Letter to the Editor Makes Case Against Wendy's

Dear Jake:

As one who joined the peaceful protest on Saturday October 5th at 11 AM at the former location of the Bunting House now anticipated to become a Wendy’s drive-thru, I must report that, while the turnout (due to last minute planning) of protestors was mediocre, the response from the occupants of cars passing by the demonstration was overwhelmingly in favor of a NO WENDY’s.

It is imperative that the coming together of all concerned Roxborough citizens and Associations must be immediately put into play if the forthcoming Wendy’s restaurant is to be defeated at the November 6th at 4 PM zoning hearing scheduled at the Zoning Board of Adjustment Office located at 1515 Arch, 18th Floor in Philadelphia.

Wendy’s apparently has not done their homework on their flawed desire to purchase the Bunting House location for one of their fast food stores, namely:

1- Why Wendy’s would want to be affiliated with the company that destroyed a beautiful historically appealing home and be at odds with the neighborhood is baffling and approaches corporate suicide.

2- In the past several other fast food chains have attempted to establish themselves in Roxborough along Ridge Avenue with each attempt resulting in failure and store closure.  Most traffic studies, performed “professionally” by these fast food chains, seem to overlook that the Roxborough / Manayunk area, because of the Wissahickon Creek and the Schuylkill River, is somewhat of an island physically separated from the rest of the city.

3- The intersection of Ridge Avenue and Roxborough Street adjacent to the proposed Wendy’s site, already plagued with traffic congestion, will see an increase of traffic congestion that no doubt could even choke Wendy’s own drive thru when their patrons attempt a left turn onto Ridge Avenue when exiting their establishment.

Additionally, vehicular injury and death to our children darting across the intersection to frequent the Wendy’s establishment, due to the increase in traffic, the Septa buses swinging wide at the intersection to make a turn, the southbound Septa buses double parked when taking on and unloading passengers, etc., will be at risk here.

If Wendy’s is defeated at the next zoning hearing, maybe my proposal that you kindly posted on May 7, 2013 here  http://roxborough.patch.com/groups/business-news/p/citizens-create-own-bunting-house-design

Regards,

Valerie Morrison

45-Year Resident of Roxborough