Community Forum: Sale of Sunoco

The pending sale of Dave's Gerenyi's Sunoco gas station in Regent Square will bring about a major change in the neighborhood. While Gerenyi is in talks with to bring in a GetGo gas station to fill the space, details have yet to be revealed and the sale is not yet final.

"To me, it's not final until we sit down and sign everything," 

The recently sent a letter to Edgewood Council, the borough in which the gas station is located.

"Although many of the neighbors and board members are saddened at the loss of this valuable business, we understand that the sale is an inevitable part of change that happens to all communities," the letter states. "However, because of the strategic location and visibility of this site, we would like to be involved in any dialogue that would occur over its subsequent redevelopment."

The letter goes on to state that if redeveloped properly, the existing space could remain a great asset to the neighborhood.

"If not done with care and consideration for the rest of the neighborhood, it could undermine the work that the RSCA and the individual nearby businesses and residences have accomplished to date," the letter states.

President of RSCA and resident Alina Keebler said the main concerns regarding the potential sale include congestion on South Braddock and Hutchinson, traffic diverted to adjacent streets, hours of operation, noise generation, light pollution, diesel smells, signage, litter and the impact on nearby homes, businesses, and the character of the neighborhood.  

Neighbors have been sounding off with various opinions regarding the change—and we want to hear what you have to say as well. Leave your comments in the comment section below. Here's what a few neighbors told Patch:

"Seems a good idea to me. Good to have commercial property used, and gas stations are very expensive to convert to anything except another gas station. I can't imagine both the pumps and the GetGo store in that space—I don't see enough room—but no doubt, that's already ascertained. I wonder what the impact would be on the mini-mart across the ." —, Swissvale Librarian

"There is no need for a GetGo in the middle of residential neighborhood. The Square is known for its unique businesses and pedestrian friendly establishments. Why not put the GetGo in Edgewood Towne Center and use the Sunoco space in more creative ways that respect the character of the neighborhood." —, Regent Square resident and RSCA member

"I'm not looking forward to having a GetGo if that is whom the owners of Sunoco decide to sell it to because it seems to be out of place in this neighborhood. There are plenty of gas stations around the Square and —who needs one more—and for more important reasons, who wants to bring in more people and cars to that intersection?" —Lauren Gerencir, Swissvale, Laclair Street

"Along with general neighborhood issues, I feel really bad for the guy who has the convenience store on the corner. When the pharmacy went out and moved to the Giant Eagle, people were so upset about losing a business. This guy has been helpful for simple things and the GetGo will likely put him out of business." —, Regent Square resident

Tell us what you think by adding your comments below. See what other neighbors have to say at the Forest Hills-Regent Square Patch Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/ForestHillsPatch.