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Proposed 5‑Mile Road gas station tabled after truck‑turn and safety concerns
Summary
The Planning Commission tabled a site plan for a proposed gas station and convenience store at 36305 5 Mile Road, citing unresolved tanker‑routing, parking and landscaping issues; commissioners asked the applicant to provide a tanker turning analysis, photometrics and revised site drawings before the next appearance.
The Planning Commission voted to table action on a site plan proposing to demolish the existing gas station at 36305 5 Mile Road and build a new 3,640‑sq‑ft convenience store with four fueling positions and a 22,000‑gallon tank. Commissioners repeatedly flagged tanker access, approach radii and canopy/tank placement as unresolved safety and feasibility concerns.
Planner Jacob Uhasi summarized the proposal and flagged outstanding items: the landscape plan did not meet required tree/shrub counts, no photometric lighting plan had been submitted, and parking calculations depended on the restaurant employee total. Engineering and inspection notes require drainage control and permit submittals to Wayne County.
Architect Michael Badoon (representing 5 Mile Investments) said existing tank and tank access are in the same location as proposed and that tankers "come right through Levan, make the turn, enter the parking lot, and then they leave right through 5 Mile." Commissioners and several residents disputed whether large tankers could maneuver safely given the proposed approach radii and adjacent lanes. Commissioner Dross and others asked for a truck‑turn demonstration or swept‑path analysis; Commissioner Carmagnolo moved to table the petition to allow the petitioner to return with a revised plan and truck turning analysis.
Resident James Bigel and other neighbors asked the commission to confirm whether Levann/Levan Road has weight restrictions and warned that a 40‑foot tanker may block lanes or encroach on landscaping when attempting the turn; they urged reexamination of the Levan approach and the possibility of limiting or changing access. The petitioner agreed to provide additional renderings, photometrics and a video or demonstration of current tanker deliveries.
The commission’s tabling motion passed; the petitioner was asked to work with planning staff on tanker access, additional landscaping and signage, and to return with revised engineering materials to a future meeting (the petitioner may return sooner than the tentative April date if ready).
