Smile! An Orthodontist Is Coming to Hanover's Wegmans

Att'y Durso questions Christine Alvarez

Wegmans thinks of everything. Though customers love those oatmeal raisin cookies and Chuckles candy bars, they'll can all still have perfect smiles. That's because Dr. Luis J. Alvarez will be moving his orthodontist offices to Stoke Park Road and Wegmans Drive, right across the street from the upscale grocer. Following a July 26 hearing, Hanover zoners unanimously granted dimensional variances from setback requirements.

Representing Dr. Alvarez, Attorney Christine Durso argued that the irregular, flagpole-shaped lot, make those variances necessary.

Engineer Robert Caracciolo noted that the proposed, one-story, 5,824 sq ft building only takes up about 6% of the 1.99 acre lot. He added that there will be 42 parking spaces, one more than required under Hanover's Zoning Ordinance. In addition, the property will be heavily buffered with evergreens, to assure the privacy of residential neighbors.

Six residents attended the hearing, but had no problem with the requested variance. "I have no objection to what they want to do," stated Orvis Pike. "All I'm concerned about is what is going to happen to Fairview St."

Hanover residents take the oath

Pike, along with other residents like Gary Kepner, told zoners that Fairview Street borders their properties, but dead ends right before it reaches the Alvarez tract. Despite a warning sign, trucks and other vehicles continue along the unopened road anyway, driving over grass to reach the service road that will serve as access for the orthodontist's offices.

In the process, mailboxes have been obliterated, along with the occasional power line

Caracciolo told residents this problem will have to be addressed in the planning process. He agreed  it might be necessary to extend Fairview Street to the service road.

"We seek to be good neighbors and to follow the directions of the Township," the engineer assured everyone.

Solicitor Ted Lewis told residents that their concerns about Fairview Street are beyond the authority of a Zoning Hearing Board, but should be made known to the Planning Commission.

Dr. Alvarez' wife, Christine, told zoners that offices will be open Monday through Thursday, 8 to 5. In response to resident concerns about possible noise from air compressors associated with dental work, Alvarez stated that orthodontists have no need for them.

Dr. Alvarez has two offices. His primary location is in Center Valley. A second office at 190 Brodhead Road will be relocated to Hanover.

According to Dr. Alvarez, he hopes to be up and running by this time next year.