Developer proposes demolition, rebuild of Mill Road gas station with relocated building and driveway removal

Planning staff presented petition 2026-01-08-01 from MCOR Holdings LLC to demolish the existing gas station and rebuild a new convenience store and fuel pumps at the northeast corner of Middlebelt Road and 5 Mile Road.

Staff said the property, originally developed in 1956, would be completely rebuilt with a new building roughly 2,700 square feet moved to the northeast corner of the lot. The applicant agreed to remove one existing Middlebelt driveway (the south driveway) to reduce congestion and to increase landscaping and brick on the building façade. Staff said the plan shows seven parking spaces that meet code in addition to spaces at the pumps and that the redesign will improve traffic safety at the intersection.

The applicant (speaker 16) said the project will replace pumps, tanks and the canopy, and add landscaping and pedestrian-safety improvements. Council members discussed driveway configurations, truck-route implications and the closed driveway on Bridal Belt; the applicant responded that changes were made to meet requirements and that landscaping/island revisions were included in the plan.

Council placed the item on the March 23 consent agenda for final action.

Quote: "We'll literally be replacing the pumps and the tanks, canopy, almost everything, complete makeover," said the applicant.

Next step: applicant to return with final site documentation on March 23.