LIVONIA — A new Sheetz store has city council’s approval, but the deal may not be done: eight homeowners living near the site have taken the city to court and calling on the mayor to stop the project until a judge rules.
The dispute began when residents filed a claim of appeal Aug. 26 in Wayne County Circuit Court, challenging a Zoning Board of Appeals decision to grant a use variance allowing a 24-hour Sheetz gas station and restaurant at 37355 Eight Mile Road.
On Nov. 14, nine days after city council reversed its earlier denial and voted to let the project move forward, those residents sent an open letter to Mayor Maureen Brosnan asking her to “step in and correct the misdeeds” they believe occurred during the project’s review, and to pause all permits tied to the development – including demolition and site-prep work – until the court rules on the appeal.
“We’re not asking for anything extraordinary,” said Golfridge Villa resident Greg Ralko, one of the organizers behind the appeal. “Just to let the process play out before you change that corner forever.”
Livonia Communications Director Kristin Houchins said city attorneys advised Brosnan against commenting and did not say whether the mayor will – or won’t – heed the request.
“Sheetz is the subject of pending litigation and our attorneys encourage us not to comment,” Houchins said.
Zoning decision contested
In the court filing, Ralko and others say the Zoning Board of Appeals acted “arbitrarily and capriciously” when it approved a gas station, convenience store and drive-through restaurant on land where the uses prohibited under the city’s zoning ordinance. The complaint is filed against city officials, not Sheetz.
They say the May 6 ZBA hearing was not properly noticed because it listed only a gas station, not the restaurant, carry-out service or drive-through lane that ultimately won approval, and contend the applicant did not show the hardship required for a use variance.
The appeal also says the project conflicts with Livonia’s master plan, which designates the land for parks and recreation, and violates an ordinance prohibiting new gas stations within 100 feet of parks or places where large groups gather.
Greenmead Historical Park sits just west of the site, with Whispering Willow Golf Course to the east and south.
The filing also cites environmental concerns tied to the upper branch of the Rouge River along the property’s edge.
‘We aren’t against Sheetz’
Ralko claims many residents in three subdivisions closest to the site – Golfridge Villa, Deer Creek and Willow Woods – are opposed to the project.
“We petitioned our homeowners and 95% of our residents said they don’t want this on that corner,” he said. “It’s a beautiful piece of property…and it’s always been designated as a green area.
“We aren’t against Sheetz, just not this corner of the city,” he added.
Deer Creek resident Nick Lomako said he joined the appeal because he also believes the city’s review process broke down at the ZBA level.
Expanding the request from a gas station to a 24-hour gas station with a restaurant and drive-through without listing those uses in the notice, he said, deprived residents of their right to weigh in.
“If you saw it was only a fueling station, you wouldn’t show up,” Lomako said. “But if you knew it included a drive-through and a 24-hour restaurant, you’d want that advertised before the meeting.”
Lomako also points to the city’s long-range planning documents, noting the property is planned for parks under the master plan, not a gas station.
Ralko and Lomako both said the lawsuit isn’t aimed at blocking development outright but at forcing the city to redo the approval.
“I’m hoping the court will dictate that the Zoning Board of Appeals did not properly notice a hearing and that a new hearing be held,” Lomako said, noting residents believe the applicant never proved the site couldn’t be used economically under its current zoning, a requirement for a use variance.
“If they prove that, that’s great. If they don’t, I understand. I just want the process to be followed and the standards to be followed.”
Attorney Cindy Rhodes Victor, who is handling the case for the residents did not return a request for comment.
Under Michigan court rules, circuit court appeals are handled and decided by a judge, not a jury.
Ralko said he was told a decision could come in early 2026.
Nick Ruffner, public affairs manager for Sheetz, said in a statment the company is “unable to comment in detail due to active legal proceedings.”
“We are thankful the Livonia City Council approved our new store location…and look forward to being part of the Livonia community,” he said. “Sheetz will continue to work closely with city leaders to ensure that the new location in Livonia reflects the values and priorities of residents.”
Contact reporter Laura Colvin: lcolvin@hometownlife.com.
This article originally appeared on Hometownlife.com: Livonia residents ask mayor to halt Sheetz project until judge rules
Reporting by Laura Colvin, Hometownlife.com / Hometownlife.com
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