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I see both sides to this one. I hope cool heads prevail.

I don`t think the new store is needed. The old building on the corner can be better used for something else.

I think the older Sheetz stores we have in the area just need to be updated as the one out on Pennsylvania Ave. Genius idea... Order your food & pump your gas. By the time you are finished, the food is ready! Love it!

Well, JMO, but I would be glad to see that former Red Barron building come down--that dingy white brick (actually dirty gray) eyesore needed to come down long ago. I don't really think a new Sheetz is going to result in an increase in large truck traffic in Wmsport.--the big trucks go to the AC&T truck stop over near the mall or to the truck stop on Rt. 63 already. Hopefully they'll be able to do something with the space where the current Sheetz is standing, rather than just leave the empty shell of the building there (like the old Sheetz on Maugans Ave). I also don't get the objection of the woman who said a new Sheetz would be off-putting to visitors in town to see the C&O Canal and expect to see a "quaint historic town." The old Sheetz is already there, and it's hardly "quaint and historic." Actually Williamsport has quite a way to go before it looks charmingly quaint...the main arteries through town are full of eyesores. That said, the town does have A LOT of potential and has a number of very attractive old buildings and pretty areas...just not on the main streets through town.

The Sheetz at PA Av./Maugans Av. wasn't updated, it was completely rebuilt on the opposite corner of the intersection, much like this idea in Williamsport.

Right, that's what I was trying to say...I hope that the current Sheetz building in Williamsport doesn't just sit there as an empty shell after they build the new one across the street. Hopefully they will be able to find a use for the old building/space. The old Sheetz building on Maugans is just sitting there empty, unfortunately.

While I don't disagree that the old Sheetz in Williamsport has outgrown itself, much like the one at Fairground and Potomac, I do agree that a new one of the size they are talking is better suited closer to the interstate.

I don't live out there so it doesn't really affect me, but the newer Sheetz stores sure are nice.

I think that a new Sheetz in place of the Red Barron building is a fantastic idea! We patronize the existing Sheetz frequently, and it's way too small for the growing number of people who stop there regularly. The parking lot is also a pain. I'm thrilled at the idea of that ugly old Red Barron building coming down as well...just last week we drove by it and I remarked to my husband (for the gazillionth time) what an unattractive monstrosity it is. Sure, it'll mean a bit more traffic coming into Williamsport, but I don't think that the increase will be all that noticeable (and I live directly on Rt. 11 coming into town, so believe me, I know there's a lot of traffic already). Another benefit to having a more modern Sheetz (with some eat-in seating, I'm assuming) in that location is that the bicyclists coming through Williamsport on the canal will have the opportunity for a light meal with just a short detour off the towpath. There's so little in the way of amenities in our town for those folks as it is. And I think there are a fair number who might use that detour as a reason to do a little looking around in Williamsport because of it (funky old small towns are cool to city folks cycling out in "the country" for the weekend). Maybe they'd even return someday if their exploring led them to find OTHER businesses in downtown (and I agree w/ wildblue, Williamsport has a lot of buildings which used to be awesome, but which are now deteriorating eyesores). This could be the start of a revitalization IMHO.

I would have to agree with having the red Barron building torn down and a new Sheetz put in. Keep the old Sheetz building and let the town of Williamsport turn it into a Visitor center and souvenir shop. This way the building would still be used and it would be a way for the town of Williamsport to earn some extra money. The current Sheetz store we visit alot and I fully agree it has out grown itself. Parking is always a problem.

That is a GREAT idea!!! I'm not sure they'd earn any money from a visitor center/souvenir shop, but I like the idea.

I grew up in Williamsport and believe a visitor center/shop would be a perfect fit for the old/current Sheetz building!

That is a great idea and it is right beside the park.

Excellent suggestion, Dodge Man! Let me jump on your visitor center bandwagon too! :-)

Good point Sman, got me thinking.
SHEETZ remodels and new stores????
The old Maugins/PA Ave site is caddy corner to the spiffy new one. Is the plan to tear it down as they finish up the Maugans widening project? I think that is what I heard, if so then it is ok. Makes sense. I hope that is the plan or it will be an unsightly corner. Speaking of which, what would the plan be for the Old Sheetz in Williamsport? I missed that detail, not sure what I heard.

I am comfortable with progress and a new SHEETZ going up if it benefits the neighborhood. But I hope the old sites next door or across the street are not forgotten. That should be factored into any plan. I hope they are not falling into the LOWE's way of operating. Build a new site nearby, leave an empty building, repeat.

If money is at issue, looks like the proposed Williamsport site would do well, the new SHEETZ off of Maugins is doing great.
Like I said, hope that with any plans, it fits into the neighborhood & the previous site is factored into the equation.

Hopefully a new Sheetz in Williamsport will be a good thing. The one there now has to be one of the absolute dirtiest ones I have ever been in. Yuck! Actually a little surprising for such a small town. Build the new, tear down the old & extend the park. Give back some green grass, trees and someplace to take the family after you fill up your car & belly!

CH:

I think there is a sign up now at the old Sheetz on Maugans Avenue saying that a Rite Aid is coming soon. I am thinking that maybe the Rite Aid that is sitting in the old Giant Eagle building is going to move over there.

It that's the case, that'll do it for the old Giant Eagle shopping Center. Raze that thing and do something else with the land since they obviously can't fill the current center.

Rite Aid right across from CVS? That makes sense.

competition makes the world go round ya know

heh heh, it's just like the two auto places at the intersection of Halfway Blvd. & Virginia Ave. (which I think of as "Car Care Crossroads"). Both of those stores always appear to be busy. Now, people will have two selections on Penna. Ave. for the ointments and other medications...it'll be named the "Inflammation Intersection" in my brain now.

...it'll be named the "Inflammation Intersection" in my brain now.

OMG,,, Clever that's a riot. Good one thanks for the laugh today.