Southfield City Council Nixes Kroger Fuel Center Amid Resident Concerns
Southfield — The air was thick with anticipation at the Southfield City Council meeting on October 28, as council members and residents rallied around a controversial proposal: the addition of a Kroger fuel center at the site of the old Bank of America building on 12 Mile Road. In a surprising turn of events, the council voted unanimously against the measure, leaving Kroger representatives and many residents scratching their heads.
Traffic Concerns and Store Conditions Take Center Stage
The heart of the matter? Residents voiced their strong opposition, citing already congested roads, as the proposed gas station would make it the third one vying for attention at the busy intersection of 12 Mile and Evergreen. Currently, there’s already a Sunoco and a BP in the mix, and adding another fuel location just didn’t sit right with the locals. Observers noted that traffic was a considerable concern, with worries that more vehicles could lead to further delays during peak hours.
Southfield Mayor Ken Siver made it clear that it wasn’t just about the gas station. “If Kroger’s going to do business here, we deserve a store that’s up to par with what we see in more affluent areas,” he remarked, emphasizing the state of the current Kroger store as part of the conversation. Many residents echoed the sentiment that the store was not meeting the “Southfield standard,” which led to frustrations from both the council and the community.
Kroger’s Commitment to Southfield: A Mixed Bag
Questions rose about Kroger’s long-term commitment to the Southfield location. Caleb Stevens, Kroger’s operations manager, reassured the community that the company has every intention of remaining in Southfield after their lease expires in 2031. He emphasized that they are not planning to close the store anytime soon. “We’re here tonight to explain that we have invested in this store and plan to keep doing so. We’re part of this community,” he stated earnestly.
Despite Stevens’ optimistic outlook, the council remained unconvinced. Members were apprehensive about the store’s performance, labeling it as a “low performer” financially, and suggested that the addition of gas pumps might not address the core issues present in the store itself.
Details of Planned Improvements
Stevens mentioned Kroger has already sunk an impressive $1,050,000 into renovations this year alone, which included critical updates to heating and cooling systems and refrigeration. The planned investments for 2025 look even more ambitious, totaling $4,174,000—with the gas station originally set to account for a large chunk of that funding.
The optimism from the Kroger team did not resonate with some council members who felt they were being treated as though they were doing Kroger a favor. Councilwoman Coretta Houge didn’t hold back her disappointment, “We shouldn’t have to play this game of chicken. Every area deserves a store that meets a reasonable standard, not just special treatment.” Her frustrations were shared by other council members, who noted that the Kroger in nearby Bloomfield Hills overshadowed the Southfield one in terms of cleanliness and availability of desired products.
A Disputed Future
Throughout the evening, the sentiment among the council and residents reflected a desire for action rather than more discussions. While they acknowledged the latest improvements, many felt that Kroger’s lack of initiative over the years evidenced neglect. This sentiment was echoed by Councilwoman Yolanda Haynes, who enumerated her own frustrations with stocking issues in the store that left many shoppers wanting.
As the night wore on, the proposal to conditionally rezone the property for the fuel center was unanimously defeated with a 0-6 vote. It seems the community wants to see significant changes made to the Kroger store first before even considering any added amenities.
What’s Next for Kroger?
As it stands, Kroger’s future in Southfield hangs in the balance. The community remains hopeful that with increased dialogue and improvement plans, they’ll soon see a store that meets their standards. Until then, the residents of Southfield will continue to drive a little farther to ensure they get the quality shopping experience they deserve.
