Planning commission forwards Kroger fuel center at 12 Mile and Evergreen to council amid traffic concerns

The Southfield Planning Commission on May 27 recommended that City Council approve a Kroger retail fuel center on a 0.78-acre outparcel at 19991 West 12 Mile Road, forwarding the conditional rezoning, special land use and site plan with a package of conditions aimed at addressing traffic and safety concerns.

The applicant proposes a canopy with fuel pumps, a small kiosk building and accessory features including a DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) dispenser, an air/tire pump and pedestrian connections to the adjacent shopping center. Planner Crow told the commission the applicant has offered to limit the new B3 zoning to use as a fuel center only, so the parcel would revert to B2 if fuel operations cease.

Commissioners and staff said the site plan meets many technical requirements, but the intersection and internal circulation at the southwest corner of the shopping center — the area where customers enter from Evergreen and 12 Mile — drew persistent concern. Commissioner Dr. Craig and several colleagues said vehicles frequently park at the store entrance, visibility and striping are worn, and drivers attempt risky turns that create safety hazards.

“We did a 34‑page traffic study,” Garrett Foley, Kroger’s construction manager, said in response. “We implemented the recommendations, and we will restripe and repair the lot. The landlord will reseal and restripe the entire parking area.”

Petitioners also told the commission they have made interior store improvements and plan additional upgrades, including replacing vinyl tile with polished concrete floors starting June 20. Ron Hall, the shopping center property manager, said the landlord will repair potholes, re‑stripe the lot and address damaged landscaping.

Planner Crow recommended a favorable recommendation to council with conditions that include compliance with the Colliers traffic study recommendations (signage and striping), verification or execution of a cross‑access agreement with the shopping center landlord, required waivers from the Zoning Board of Appeals (air pump setback and minimum floor area), compliance with the Southfield Police Department Crime Prevention Bureau recommendations, and final plan consistency with the submitted engineering set.

Commissioners voted to forward the conditional rezoning (PCZR 26‑0002), the special land use (PSLU 26‑0003) and the site plan (PSP 26‑0006) to City Council. The conditional rezoning and special‑use recommendations passed 5–1; the site‑plan approval carried with the explicit condition that the applicant work with planning staff to resolve Evergreen access and circulation issues before final council action.

Opponents have previously raised concerns about cumulative impacts from multiple gas stations in the corridor; at the hearing one commissioner read portions of correspondence questioning whether a fuel center is compatible with long‑range revitalization goals. The commission, however, emphasized that site‑plan and special‑land‑use standards — not competition among businesses — govern their review.

Next steps: the items will appear on City Council’s study session on June 8 and then at a public hearing before the council on June 29, where council members can accept, modify or reject the commission’s conditions.

Quote attribution: Garrett Foley, Kroger construction manager: “We implemented the recommendations, and we will restripe and repair the lot.” Ron Hall, property manager: “The owner is prepared to go the extra mile on this property to try to make it successful for the community.”

Ending: The Planning Commission’s favorable recommendations were contingent on final technical corrections, a cross‑access easement if not already recorded, and further work with city staff on circulation; council will make final decisions on the rezoning, special use and site plan.