Cliff Keheley, City Manager
Statement on Convenience Store Moratorium
Jan. 21, 2020 City Council Meeting

Tonight, the City Council will consider initiating a process to address regulations on convenience stores in the City.  Contrary to a recent news report, the intent of the moratorium is not to ban all stores, but to press pause on new development of theses business and allow the council time to consider regulations to make convenience stores safer and reduce the impact they may have on nearby neighborhoods.  

Next Tuesday, January 28, [at 6 p.m., City Hall, 757 N. Galloway Ave.] the City Council will hold a special meeting to address crime in our community.  One of the more disturbing trends in our community is the quantity and frequency of violent crimes being committed at convenience stores.  At this meeting, our Police Department will propose several regulations to address crime at convenience stores that will help make these businesses safer for their customers, the public and their employees.  

Additionally, neighbors in certain neighborhoods have expressed concerns over the impact these stores have when they are placed in residential areas.  Traffic and noise are issues with these types of businesses that can be addressed through enhanced regulation.  

To describe our efforts as an all out ban on convenience stores is an inaccurate narrative.  A moratorium is a temporary measure that provides cities the ability to address regulations and provide the development community clear expectations when it comes to new development.  This moratorium is being recommended by staff to give us and the council time to discuss these issues.  I do not anticipate the moratorium to last for more than 90 days.  

I encourage residents to attend the public meeting next Tuesday, January 28th to learn more about the proposed changes and participate in this process to help improve our neighborhoods and make Mesquite a safer community.