Rochester Hills City Council Approves Conditional Use for Gas Station Development

Rochester Hills City Council made significant strides in urban development during their July 21, 2025, meeting, approving a resolution to amend employee appeal procedures and advancing plans for a new gasoline service station and convenience store.

The council unanimously accepted the first reading of an ordinance that modifies the composition of the personnel board and updates provisions governing employee suspensions. This change aims to streamline the employee appeal process, enhancing the efficiency of city personnel management.

In a pivotal discussion, the council reviewed a conditional use request for a new gasoline service station at 3420 South Rochester Road. The proposed project involves demolishing an existing station to construct an 8,348 square-foot facility, which will include a convenience store and a drive-through. The applicant, Leslie Accardo of PEA Group, addressed previous concerns raised by the council regarding the building's height and driveway access.

The new design reduces the building height to 23 feet 4 inches, complying with the district's maximum of 30 feet. The project also consolidates driveways from three to two, aiming to minimize traffic conflicts. Notably, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has approved the driveway permit, a crucial step in the development process.

While some council members expressed concerns about the building's modern design and potential traffic stacking issues, others highlighted the project's adherence to city guidelines and the applicant's commitment to addressing previous feedback. The council ultimately recognized the importance of the investment and the potential benefits to the community.

As the project moves forward, the council has included provisions to reassess the conditional use if traffic or operational impacts arise, ensuring that community interests remain a priority. The approval marks a significant step in enhancing local infrastructure and services, reflecting Rochester Hills' commitment to thoughtful urban development.