Livonia City Council Rejects Sheetz Gas Station Proposal Amid Community Pushback
LIVONIA, Mich. – In a recent meeting, the Livonia City Council delivered a setback to Sheetz, the well-known convenience store and gas station chain, by rejecting its proposal to establish a new 24-hour site at the intersection of Eight Mile and Newburgh roads. This location was previously home to a Rite Aid pharmacy.
The proposal involved a request to rezone the property from C-1 (Local Business District) to C-2 (General Business District), which would allow for the development of the new facility. A public hearing addressing this matter was held on December 9, where community members expressed their views.
Nick Ruffner, Public Affairs Manager for Sheetz, expressed disappointment following the council’s narrow vote against the plan. “We are extremely disappointed by last night’s narrow vote, especially given the number of supporters who spoke on our behalf at the hearing. We will be evaluating all available options at this location moving forward,” he stated in a press release.
Currently, there is an operational Sheetz store in Romulus, and the company has ambitious plans to expand its presence in Michigan with the addition of 50 to 60 new locations. However, several proposed sites in Metro Detroit have faced resistance from local communities.
Community Reaction
- Supporters of Sheetz highlighted the potential benefits of having a 24-hour location, including increased convenience and job creation.
- Opponents raised concerns about traffic congestion and the impact on local businesses.
As Sheetz navigates the challenges of expanding within the region, the outcome of this vote reflects a growing dialogue about urban development and community needs in Livonia and surrounding areas.
