The City of Warren Planning Commission on Dec. 1 postponed action on a site plan to add a minor repair facility and storage to an existing gas station at Hoover and 9 Mile Road to the commission’s Jan. 26 meeting to allow the petitioner to resolve parking, driveway and utility issues.

Petitioner Abbas Harajli told the commission he has used a 20-foot strip adjacent to the property for about 20 years and “I have a registered claim of interest on that 20 foot piece of property” and that the agreement is recorded in the deed. Planning staff (Mister Wirth) recommended approval with multiple conditions including revised plans, removal of encroaching parking, curb and landscaping work, lighting restrictions, and an estimated $3,000 performance bond. The utilities correspondence included an objection from DTE Electric saying the proposed building would be within three feet of energized equipment and that the building must be at least 7.5 feet from such equipment.

Commissioners focused on three issues: whether the 20-foot strip may remain in use by the gas-station owner, how to meet the site’s required parking (17 required under the zoning ordinance versus the proposed 6–16 shown on plans), and safe truck movement for fuel deliveries if the two driveways closest to the intersection are closed. Harajli said he could reconfigure or reduce parking and, if necessary, pursue a zoning variance, and that he plans to contact DTE and, if required, move the transformer at his cost or run service underground.

Chair moved and the commission seconded a motion to postpone final approval so the petitioner can provide documentation of any recorded agreement and work with staff and the city attorney on driveway and utility matters. Roll call on the postponement recorded seven votes in favor, none opposed. The item will return to the commission on Jan. 26 for final action or further motion.

Next steps: the petitioner was asked to provide recorded documentation of the agreement regarding the 20-foot strip, pursue conversations with DTE about the transformer setback, and submit revised site and elevation plans addressing parking and driveway changes before the next meeting.