We, residents, business owners, and stakeholders of Yuma, strongly oppose the proposed re-zoning and construction  approval of the QuikTrip Truck Stop at Araby Road & 26th Street. While many residents would welcome a QT location in Yuma, we strongly oppose this specific area. 

We support economic growth; however, we believe this 24/7 commercial development is entirely incompatible with the surrounding area. We urge the city to reject this proposal for the following critical reasons:

Pedestrian & Traffic Safety: The proposed location is situated near five schools, bus barn, fire department, police station, hospital, residential and two major roundabouts, which are heavily used. A massive influx of heavy-duty semi-trucks will dramatically increase the risk of motor vehicle accidents and congestion. The Araby and 26th Street area is already heavily congested. We are deeply concerned that adding this development will increase traffic issues similar to those recently at Ave 3E or 8 ½ E near Walmart.

Environmental & Health Hazards: Large-scale diesel fueling and idling create continuous noise, light, and air pollution. Vehicle exhaust and fuel storage expose our families to harmful toxins and pose risks.  We absolutely do not want heavy trucks idling or parking near schools or in residential areas. 

Safety: This intersection is surrounded by critical emergency services, including the Fire Department, Police Station, and Exceptional Health Hospital. Introducing a truck stop and gas station will severely compromise emergency response times, putting the community at risk.

Incompatible with Zoning: This development is out of scale with this location and sets a dangerous precedent by ignoring established master plans and zoning regulations. The inclusion of truck parking with this gas station functionally makes Araby Road/SR-195 a truck route, which was never agreed upon. Truck traffic is supposed to be routed to Avenue 3E. We 100% oppose a truck stop and truck parking at this location. Even though the Board of Supervisors and/or Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) stated this would not be a truck route, heavy trucks continue to use Araby Road, which already causes issues in the current roundabouts. QuikTrip is proposing to purchase seven parcels to accommodate a footprint that only requires five. We are highly concerned about what the remaining two parcels will be used for if rezoned and sold off.

Devaluation of Property: Studies consistently show that the immediate proximity of a 24-hour truck stop significantly degrades local residential property values.

Increased Crime & Transient Activity: The 24-hour nature of the facility and its transient visitors tend to attract loitering and illegal activities, which strain our local law enforcement and compromise neighborhood security. 

Therefore, we urgently request that you DENY the re-zoning and any necessary development permits for the QuikTrip truck parking at this location. Please find another location.