Resident Speaks Out Against Wendy's

Editor's Note: The following is a letter to the editor submitted by Patch user M. Sweeny

Not long ago, the Roxborough Development Corporation led a contest to create a new tag line for our unique community. The winner: “Family, Community, Nature since 1690.” A tag line is a window into an organization’s vision for its work. I would like to ask the RDC and local leadership to look very closely into Wendy’s bid to take up residence at the corner of Roxborough and Ridge Avenues, and ask themselves how Wendy’s will advance their vision, our vision, for our community.

I have lived in Roxborough since 2002. I have strived to better my 1918 home, have taken pride in my neighborhood, say hello to my neighbors as I walk my dog (whom everyone knows), and have witnessed how Roxborough has evolved in the past decade+. There have been are some wonderful changes. For example, Starbucks. Yes, the “goliath” Starbucks. Granted, it is a huge chain. Yet, it has created community. I know the names of all of my baristas, and Starbuck’s mantra is community. It’s evident in the corporation’s branding and its commitment to community causes.

Another example: Paw Prints. Here’s an example of a “Samson,” a local family who have brought a caring business model to Ridge Avenue. And there are many other wonderful families in our community who are home grown, committed and contributing to our vision.

Not Wendy’s. With no disrespect to this organization, the deal is so blatantly only financially motivated, as was the tearing down of the historic Bunting House. There comes a time when we all need to stand up for what we believe, and that time is now. When we consider additions to our community (and with a nod to those txters among us), let’s follow a simple acronym to cut through all of the clutter: C. A. R. E. In other words, does the business have a vested Commitment to the health and well being of our families and community of Roxborough? Does the business Advance the agreed-upon goals of our community of Roxborough? Is the business a Responsible member of our community? And finally, is the business Eco-friendly? All of these questions align with our tagline, our vision for Roxborough.

Please, let us look five years down the road. Do we want to become a Route 1, a strip mall on the way to the mainline for those avoiding the Schuylkill? Or, do we want to be a community beacon, one that invites new, CARE-ing members to participate and contribute? Imagine more places like Sole to Soul, the Foodery, Crossroads and the Pierogie Kitchen, which serve the diverse and wonderful members of our community.

As the Kendrick Recreation Center looks long term and is raising funds for a new CARE-ing facility to serve the families of our community, imagine a new vibrant Center that is a hub of activity for all, from the littlest members of our community to our elders. Now imagine a Wendy’s caddy-corner from that facility. That would be a CARE-less and tragic step backward for Roxborough.