A controversial project near downtown Pinckney that would convert a former Rite Aid site into a gas station, food service and convenience store has taken an important step forward.
The area’s second Mugg & Bopps would be constructed at 75 S. Dexter St. — along with a drive-through Dunkin’ Donuts. The proposal received special land use permission during a meeting of the Pinckney Planning Commission on June 24.
The site was previously zoned for commercial use, and is located across the street from a BP and Tubby’s Sub Shop. An existing Mugg & Bopps is located just down the road at 211 E. Main St. The owners of the neighboring BP, represented by Roger Myers, wrote a letter to commissioners that was shared June 24.
“An approval of this location for gasoline service will significantly oversaturate the area with gasoline sales and will cause great financial harm to the longstanding businesses in the community, such as my client’s store,” the letter read.
Chair Bree Kraut acknowledged the number of gas stations in the area, but said the addition may cause neighboring stations to up their game.
“Maybe it’s a chance to … make (other) location(s) more appealing,” she said.
Myers also noted traffic concerns, saying the project could “dangerously overload the (nearby) intersection and surrounding roads.” A traffic impact study was still pending, as of June 24.
Business owner and applicant Todd Lekander said he’s confident his development team will be able to satisfy the concerns mentioned during the meeting in future revised plans.
The project will next go before the Pinckney Zoning Board of Appeals to seek approval for necessary variances. Final site plan approval will rely on those decisions.
— Contact reporter Makayla Coffee at mcoffee@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: ‘Great financial harm’: Neighboring BP owner unhappy with Mugg & Bopps proposal in Pinckney
Reporting by Makayla Coffee, Livingston Daily / Livingston Daily
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