TUCSON, Ariz. — Crime has plagued the intersection of Grant and Alvernon for many years. Major businesses on three out of the four corners have closed, and the Circle K is the latest to shutter its doors. The only remaining anchor store holdout is the Walmart.
“This has always been a dangerous intersection,” said Carrie Vincent who recently moved out of the area. “Shall we say homeless people, hanging on the corners, you can almost hit them.”
Palo Verde Neighborhood Association President Ronnie Kotwica says it's actually a good thing those businesses left. She says the data shows they were magnets for crime.
“Domestic violence, people beating on each other, and beer skips,” said Kotwica.
Kotwica actually mapped out police responses to the intersection since Circle K left.
“We saw a tremendous drop, from 14 in one week to two.”
Kotwica says it is a shame people without cars will have fewer options for shopping. But she says replacing shady hangouts with local businesses will help boost the area.
“To see something come in like a nice restaurant or a mom and pop business those are the things that we are looking for.”
People we talked to agree.
“I think everything can improve I’m an optimist like that,” said Vincent.
Kotwica says she is excited about the fitness center that is supposed to replace the Fry's that closed. Other local businesses that have moved into the area include Za'atar and Noodleholics.
