Neighbors oppose Circle K at Tanque Verde & Houghton; council recommends denial unless 20‑year covenant

Council heard extensive in-person testimony from neighborhood associations opposing a Circle K application for off-sale alcohol at a proposed new store near Tanque Verde and Houghton. Neighborhood representatives said past convenience-store operations have attracted transient populations, increased theft and vandalism, and risked environmental harm from fuel-station incidents near Agua Caliente Wash.

Circle K counsel Andrea Lukowitz told council the company had initially filed for a full Series 9 license (beer, wine and spirits) but withdrew and refiled for a Series 10 (beer and wine) after outreach with neighborhood leaders; she said necessary city permits and state approvals for site improvements and underground fuel tanks had already been obtained.

Neighborhood leaders from the Tanque Verde Valley Association and the Bear Canyon Neighborhood Association called for denial. Their concerns included proximity to schools and treatment centers, parking and speed issues on the corridor, and the risk of recurrent loitering and illicit activity at isolated sites. They urged alternatives such as reduced signage, lighting adjustments, and theft‑mitigation technology, which they said Circle K did not accept.

Council debated the proper municipal recommendation to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control. Councilmember Cunningham proposed recommending denial unless Circle K agreed to a 20‑year written covenant not to reapply for a Series 9; if the covenant were accepted, the recommendation would change to "no recommendation." Council voted to adopt that conditional recommendation.

What’s next: the city’s recommendation will go to the state agency that formally issues liquor licenses. If Circle K fails to accept the covenant, the city’s recommendation is denial; if Circle K agrees, the city will issue no recommendation and the state will process the Series 10 application.