Local Projects and Proposals

Proposed Circle K on Tanque Verde @ Houghton

“Circle K Convenience Store/Gas Station”

   We have just learned that a building permit was issued to SC Ranch Holdings, LLC to construct a Circle K (“a new convenience store with associated fuel sales with 6 fuel pumps”) on the southwest corner of Tanque Verde and Houghton Roads.  The convenience store will be 5200 square feet and the fuel canopy will be 4608 square feet in area.  This is a 24-hour/ 7-day business, complete with liquor sales in addition to slushies.

    Prior to 2018, the parcel was zoned C1 commercial (urban, non-subdivided) and consists of about 5 acres; ~2 acres of land located in the floodplain; ineligible for construction.  The building permit was applied for in December 2024 and granted in March 2025.

    Given the fact that this commercially zoned property now has a building permit, there is little to nothing we (citizens) can do in opposition of its development.  However, the TVVA supports intelligent development, especially in or near our waterways and riparian habitats.  We implore Pima County and the City of Tucson to purchase the land and dedicate it, along with the surrounding preserved areas (southeast corner of Tanque Verde & Houghton) and Isabella Lee Preserve, etc.  At a minimum, we ask that all un-usable land is donated to Pima County.

   Furthermore, TVVA is investigating formal actions to modify this permit by placing conditions on the development, but we need your help.  It is our belief that while it is C1 zoned (where various commercial businesses can be reasonably developed), we advocate for commercial opportunities that provide:

  •          Restricted hours of operation (e.g. 6am to 10pm)
  •          No liquor sales, especially mini-bottles
  •          Limited outdoor lighting compliant with Night Skies
  •     no lighted signage across the building or canopy
  •     no lighted signage above the 8’ wall after 10pm
  •          An abundance of landscaping that reflects the environmental values of Tanque Verde
  •          No signage along the scenic corridor
  •          Driveways constructed of asphalt, no temporary gravel driveways
  •          No attributes that imperil any of Tanque Verde’s ecological or environmental treasures
  •          Minimal increase to traffic congestion
  •          Zero potential for criminal activity (national average statistics show homicides of convenience store clerks are second only to those involving taxi drivers)
  •          No food truck parking near or on the property or the adjacent Pima County land

   Information on the building permit is available at: the City of Tucson Planning and Development Services website (property research online):  pro.tucsonaz.gov/parcel search        Parcel#: 13303281c

   Please email your constructive thoughts and concerns to our County and City officials, as well as the developer and its associates:

·         Supervisor Steve Christy:  steve.christy@pima.gov

·         Beth Borozan:  beth.borozan@pima.gov

·         Councilman Paul Cunningham:            paul.cunningham@tucsonaz.gov

·         Steve Arnquist:  ward2@tucsonaz.gov

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

·         Rashmi Mehadia, architect:  rashmi.mehadia@rdcollaborative.com

·         Greg Shinn, landscape architect:  gregs@grslandscapearchitects.com

Casita Village at La Mariposa

On April 22, Tucson Mayor Romero and Council voted unanimously to approve the rezoning request for Casita Village at La Mariposa.  Tanque Verde was well represented with many citizens in attendance speaking on both sides of the issues.

   As was requested on April 18th by Mayor Romero, there were multiple meetings conducted between the parties, many of which included TVVA Officers.  Councilmember Nikki Lee hosted one meeting specifically to address hydrology concerns.  As a result, there are numerous, significant conditions in the rezoning approval that the developer is required to comply with in order to obtain a building permit.

   At this time, Tanque Verde residents can expect to see the future development of 121 rental units with an all-weather access road, the donation of ~17 acres to Pima County for flood mitigation, a recharge basin (on the current “polo grounds”), and the expansion and restoration of the Isabella Lee Natural Preserve.  A minimum of 60% of the total project acreage will be maintained as open space in accordance with the Conservation Lands System (CLS).

   TVVA thanks all of you for your participation in these community related topics as they arise.  We are grateful for your dedication and commitment to preserving our precious neighborhoods.