Officials and residents in Drexel Hill are fiercely debating a development proposal for the Drexeline Town Center to replace the Drexeline Shopping Center, writes Erin McCarthy for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The proposed new center would include an expanded ShopRite, a new Wawa, an apartment building, medical complex, and a large self-storage building.

“Maybe don’t call it a town center and get our hopes up,” said resident Peggy Wilson.

Wilson is one of many residents who have voiced their concerns about the $100 million project at town meetings and on social media. One of their issues is that the center will not look like similar town centers that have opened in neighboring towns over the last several years, such as The Shoppes at Ellis Preserve in Newtown Square.

Residents believe that the neighborhood deserves a real town center filled with eateries and shops.

However, town officials said they did not have many options to choose from, especially if they did not want to close the ShopRite or Anthony’s Ristorante and Banquet Center on the property.

The zoning board’s decision on the center’s application is expected later this month.

Read more about the Drexeline Town Center in the Philadelphia Inquirer by clicking here.