Livonia Sheetz plan voted down by city council

(Photo: Sheetz)

Livonia won't be getting a Sheetz, at least not at the current proposed location, the city council voted Monday,

The 24/7 convenience store chain wanted to open a gas station at Newburgh and Eight Mile, near Whispering Willows Golf Course, a plan that many residents fought against. 

The council was met with a round of applause when the measure to build a Sheetz failed. 

Local perspective:

Sheetz, a chain that opened its first Michigan location last summer, is known for its made-to-order food and customized drinks. The company has been working to expand around the state, though it has been met with pushback in some cities.

During a Livonia City Council meeting earlier this month, residents packed the room to share why they didn't want a Sheetz. Reasons ranged from noise and light pollution to concerns about crime.

"The very gas pumps that they propose to put are literally going to be 50 - 60 yards away from the front of my driveway," resident David Hall said at that meeting. "This place is going to be lit up and this is what I’m going to have to deal with for who knows how long - the rest of my life, apparently."

Those who gave comments said a 24-hour convenience store just wouldn't fit in the area.

"This is a quiet neighborhood," said Greg Ralko. "This is a residential area. What they’re proposing really belongs on the highway - a service drive."

Residents also gave input before Monday's vote.

"Before you say that people just don't want it because they don't want it - they're looking at the close proximity of a 24-hour truck stop that sells beer, wine, and liquor in a community," one person said during public comment.

The other side:

Sheetz responded to Livonia's decision in a statement:

"We are extremely disappointed by tonight’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.

"While this decision is disappointing, we look forward to working closely with other Detroit-area municipalities to bring growth, new jobs and an innovative new restaurant and convenience store to their communities — a place where families can enjoy a meal, residents can refuel or charge their vehicles, and where those who serve our community around the clock, like EMS, medical staff, firefighters and police officers, can grab a cup of coffee, 24/7.

"Our Romulus location has received overwhelming support from customers and elected officials. We have nine other Detroit-area stores that have been approved by their municipalities, and we look forward to bringing that success and sense of community to those locations soon."

Big picture view:

Livonia is the first city to deny a Sheetz location. 

Earlier this month, Farmington Hills City Council voted against building one at 12 Mile and Middlebelt. 

Farmington Hills residents expressed similar concerns about that location – crime, noise, and light pollution.

Those who were against a Sheetz in that area weren't outright opposed to the business; one recommended that 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.

The Source: Details in this story are from Livonia City Council meetings, Sheetz, and previous FOX 2 reporting. 

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