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After attending this week’s City Council meeting regarding the resolution to deny the proposed option put forth by Sunoco to design a new structure to replace the current Sunoco station located directly opposite the Governor’s Residence, Historic Harrisburg was thrilled to see such a high level of engagement in our community on the topic. Specifically, we were struck by the overwhelming support to have Sunoco consider alternatively proposed plans that are more suitable to the neighborhood’s character.
Historic Harrisburg values Sunoco as an important partner in our community. They have invested in our neighborhoods by bringing convenience and access to our residents and businesses, something that is essential to the city’s success. Sunoco, with its several long-standing locations within the city limits, are not only businesses we frequent, but also neighbors we live with. And as members of our Capital city, we are sure they see the value in considering alternative design options that are respectful of the surroundings they reside within.
Our city holds great architectural and historical assets that have helped to define its rich character. These very influences are what make us uniquely Harrisburg, and we take great pride in ensuring the protection of structures and elements that may impact our surroundings today, tomorrow and fifty years from now.
We believe that Sunoco has several options before them to consider that will deliver the experience they want to achieve while providing a better-suited design that surrounding residents and visitors will live with for decades to come.
We ask Sunoco to consider the alternative option that was presented at City Council (Option 4 A) as a potential design solution. Along with other community organizations, we welcome the discussion on possible compromises that will achieve a balanced outcome for the city, its residents and Sunoco.
Sunoco’s decision on its design will deliver a structure that our community will live with for many, many years to come, and so the long-term effects of this design on our city’s future must be fully considered.
We look forward to City Council’s next meeting where they will vote on the resolution to deny Sunoco’s’ current proposal (Option Design Plan 1) and hope that Sunoco will consider the alternative option (Option Design 4 A), one that is suitable and respectful of its surroundings. |
