STERLING HEIGHTS (WWJ) -- Redevelopment plans have been put on pause for the site of an iconic building at a busy intersection in Macomb County.
Sheetz had proposed to build a new location on the former Detroit News and Detroit Free Press printing plant — at the corner of Metro Parkway (16 Mile Road) and Mound Rd. in Sterling Heights — but now says that is on hold.
The final paper was printed in the six-story building in August of last year.
This comes after some complaints about plans for the gas station/convenience store/fast food joint. with people who live in the area are worried that a new Sheetz would increase traffic and force some independent gas stations to close.
Nick Ruffner, public affairs manager for the convenience store chain, said while Sheetz is holding off on pursing this specific location, Sheez remains "firmly committed" to opening a Sheetz somewhere in Sterling Heights.
The Detroit News reports a Sterling Heights spokesperson said a public hearing for the Sheetz proposal was still scheduled for the Tuesday evening's City Council meeting. However, according to a document in the agenda packet for the meeting, Sheetz formally requested an indefinite postponement of the hearing.
This comes as the Pennsylvania-based Sheetz has made a big push to expand in Michigan, since debuting its first location in Romulus in 2024. Sheetz plans to open up to 60 new locations in Michigan over the next few years, according to the company.
There was a line around the building when Metro Detroit’s newest Sheetz location opened in Eastpointe last Tuesday. Another new location is set to open this week in Ypsilanti.