An Open Letter to the Citizens of Wilmington from Global Partners
When Global began in 1933 with one fuel truck serving home heating oil needs in the greater Boston area, Polish immigrant Abraham Slifka was known for his values of honesty, generosity, and work ethic. Today, the company retains those values and looks forward to the opportunity to earn your trust and become part of the Wilmington family.
Who We Are. Global’s humble roots began in Boston in the heart of the Great Depression. As Abraham delivered heating oil, his wife Sonya managed the books. As the fuel industry grew, so did the company and the next generation of Slifka sons joined the business.
Together the brothers expanded into wholesale fuel distribution and eventually the retail gas business. Today, the company is still based in Waltham and Abraham’s son Richard, and grandsons Eric and Andrew Slifka, head the company.
About The Project. Many residents have heard of our proposed retail gas station on West Street. We have and will continue to be as transparent as possible in ensuring residents know the facts. The project is designed in two-phases. The first phase is a retail convenience market and fueling station with ten fuel dispensers, much like other stations in the community.
The convenience market will provide a place for area residents to access fresh and natural food offerings while enjoying indoor and well landscaped outdoor space and seating. The market will also include a full range of deli and coffee offerings as well as Wi-Fi for those needing a comfortable workspace.
The market will include ample parking for customers, but there will be no access for tractor trailers or large vehicles—this is unequivocally not a truck stop. It is not designed or configured to accommodate tractor-trailers or large vehicles.
Based on up to date traffic studies, there will be no material increase in traffic. In fact, the location will generate approximately 100 less vehicular trips per day than the previously authorized office development. Access to the site would be two points for entering and exiting from West Street and one right “turn in only” access point from Lowell Street.
While there is no definitive plan for phase two, our intention is to develop the property to accommodate either a family style restaurant with seating (no drive-thru), a community bank, a small pharmacy, a medical office or a similar establishment.
Global in Wilmington. As we work to become part of the Wilmington community, we will provide citizens with accurate information so that you can judge our project on its merits. Already, we have presented this plan in three public meetings and look forward to continuing the public process. We are proud of the experience we provide at our locations and are confident that you will be too. Given the opportunity, we hope you will find our values of honesty, generosity, and hard work welcome in your community.
Mark Romaine, Chief Operating Officer
Global Partners LP
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Global may or may not be good for Wilmington, but this “mom and pop” story trying to sell me on Global’s “humble beginnings” is setting off my BS detector. Global is a Fortune 500 company and COO Mark Romaine makes almost a million dollars a year. Why are you leading with irrelevant information about your company from 85 years ago?