Planning Commission backs conditional rezoning for Telegraph Road gas station but delays special use, site plan for more details

The Southfield Planning Commission voted Aug. 28 to recommend conditional rezoning of 1.3 acres at 22575 and 22599 Telegraph Road from I‑1 to B3, clearing the way for a new gas station and convenience store with on‑site beer, wine and liquor sales and a drive‑thru carry‑out restaurant. The Planning Commission stopped short of recommending final special land use and site plan approval, instead postponing those items to a date‑certain of Sept. 25 to allow the applicant to specify tenant hours, staffing levels and parking calculations.

Planning staff described the proposal as a combined retail sales floor, pump canopy and a separate drive‑thru component. The packet notes nearby liquor retailers and existing commercial uses along Telegraph Road. "Planning department recommends favorable recommendation of PCR 24‑03 to conditionally rezone 1.3 acres at 22575 and 22599 Telegraph Road," staff told the commission, citing compatibility with the City Center mix of uses.

The meeting’s public hearing drew a lengthy statement from the property’s current tenant, who identified themself as "gal r," the business owner at 22599 Telegraph Road. "This proposal will pose a threat to all neighborhoods surrounding," the tenant said, arguing that added liquor availability and 24‑hour convenience operations would harm nearby youth and community safety. The applicant responded that the existing tenant holds a month‑to‑month tenancy and that the owner intends to operate the rebuilt station and lease the coffee/food space to a franchisee or other tenant.

Commissioners focused much of their questioning on operational details that affect traffic, safety and required parking. Commissioners asked the applicant to state maximum employees per shift and exact drive‑thru hours so staff could calculate parking demand and evaluate noise and security impacts. The petitioner said the convenience store and fuel sales would be 24 hours, that the kitchen would close at 9 p.m., and that night shifts would have as few as two on‑site employees while daytime shifts could rise to four or more. Commissioner Martin said, "I don't think the proposal is complete at this point," and urged the applicant to return with tenant commitments and a staffing schedule.

Because the special land use approval must include enforceable hours of operation and staffing assumptions, the commission voted to postpone the special land use (PSLU 24‑16) and site plan (PSP 24‑14) to Sept. 25 so the applicant could provide clarified hours, tenant details, parking analysis and security plans. The conditional rezoning recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for final action in advance of the special‑use/site‑plan review.

Next steps: the conditional rezoning recommendation goes to Southfield City Council; the petitioner will return Sept. 25 with updated hours, staffing and parking information for the commission to consider before forwarding a recommendation on the special land use and site plan.