BACKGROUND
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has proposed two sites in downtown Harrisburg for a new federal courthouse: one at North Second and Locust streets; the other at North Third and Pine streets.
If the GSA proceeds with either of these downtown sites, existing businesses would be forced to close. Jobs would be lost. Customers would lose the benefit of the services and conveniences available to them at these locations. Additionally, the city and its residents would suffer from a costly economic loss.
These two sites are the most expensive to acquire. Another site exists at far less cost to taxpayers and with no loss to the city.
PETITION
We call upon the U.S. General Services Administration to select the citys preferred site at Sixth and Reily streets for the new federal courthouse in Harrisburg.
Selecting a downtown site and forcing existing businesses to close would have a costly impact on the city and its residents by undermining successful development and reducing tax revenue.
Selecting the Sixth and Reily site would promote NEW development in that area of the city, and PRESERVE existing, tax-revenue generating businesses and jobs downtown.
We want existing downtown businesses to stay where they are!