Neighbors and schools raise safety concerns; Warren commission postpones EV charging hub proposal

An application to build a 16–28 stall electric vehicle supercharging lot at the corner of Ryan Road and Bart prompted prolonged public comment and a split commission on July 27, leading members to postpone the item for additional information.

Applicant Ahmed Maki described plans for 16 supercharger stalls, downward lighting, landscaping and Starlink-connected cameras. "Our goal is to bring that green initiative to the City of Warren," he said, while noting the plan could be phased.

Fitzgerald Public Schools and neighbors objected. Bill Rudd, representing Fitzgerald Public Schools, submitted a letter that urged rejection of the site "directly across the street from Fitzgerald High School," citing student safety, increased vehicular turning movements, loitering and operational conflicts with bus and drop‑off patterns. "Placing a high capacity commercial charging hub in the immediate vicinity of a high school creates significant safety, traffic, and operational challenges that outweigh the benefits of this specific location," Rudd wrote and read into the record.

Other residents warned about the difficulty of extinguishing lithium-ion battery fires and about potential vandalism near schools. The applicant said the site was recommended by charger providers as productive and emphasized camera coverage and curbing to reduce risks. Commissioners debated whether the site is appropriate, asked for traffic-study data and fire‑safety documentation and expressed concern about vandalism and student access to the equipment.

The commission lacked a clear majority to deny the plan outright and ultimately voted to postpone the item to the August 10 meeting, asking the petitioner to provide additional information (safety data, traffic study and security/insurance details) before the matter returns.

Next steps: petitioner to supply requested data ahead of the Aug. 10 hearing at City Hall.