Supporters push to make the Citgo sign an official Boston landmark

BOSTON — The Citgo sign is one of the most recognizable points on the Boston skyline, but since the building housing the sign was purchased, its future has become uncertain.

One group of people is working hard to protect the icon, which often serves as a way landmark for giving directions and is the unofficial 25-mile mark for the Boston Marathon.

The Boston Landmark Commission has listed the sign’s status as pending further review, and Tuesday night supporters gathered to fight for its future.

One of those supporters was Arthur King, who originally designed the sign. Another was Marty Foley, its longtime caretaker. Greg Galer of the Boston Preservation Alliance also spoke in favor of making the sign an official landmark.

“I don’t think that the mayor, or BU, or the new purchaser of the property want the sign to go away, but we don’t have a clear commitment yet” Galer said.

The goal of everyone who spoke was to let people know the Citgo sign may not be on the horizon if people don’t speak up.

“You think about the skyline, you have the Citgo sign there, if it were torn down it would be sad,” one longtime Boston resident said.

The Boston Preservation Alliance has set up an online petition going to bolster support for the sign.

Cox Media Group