By Jon Johnson
PIMA – The town of Pima is moving forward with the annexation process of part of a cotton field east of town to facilitate the construction of a new Super Circle K convenience store.
The town will hold a public meeting on Thursday, March 13, at Pima Town Hall at 110 W. Center St., starting at 7 p.m. to discuss and possibly approve the land annexation.
The property is located adjacent to Highway 70 just east of Alder Lane and is currently owned by Steve and Amber Daley. Since they are the only landowners, they are the only ones who have to approve the annexation and the town’s acceptance of at least three town council members.
Despite reports from other sources who have inaccurately portrayed both the building and process, the proposed convenience store is not a truck stop but merely will have a designated fuel pump for semi trucks. The store is more akin to the Super Circle K located in east Safford off Highway 70/191. or the one found in Superior, Arizona.
The land doesn’t have to be annexed to construct the new Circle K. It could go up in the county, and Graham County would receive all the sales tax from the new store. However, the proposed builders, Damon and MiQuel McRae, have the incentive to construct inside Pima’s borders to facilitate full funding for the project, which includes a federal program and backing from the town if built within town limits.
In addition to Thursday’s public hearing, the town will also hold a public hearing on Tuesday, March 11, at Pima Town Hall at 110 W. Center St. starting at 7 p.m. regarding discussion and possible approval of rezoning the block between 100 South and 200 South and South Main Street and 100 West from single family to multi-family zone.
