Council grants special land use for gas station at 2114 W. 11 Mile with landscaping and lighting conditions

The council approved special land-use authorization for a gas-station convenience store at 2114 West 11 Mile Road (motion M8225) on Sept. 8, adopting the Planning Commission’s findings and conditions.

Community Development Director Kristin Kaplansky summarized the planning history: the site had been a vacant gas station for several years, lost its nonconforming use status, and the new Flex District allows gas stations only by special land use. Kaplansky said the applicant proposes to reuse the site with minimal site alterations other than restriping and maintenance.

Kaplansky said the Planning Commission recommended conditions: the applicant must obtain a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals for the front-yard pump-island setback; install shields on site lighting to prevent spillover; trim trees and shrubs along Henley for corner clearance and safety; and add a planting strip along Henley or, if not practical for fuel-truck maneuvering, convert part of the northeast pavement to green space (the applicant has extra parking that could be removed to create the space).

The property owner, who identified himself as Fadi Gaji, told council the plan is to operate a convenience store and retain the fuel pumps; the former mechanic shop would be used as a backroom and not as a repair facility. Kaplansky noted the required public hearing produced no comments and no written correspondence.

Council member Hennen moved to approve the special land use citing Planning Commission findings and Chapter 138, Section 10.03; the motion passed on roll call with all present voting yes.