Farmington Hills City Council members unanimously rejected a proposal from Sheetz to construct a gas station and drive-thru restaurant at the former site of Ginopolis, located at 12 Mile and Middlebelt roads. Multiple residents recently showed up at a Farmington Hills City Council meeting to express opposition to Sheetz coming to their city.

Farmington Hills City Council members unanimously rejected a proposal from Sheetz to construct a gas station and drive-thru restaurant at the former site of Ginopolis, located at 12 Mile and Middlebelt roads. Multiple residents recently showed up at a Farmington Hills City Council meeting to express opposition to Sheetz coming to their city.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes


Farmington Hills City Council rejects Sheetz

By: Gena Johnson | Farmington Press | Published January 31, 2025

Advertisement

FARMINGTON HILLS — Farmington Hills City Council members voted “no” to Sheetz coming to their community after residents made it clear that “this is not the place” at a Council meeting Jan. 13.

Hundreds gathered at Farmington Hills City Hall in the City Council’s chambers and waited for their chance to speak during the more than five-hour Council meeting that ended just before 1:30 a.m. Many spoke and reminded City Council members and the mayor that they are elected officials and implored them to listen and act on their behalf.

Just before it was time for Council to vote, after nearly 50 residents expressed their displeasure about Sheetz coming to their quiet residential neighborhood, Mayor Pro Tem William Dwyer said, “The Council was listening tonight and I will guarantee you the Council is going to make the right decision tonight. And you’ll get what you want.”

Council voted unanimously, 7-0, against Sheetz constructing a gas station and drive-thru restaurant at the former site of Ginopolis, a popular restaurant located at 12 Mile and Middlebelt roads.

Attorney Pat Lennon represents Sheetz and requested to postpone appearing before Council a few days prior to the Council meeting.

“We are asking for a postponement because we have ideas that would enhance this (proposal),” Lennon said. “I don’t want to allow you to think that we don’t meet the criteria because we do. The Planning Commission determined we meet the criteria.”

The Farmington Hills Planning Commission voted 4-1 in favor of Sheetz’ recommendation at a Planning Commission meeting this past November.

Council denied the postponement request, with the rationale that the business model of Sheetz would remain the same and a lot of residents came to the meeting to get a decision on the matter.

Sheetz locations are open 24/7 and sell alcohol.

“This is not the right place,” said Councilwoman Valerie Knol. “I think it should be off the expressway or in a large commercial area.”

She further explained that gas stations are unique because they are not easily or feasibly turned into other businesses because of the large tanks in the ground and the possibility of contamination.

Alex Siwicki, an engineering and entitlement manager for Sheetz, stated that the company would be making an $8.5 million investment in the community, using local contractors and engineers on the project, and bringing 30-35 full-time jobs.

According to Siwicki, for decades Sheetz has been named among Fortune Magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For.”  Siwicki described their benefits package as “top-of-class” and raved about the company’s tuition reimbursement.   

“Sheetz paid for the majority of my college education,” Siwicki said.

He described Sheetz, which operates as a gas station, restaurant and convenience store, as a family-owned business that has been around for more than 70 years and has nearly 800 stores. According to Siwicki, the company donates to the Special Olympics and local schools, along with being involved in a lot of community outreach projects.

Community members expressed their opinions at the meeting.

“They haven’t reached out to the people that will be affected the most,” resident Laura Gervaci said.

Crime reports involving Sheetz, including a fatal shooting and stabbings, were among the concerns expressed during the public comments portion of the meeting.

However, among the nearly 50 people who spoke, one resident did express support for Sheetz.

“I guess I’m the lone dissenter tonight,” Michael Yandora said. “I visited a lot of communities that had Sheetz. …  Sheetz is amazing. … From a bunch of people who’ve never been to a Sheetz, I hear a lot of people (who) want to stifle competition.”

Another resident commented that, “We’re not angry at you.”

“Sheetz, we don’t hate you,” Joan Williams said. “This is just not the place. We want to pray that they find another place, and 12 Mile and Middlebelt would not be it.”

Advertisement