52nd City

QuikTrip Opposition in Clifton Heights

I attended my first Clifton Heights Neighborhood Association meeting last night. I have officially lived in the neighborhood since Friday night. I wanted to find out what is going on with QuikTrip’s efforts to locate at the corner of Hampton and Columbia, an effort I oppose. It was pretty clear that the other 100+ people in attendance were in agreement. Ballots were cast and then we listened to lengthy speeches by4th District State Senate candidates Jeff Smith and Derio Gambaro while votes were counted. Then 24th Ward Alderman Bill Waterhouse spoke and it was soon thereafter that things turned a little tense. He had received 250 signatures from folks in the neighborhood who supported the QuikTrip. He didn’t even know who had conducted the petition, but several attendees claimed that they had been approached over the weekend by someone claiming to be from the alderman’s office inquiring if they were for or against the store. The alderman claimed no one from his office had been sent to do this. Murmurs…suspicion…things were really starting to boil…especially after it was suggested that we void the vote and instead conduct a petition in opposition. Things got really chaotic after that. The people demanded to know the results of the vote: 6 for and 100 against QuikTrip.

So officially, the Clifton Heights Neighborhood Association is against QuikTrip and it was suggested that an opposition petition be conducted to garner additional support. I believe someone said there are about 1500 addresses in Clifton Heights, so actually only about 350 people have voiced their opinion so far.

It was also agreed that QuikTrip would need to abide by the same rules as the owner of the nearby Sinclair station: no 24 hour establishment and no liquor license for 2 years. I don’t how/if this can be enforced, but it seems that the same rules should apply to everyone. Sinclair’s owner, Gene Bentrup, was in attendance and was very passionate and vocal. He seemed like a good guy--a conscientious business owner who has really tried to work with the community. I think his store (or maybe just the car wash) closes at 9pm in order to respect nearby homeowner’s request for less noise.

In closing, there are 7 convenience stores in a 1-mile radius and that intersection is already wonky enough. No way in heck does QuikTrip need to be there. The tax revenue it would bring in isn’t worth the detriment to the neighborhood. I could come up with at least a dozen great ideas for that spot—but alas—not the money to launch any of them.

The meeting was a great introduction to the neighborhood and local politics. I can’t wait for the next one.