or foot traffic, many residents say they’re just glad to see a new business opening on a formerly empty lot.

“Anything is a good thing,” Staples said.

The owners of the car wash could not be reached for comment.