THATCHER — The developers of a new Circle K convenience store and gas station in Thatcher have taken the next step, by applying for a liquor license.
The Thatcher Town Council unanimously endorsed the wine and beer packaged sales application during the council’s Oct. 20 meeting. The application now goes to the state Liquor Board for final approval.
The Circle K is proposed for the corner of U.S. Highway 70 and 1st Avenue, across from H&S Tack and Feed and Images Salon. Because of the location, a slight realignment of the curve on the highway will be required, as will the installation of a new traffic light.
Mayor Jenny Howard, who sits on the state Transportation Board, told town staff to begin the process of ordering the traffic light through ADOT now, because of a nearly year-long delay in production.
Meanwhile, another Circle K project proposed for Pima that would be able to serve semis and drivers, is still moving forward as far as the town is concerned.
Pima Town Manager Vernon Batty said the initial steps by the town have been completed and moving forward is now the responsibility of the developer.
“The ball’s in their court right now, with funding and working with Circle K,” Batty said.
Almost one year ago the Pima Town Council agreed to pledge town assets to help the McRea family obtain a $2 million USDA loan through Graham County Electrical Co-op to fund development.
The loan requires 200 percent in assets as collateral, with the Town of Pima pledging $2 million worth of town holdings and the McReas putting up another $2 million.
There is no timeline yet on when development could begin or exact location other than it must be within Pima Town limits or the town’s pledge of collateral will be withdrawn.
There are three Circle K stores currently operating in the Gila Valley, with all three in Safford —at U.S. Highway 191 and Relation Street, on Highway 70 and 11th Avenue near Firth Park, and at Safford’s eastern border on Highway 70 near Copper Canyon Drive.
