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Council tables Hemstire auto‑service SUP after residents and council raise traffic and design concerns
Summary
A proposed Hemstire auto‑service station at 105 W Lehi / 213–215 N Saginaw Blvd was tabled after council members and nearby residents flagged concerns about vehicle queuing, overflow parking onto West Lemon, outdoor storage/service and the proposal’s fit with Saginaw Overlay District guidelines. Council asked for enforceable SUP conditions and additional review.
A proposal to operate an auto service station (Hamstire/Hamms Tire) at three properties on Saginaw Boulevard and West Lehi was tabled by the Saginaw City Council after residents and several council members expressed concerns about traffic flow, staging and visual compatibility with the Saginaw Overlay District.
Staff described the SUP application and presented proposed operations (tire sales, tire installation, alignments and light suspension services for passenger vehicles). The applicant, Chris Wagner, said the operation would not perform engine or transmission work, would keep tire storage indoors and aims to modernize the existing site.
A nearby resident and planning commenter, Dan Differth, submitted a written letter raising specific concerns: potential overflow parking and staging on West Lemon, impacts to visibility and emergency access, outdoor servicing or vehicles on jacks, outdoor storage of tires without screening, and a need for a site plan that demonstrates adequate circulation. His letter urged denial or approval only with strict, enforceable conditions.
Several council members echoed those concerns in council debate, asking for guarantees that all vehicle queuing and parking would remain on site, that no outdoor servicing or outdoor tire storage would occur, and that exterior materials and signage be compatible with the Overlay District. The applicant repeatedly told council he did not plan outside tire storage or outside vehicle service: “We will not have outside tire storage,” he said.
Planning & Zoning had recommended approval with conditions, but council members said the record lacked enough detailed site assurances in the SUP as presented. A motion to deny failed, and the council ultimately voted to table the item to provide time for staff, council and the applicant to refine enforceable conditions (parking/queuing, prohibition on outdoor service/storage, building and signage improvements and landscaping) or to remand the matter back to Planning & Zoning for additional recommendations.
Next steps: the item will return to council after staff and/or Planning & Zoning provide more detailed conditions and a site circulation plan. Council indicated DRC and civil review, plus possible signage/material stipulations in the SUP, will be used to enforce the outcome.
