Syracuse economic development officials and representatives from Sen. Charles Schumer's office will meet with executives from the Sunoco gas station chain next week. They will discuss the future of three vacant, former gas stations on the city's South Side.
Syracuse says the properties are an eyesore and accuses Sunoco of blocking their redevelopment in order to preserve the competitive advantage of its newer fueling hub nearby.
Last month, Schumer rode into town to stand with Mayor Stephanie Miner in order to call attention to the properties. A few weeks later, the senator announced the upcoming meeting.
In Syracuse on Monday, Schumer said the meeting is set for July 30.
"I told [Sunoco CEO Brian McDonald] these are very prime locations," Schumer said of his lobbying efforts. McDonald was unaware of the sites and anger of Syracuse officials, he said.
"What we want to do is get rid of the eyesore. We want to make sure these, which are good properties, valuable properties, start creating jobs," Schumer added. "And when people enter Syracuse from the south, they see good things happening, not abandoned properties."
The three stations are near the intersection of East Seneca Turnpike and East Brighton Ave., a major entrance to the city from the south. One of the properties has been vacant for 15 years.
A newer property, at 968 East Brighton Ave., is listed on Sunoco's real estate website. The asking price is $985,000.