Sheetz gas station unanimously rejected by Farmington Hills council

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (FOX 2) - A fight over a gas station in Farmington Hills has come to a close as the city council has unanimously rejected a construction plan from Sheetz, 

The unanimous vote puts an end to a tumultuous couple of months for the city and the Pennsylvania-based gas station and convenience store.

The vote came late in front of a packed council meeting after more than 90 minutes of debate and presentations at the city council. 

Sheetz argues for 12 Mile and Middlebelt location

The backstory:

Similar to a Planning Commission meeting held in November, residents filled in to make their voices heard: they did not want the 24-hour gas station at 12 Mile and Middlebelt. In the November meeting, the commission approved the plan 4-1 to send to vote for the city council. 

The residents cited concerns about crime, light pollution, noise, and more. 

Sheetz, a chain that opened its first Michigan location over the summer, is known for its made-to-order food and customized drinks served at the gas station that is open 24/7.

On Monday, Sheetz representatives and residents filled in to argue for or against the plan. 

During Sheetz' portion, they detailed the history of the company, community outreach, and hiring opportunities. 

"If it's not approved, this highly visible property would remain vacant," Sheetz attorney Pat Lennon said.

Sheeetz highlighted the abandoned building that is currently at the location – which was Ginopolis restaurant, a restaurant which closed in 2019.

Lennon argued that the proposal would improve the property and its surrounding area. 

"(The plan) would transform a vacant and deteriorating property into a new, state-of-the-art, Sheetz cafe and fueling station," Lennon said. 

Farmington Hills pushes back

Local perspective:

After a brief statement, residents were given the chance to give public comment – where they suggested the 12 Mile and Middlebelt area isn't the best it for the gas station.

"We already have seven gas stations in that square mile. Do we need another one, to have nine, in that square mile?" one resident asked.

The resident said it would be a better fit at 696 and Orchard Lake Road, allowing highway traffic to exit and fuel up instead of coming into the neighborhood.

Most other residents agreed – suggested that the area remain zoned for a restaurant instead of a gas station. 

For over 90 minutes, residents stepped up to give their vote. All but one resident said the gas station would be better served at another location. 

Jeff Goodman said the bright lights and proximity to the Farmington Hills Police Department, less than two miles away, would deter crime.

Sheetz asked for a postponement in the vote to make adjustments to the plan – including lighting.

Sheetz ‘not compatible’ for location

What we know:

Ultimately, after several hours of comment, the City Council unanimously voted down the proposal. 

City Councilman Randy Bruce said it was "out of character" for the area and urged Sheetz to find another location within the city.

Councilman Michael Bridges agreed, saying he prided himself in maintaining the character of Farmington Hills neighborhoods

"I think your proposal is not compatible to that particular location," Bridges said. "That particular area is not where a Sheetz should be located at." 

Councilwoman Valerie Knol said the issue is a true city government issue. 

"I just believe that this project is too intense of a project. It's not compatible with the surrounding neighborhoods," Knol said. "Nothing against Sheetz, but this is not the right place."

The unanimous vote was met by cheering and a standing ovation from residents.

What's next:

All members of the city council agreed that they'd welcome Sheetz to a different location that's closer to the freeway. 

It remains to be seen if Sheetz could explore or if the company would consider this as an option. 

Farmington HillsBusiness