Council approves site plan for 1,100‑sq‑ft convenience‑store addition at 37368 Ford Road, variances pending

The council approved a site plan to expand an existing convenience store and fueling station at the northeast corner of Ford Road and Newburgh, permitting a proposed 1,100‑square‑foot addition to the existing 1,300‑square‑foot building.

Planning staff said the parcel is zoned CB‑4 (vehicle service) and that the owner requested the expansion to increase retail space for display coolers and convenience goods to improve sales. The site plan as presented will result in 14 off‑street parking spaces, meeting the ordinance requirement after allowing fueling island areas to count toward the total.

The plan requires variances for rear and east side yard setbacks (proposed about 10 feet 8 inches vs. a required 30 feet) and for height; planning and administration recommended approval contingent on the zoning board granting those variances. Staff also noted the owner chose the eastward expansion direction after avoiding an existing sewer easement on the west.

The station owner, who identified himself as Joe and said he operates several stations in Westland, told council he is "barely making payments" and needs the expansion to increase revenue. Council members asked about landscaping, parking reconfiguration, ADA signage and notification to adjacent property owners; staff said property owners within 300 feet were notified and no one appeared in opposition at the planning commission meeting.

Council members expressed support for the business investing in the corner and approved the site plan; the owner said he will match building materials and add landscaping as part of the renovation. The zoning variances required for final approval were scheduled for the upcoming Zoning Board of Appeals meeting.