CIRCLE K UPDATES

·         The process seemed to be rushed through

·         Council members are aware of many of the issues noted by their constituents

·         Circle K MUST step back and really work with the community and city to make changes

·         There DOES appear that compromises and adaptations by Circle K may well produce workable solutions, but all must be looked at.

The liquor license was unanimously rejected by Mayor & Council.

This information was shared with Councilman Cunningham.

Jordan Ridberg, real estate manager, Andrea Lewkowitz, liquor attorney

1.       Remove the installation of underground fuel storage tanks from your construction plan; contamination of this critical aquifer would be catastrophic to resident’s water supply and ecosystem of the Tanque Verde Valley.

Circle K response: New tanks will use double-walled fiberglass with interstitial monitoring, auto shut-off, and alerts.

2.       Explain how the approved ingress/egress design at Tanque Verde and Houghton Roads will not overwhelm the already congested road system.

Circle K: The City of Tucson controls traffic access.

3.       Limit operating hours to between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.to preserve the rural character of nearby residences, safeguard the sensitive riparian environment, and minimize nighttime noise, light pollution, and loitering.

Circle K: Operational hours are controlled by Circle K management based on periodic data collection.

4.       Minimize the impact to the native animal population, respect the Scenic Corridor.

Circle K: Will comply with Scenic Corridor requirements and signage restrictions.

5.       Lighting design complies with Night Sky standards or higher, which includes not having illuminated signs on the building or canopy, no signage above the 8-foot wall after 10 p.m., and no signage along the scenic corridor.

Circle K: Lighting is approved by the City of Tucson

6.       Avoid the sale of distilled liquors.

Circle K:  Liquor will be contained behind the counter and there will be no “minis.”

7.       Prohibit food truck parking or vending on property or adjacent county land to preserve the rural character and reduce spillover impacts.

Circle K: Absolutely no food trucks

8.       Install a small park-like setting on the property’s south exposure overlooking Agua Caliente Wash where hikers, bikers, and horse/rider can “take a break.”

Circle K: will consider providing a water station, air station, horse trough and bike repair stands behind the convenience store.

9.       Work with residents and organizations to redesign signage and building aesthetics to reflect our Tanque Verde identity. 

Circle K: The exterior elevation will be in earth-tones.

Additional comments made by Circle K

·         Tanque Verde Loop is “planned for closure.” Circle K will remove storage tanks, canopy, pumps; provide ongoing testing; and remediate and return parcel to native state.

·         Speedway and Houghton is “planned for closure” within 2 years based on the current lease agreement.

·         Bear Canyon and TV is “planned to relocate” to Catalina Highway corner (former Bank of America).

1.       Collaborate with any parties, including Circle K, to mediate this issue; first request is for Circle K to reconsider gas station installation.

2.       Seek media attention to promote community awareness and to publicize the situation.

3.       Discuss options for legal counsel to oppose USTs at all government levels.

4.       Plan to speak in opposition of Circle K before Tucson City Council in August and approach relevant county/city boards.

In this case, we weren’t notified about the proposal, as it meets existing zoning requirements—so no public meetings or council votes were necessary.

After learning of the project, my staff checked if any zoning restrictions exist since the annexation 40 years ago but found none. We’ve consulted with neighbors, TVVA, city staff, and flood control officials, and reviewed area plans. At present, only a potential liquor license would require Mayor and Council review, which I oppose. I also question whether the project aligns with the neighborhood plan.

Joey Kiker, ADEQ Section Manager, UST & Leaking UST

Tim Binder, ADEQ Deputy Section Manager –UST & Leaking

Tanque Verde Valley does not support adding another convenience store here but is open to discussion if Circle K makes some cooperative adaptations. However, we oppose installing gas pumps.

The letter introduces the new information TVVA obtained about Circle K and asks members to write city officials and Circle K leaders in opposition to the project.

Catherine Atchley, developer:  catchley@atwell-group.com;

Rashmi Mehadia, architect: Rashmi.mehadia@rdcollaborative.com;

Gregg Shinn, landscaper: gregs@grslandscaparchitects.com

Steve Christy: steve.christy@pima.gov;  Paul Cunningham: paul.cunningham@tucsonaz.gov