Warren planning commission approves Sheetz site plan at 12 Mile and Dequindre amid heavy public opposition

Warren City Planning Commission on June 16 approved a site plan for a Sheetz gas station and convenience store with outdoor seating at the northeast corner of 12 Mile Road and Dequindre Road, subject to standard planning conditions and several site-specific requirements, including a $237,000 performance bond and permits from Macomb County agencies.

The planning staff told commissioners the project was postponed earlier to allow a traffic study; staff and a traffic consultant concluded the development would not worsen most intersections in the study area. Planning Director Ron Worth summarized the report and said, “The traffic generated by the proposed development does not negatively impact the operations of the surrounding roadway traffic network and no mitigation measures are proposed.”

The project drew more than a half-dozen public speakers and multiple written correspondences opposing the development. An email from Susan Haydel warned that large out-of-state chains “don’t invest in our communities” and urged commissioners to “do the best for…