Kroger Gas Station at 12 Mile and Evergreen
Below are articles relating to the construction of a Kroger gas station on the SE corner of Evergreen and 12 Mile Roads.
There are three pieces to this page.
The first is the proposal for the project. The second piece is an article that was published on September 11th about the project. Lastly, at the bottom there is a link directing you to a petition to sign, if you are in favor of the project.
This topic is due to be discussed on Monday, October 28th at the Southfield City Council meeting. Your attendance would be welcome.
#1.
Proposal for Kroger Fuel Center at Evergreen Plaza
Introduction
The Kroger located at 12 Mile Road and Evergreen Road, within Evergreen Plaza, is proposing the addition of a fuel center to the site. This proposal is positioned to utilize the footprint of a now-closed bank in the plaza, aiming to boost revenue and enhance the overall customer experience. While this development offers several economic and community benefits, residents have expressed concerns regarding traffic and the current state of Kroger’s operations at Evergreen Plaza. This proposal outlines the benefits of adding a fuel center, acknowledges community concerns and presents a compelling case for supporting this development to benefit the local economy and community.
Positive Impact on the Community
The positive benefits of a Kroger fuel center are multi-fold:
-
Protection of Property Values
Research by the National Association of Realtors and the Center for Community Progress shows that vacant retail properties lead to reduced property values in surrounding areas. Furthermore, homeowners near vacant properties may face higher insurance premiums, increasing financial strain on residents. By filling the footprint of the former bank with a fuel center, the city would avoid the blight associated with vacancy, contributing positively to neighborhood aesthetics and maintaining or even increasing property values. -
Economic Growth and Increased Revenue
Fuel centers are a critical part of Kroger’s real estate strategy, with more than two-thirds of their stores including fuel stations. These centers not only generate direct revenue but also provide crucial support for the operations and aesthetic upkeep of the associated Kroger stores. By enhancing profitability, the fuel center could lead to investments in the Evergreen Plaza store, addressing resident concerns about its current state.
Dispelling the myths
It is important to address resident concerns that have been voiced with the facts.
Perceived Impact on Traffic
A third-party traffic study found no significant impact on the surrounding road network from the proposed fuel center. The analysis showed that the fuel station would generate 12 or fewer new trips compared to the previous bank that occupied the location. Additionally, 30 percent of the fuel center's daily traffic is expected to be from existing Kroger customers, meaning much of the traffic is internal and not adding new burdens to the surrounding roads.
Perceptions of Kroger’s Current State
Some residents have voiced concerns about the current operations and upkeep of the Kroger at Evergreen Plaza. These concerns may lead to skepticism about whether the addition of a fuel center would improve or worsen the store’s condition. Fuel centers increase revenues for Kroger stores and more profitable stores are prioritized for improvements.
Conclusion
The proposed Kroger fuel center at Evergreen Plaza offers numerous benefits that far outweigh the potential drawbacks. Economically, it would generate much-needed revenue for both Kroger and the city of Southfield. It would mitigate blight at the Plaza which affects nearby property values as well as making the Plaza more attractive for new tenants. The traffic study confirms that there would be minimal impact on the adjacent road network, alleviating one of the primary concerns raised by residents. Additionally, the fuel center would improve the overall profitability of the Kroger store, creating opportunities for investment in store operations and aesthetics, and supporting the vitality of the entire plaza.
#2.
Please know in the article below, there is a reference to Kroger closing the store at 12 and Evergreen, IF they are not granted permission to install this gas station. According to the management company handling this, Kroger has NOT stated this.
Residents speak out against gas station proposal for old bank at 12 Mile and Evergreen
By: Kathryn Pentiuk | Southfield Sun | Published September 11, 2024
#3.
Below is a link to sign a petition, indicating you are in favor of having the gas station installed. Please copy/paste the link into your browser to access this form:
https://forms.gle/XNeSpD1xdLqEwV2g8