Kroger seeks to open gas station next to Tim Hortons site in Ypsilanti Township
Kroger will be putting a gas station near the intersection of Huron Street and James L. Parkway in Ypsilanti Township.
Courtney Sacco I AnnArbor.com
A public hearing has been set to consider the preliminary site plan to permit the construction of a Kroger gas station at the intersection of James L. Hart Parkway and Huron Street, just south of Interstate 94 in Ypsilanti Township.
The Kroger gas station, if approved, would be next to the Tim Hortons that recently received approval to be part of the Washtenaw Business Park.
The station would be north of the Kroger store at 2010 Whittaker Road.
This is not the first time Kroger has sought approval for a gas station in the township. The planning commission approved site plans in August for a station at a property adjacent to the Kroger store at 1771 E. Michigan Ave. This station is expected to be completed by the end of 2012.
Since the construction season is coming to a close soon, Township Planning Director Joe Lawson said he expects construction to begin next spring at the Huron Street and James L. Hart Parkway spot.
Lawson said Tim Hortons and Kroger agreed to split the 1.1 acre site. Tim Hortons would occupy about 1,193 square feet of the property.
Lawson said the five-island gas station will have a kiosk in the middle, but it will not be a "full-blown" convenience store.
A special conditional use permit must be issued, allowing the township to set certain conditions.
"We can put conditions on it that the ordinance doesn't state," Lawson said. "Like this one, we're probably going to ask for a pitch roof instead of a flat roof to give it more of aesthetic look."
Lawson said after the hearing takes place, the planning commission can either table, deny or approve the plan. He expects the site plan will go before the commission at its Nov. 13 meeting.
"I anticipate they'll approve it and add a few additional things," Lawson said.
Once approval is received, Kroger will then receive a detailed engineering review from the fire, building and other departments within the township, Lawson said.
Lawson said the township is in favor of development of this type.
"(We're) looking at a budding commercial corridor," he said. "I’m excited just because we’re seeing some development come back, something the residents of this township have long asked for."
The public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m., Oct. 23 in the Civic Center Board Room at the Township Civic Center located at 7200 S. Huron River Dr.
Katrease Stafford covers Ypsilanti for AnnArbor.com.Reach her at katreasestafford@annarbor.com or 734-623-2548 and follow her on twitter.
Comments
TruEMU_fan
Wed, Jun 19, 2013 : 8:08 p.m.
Is this still happening? Because they just converted the Marathon into a Shell who partner's with Kroger for discounted gas so it doesn't make sense. Would like to know what is going on.
Thomas Jones
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 8:41 p.m.
I love love love this.... no more going to the one on carpenter!!!!!!
jns131
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 11:26 p.m.
I know which reminds me, I need to fill up tomorrow.
Thomas Jones
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 8:40 p.m.
YEA!!!!!!! This is Great!!!!
treetowncartel
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 4:12 p.m.
There is a gas station on Cross in Ypsi, just West of the River/Depot Town that typically has a really good price on gas.
Ann English
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 10:56 p.m.
You might be referring to the Citgo at Washington Street and Cross; they often rank among the least expensive gas stations at annarborgasprices.com.
jns131
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 2:14 p.m.
I have not seen any construction what so ever on Michigan. So if its going to be completed by the end of the year where are the trucks to get this done? I am tired of driving to Carpenter to get cheap gas. The ones on Ecorse really hike it up here. They have lost my business. Glad to hear we are getting one more.
not a billy
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 1:34 p.m.
You will find that Kroger gas doesn't mean that the prices will come down. It just means that Kroger will keep the prices steady with the local competition but you can use your points to get a discount. If you look around southeastern Michigan, you will see a wide variance in Kroger gas prices. Always pretty close to the local norm. In Livingston County, the prices at Kroger are usually higher than at Costco, unless you are taking a 20 cent or greater points discount.
mikeyb64
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 1:33 p.m.
I fully welcome this and the Tim Hortons . I refuse to get gas at the Huron Fuel Plaza because they always have the highest prices. Some times 25 cents higher than any stations around. I don't mind crossing over 94 to get gas at the two stations there but the first one is super shady and sometimes so is the other one.
CycleGirl
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 12:55 p.m.
I would like to see something family oriented come to Ypsianti Twp. Not looking forward to another gas station.
jns131
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 2:15 p.m.
The gas stations on Ecorse are family friendly and expensive too. I no longer frequent their price hikes.
ThaKillaBee
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 12:51 p.m.
If I wanted to voice my support for this as a resident of the Twp, who should I contact? Would it matter, or is this already a done deal?
jns131
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 2:16 p.m.
Brenda Stumbo. She comes to all of our Neighborhood Watch meetings. She loves to hear your comments on this one.
Katrease Stafford
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 1:13 p.m.
Hello, The public hearing is open to everyone. Lawson said this type of hearing is held to allow residents to voice their opinion of proposed plans. It's at 6 p.m., Oct. 23 in the Civic Center Board Room at the Township Civic Center located at 7200 S. Huron River Dr. This is still in the planning phase and has yet to be approved.
Ignatz
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 12:39 p.m.
This could be very good. I just hope they don't inflate their prices to make up for the Kroger discount one gets for shopping there.
Ann English
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 10:50 p.m.
I just paid $3.34 per gallon last Sunday at the Carpenter location, getting twenty cents off per gallon. Why wouldn't the new station sell gas for about as much as Marathon nearby? The Carpenter Kroger station sells it for about the same, if NOT the very same, price as the nearby Speedway and Meijer stations. Recently their posted price was seven cents more per gallon than Speedway's or Meijer's. Inflate their prices? That sounds like selling gasoline for ten or more cents per gallon than competitors nearby.
jns131
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 2:17 p.m.
I've been to the one on Carpenter. Been paying around $3.61 to about $3.71 every time I have gone. Keep using your card for better deals.
dading dont delete me bro
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 12:33 p.m.
no mention of the marathon in the immediate area, perhaps, right next door? it is in the background in your picture. a little healthy gas price competition? marathon has always run on the high side there. i only stop there if i'm on fumes.
Nate
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 12:16 p.m.
This is north of Kroger, not south as the article states.
Katrease Stafford
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 12:29 p.m.
Thanks, Nate. It's been corrected.
Ally
Wed, Oct 17, 2012 : 11:26 a.m.
Horay! I will finally get well priced gas south of 94! Win win for the community. When two companies split land do they make two tax IDs for it and will that mean more tax revenue than if Tim Hortons was to be the only building on that acre?