Residents and business groups probe proposed Sheetz site; council schedules public hearing

Sterling Heights — Multiple speakers at the Jan. 6 Sterling Heights City Council meeting raised concerns about a proposed Sheetz development, including its business model, local economic impacts and possible conflicts of interest, and the city confirmed a public hearing on the matter for March 3 at 7 p.m.

Rob McGregor of the Metro Detroit Petroleum Alliance said Sheetz’s operating model "is designed to undercut your local businesses," accused the company of not investing locally and alleged a conflict of interest involving Oakland County Commissioner Dave Woodward and the law firm Kurtz Hill, which McGregor said represented Sheetz. "That's not fair," McGregor said, urging the council to enforce zoning and bidding rules consistently.

Local business owner Grama Yousef said Sheetz’s staffing and supply model relies on nonlocal employees and vendors and said the chain would not provide the same local economic benefits as long-established independent operators.

Mayor Taylor told the public that the Sheetz proposal will be discussed at a future council meeting and encouraged stakeholders with specific concerns and evidence to participate in the scheduled public hearing on March 3. "If there's legitimate reasons that this is going to be bad for the community, I'm all ears," Taylor said.

What happens next: The council reiterated the March 3 public hearing date for testimony and formal consideration. The transcript contains public comments alleging predatory pricing and possible conflicts of interest; council did not make a decision at this meeting.