Sheetz gas station to come to Shelby Township

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Shelby Township Board of Trustees March 4 approved the construction of an $8.5 million Sheetz gas station to be built at 48945 Van Dyke Ave. and 7828 22 Mile Road on 1.614 acres in Shelby Township.

Justin Mandel, regional director of real estate for Sheetz, said they will be bringing jobs and opportunities to Shelby Township once they open.

“We are investing more than $8.5 million into the Shelby Township location. In addition to that investment, we plan to hire approximately 30-35 employees for each store — bringing not just jobs, but long-term career opportunities to the community,” he said.

Nick Ruffner, public affairs manager for Sheetz, said this project is still in the early stages, and no specific timeline has been set for construction.

“We are continuing to work closely with Shelby Township officials as the process moves forward,” he said.

The plan includes a 6,132-square-foot gas station/convenience store and restaurant. The fueling station provides five double-sided dispensers under a 3,936-square-foot canopy. The site plan proposes an entrance from 22 Mile Road and shared access will remain on Van Dyke.

The building is situated along the south side of the property with the canopy along 22 Mile Road. The east elevation contains an outdoor seating area. The trash enclosure is located on the southwest side of the building with screening. Loading is provided also on the west side of the building and fuel loading along the north side of the site. Screening along the west boundary of the site includes the preservation of the existing landscaping along with new evergreens with fencing.

Alcohol sales will not be permitted at the location.

There will be large, touch-free restrooms, free air for tires, and indoor and outdoor seating areas. 

Ruffner said that while gas prices can fluctuate due to market forces, Sheetz prioritizes providing affordable gas to customers.

“This is highlighted by the first store we opened in Michigan, in Romulus, where our store helped bring down prices to offer a more competitive landscape for customers,” he said.

Mandel said Sheetz worked closely with Shelby Township and the Macomb County Department of Roads to ensure safe, convenient access to and from the site.

“Convenience stores like Sheetz typically serve pass-by traffic rather than generating new trips, so we do not expect a material increase in traffic. We’re committed to working with local officials to address any concerns related to site access or traffic flow,” he said.

The Township Board of Trustees approved the site plan and conditional rezoning for the  Sheetz with a 5-1 vote. Trustee Lisa Casali voted against the Sheetz. Trustee Vince Viviano had an excused absence from the meeting.

“As we sit here tonight, we have to remember as board members we have very few vacant parcels left in our township, and we have to take deep consideration when we are asked to rezone in a case like this and what the fit is for the community. So, I will not be in favor of this this evening with the rezoning,” Casali said.

Mandel said for those who might be against having the business where it will be located, Sheetz is committed to being a good neighbor in Shelby Township and in every community where it operates.

“Sheetz is exceptionally proud that our stores become assets to local communities by providing affordable gas, high-quality and convenient food, a great place for people to work, and a gathering spot for family and friends. By investing in our workforce and building high-quality stores, we help spur further economic growth and development, and by supporting youth sports and nonprofits, we become fixtures for community vitality. Everywhere we invest, Sheetz is committed to developing responsibly, listening to community input, and maintaining open communication throughout the process. We look forward to continuing to work with officials in Shelby Township to ensure this project is a positive addition to the area,” he said.

He said the safety and security of our customers and employees is the highest priority.

“Sheetz operates a 24/7 security operations center, and our stores are equipped with multiple security cameras and emergency systems. We also take pride in how our stores are used by the community — as safe, reliable places for everything from meet-ups before events, to marketplace exchanges, to quick stops for fuel, food, or restroom breaks. Many of our guests have told us they appreciate Sheetz as a trusted stop, no matter the hour,” he said.

Ruffner said Sheetz operates more than 770 locations across Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina.

“We’re excited to bring Sheetz to Shelby Township and to show the community the quality, convenience and energy that our stores offer. We look forward to becoming active community members, supporting local nonprofit efforts and hiring local talent to staff the new location,” he said.