http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1t2TWRxq4w

Clifton Heights: N-O on Q-T

By Antonio D. French
Filed Tuesday, June 27, 2006 at 10:19 PM

Members of the Clifton Heights Neighborhood Association voted 100-6 tonight to oppose a new QuikTrip gas station and convenience store proposed for the corner of Hampton and Columbia.

The Association also heard from two of the five candidates running for the state senate. Derio Gambaro and Jeff Smith spoke about their backgrounds and fielded questions from the audience on topics including school funding and Tax Increment Financing.

The three northside candidates -- State Reps Yaphett El-Amin and Amber Boykins, and former Ald. Kenny Jones -- did not attend.

UPDATE: And now video from the vote and the preceding discussion on whether to count it... Ald. Bill Waterhouse (24th Ward) said the vote of the neighborhood association would not be the only factor in his decision to support or oppose the development. He said that representatives from QuikTrip had collected more than 250 signatures of people in support of the new gas station. A hearing on the project has not yet been scheduled.


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52nd City

June 27, 2006
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.
Posted by Andrea Avery at 11:06 AM | Miscellaneous & Eclectic
Comments

I applaud you for so quickly becoming involved with your new neighborhood.
Posted by travis reems on Tue., Jun 27, 2006 at 12:56 PM

Andrea-


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QuikTrip Withdraws its Clifton Heights Development Plans

Letter to Waterhouse notes 250 signatures in favor of their plan, but also opposition from neighborhood association. QuikTrip in the "business to make friends, not engage in acrimonious debate." Says they're withdrawing plan so "neighborhood might pursue alternatives upon which they might ultimately reach consensus."

Download Letter Here

Posted by Dave on Mon., Jul 24, 2006 at 11:10 AM

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Rumor: QuikTrip to Relocate Bevo Location

Steve Patterson June 21st, 2006

This just in, apparently QuikTrip corporation is planning to close its location on Gravois just south of Delor in the Bevo neighborhood and relocate up the street at Gravois & Chippewa.

I’m told this was revealed at a Clifton Heights neighborhood meeting recently. The site in question is the southwest corner of Gravois & Chippewa, currently a pre-owned lot for McMahon Ford.

The site in question is in the 25th Ward, where I unsuccessfully ran for alderman last year against incumbent Dorothy Kirner. A quick check of campaign finance reports shows QT contributed $300, the maximum amount, to Kirner’s campaign just days after the primary election last year. I have not reviewed other documents to look for additional contributions.

My questions are two-fold. Will they build solely on the existing auto dealer parking lot? Also, what will become of their old site?

- Steve

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