WARREN, Mich. – The city of Warren may be just 35 square miles, but it’s home to 69 gas stations and 25 car washes -- and city leaders are taking note.
The Warren City Council unanimously approved a moratorium last week on all new gas station and car wash construction. The temporary pause lasts up to eight months, giving officials time to rewrite zoning rules that govern where and how those businesses can be built.
The city says current zoning doesn’t adequately address location, development, design or approval criteria for what it calls “orderly development.”
Related: Why so many car washes keep popping up across Michigan
Drivers take notice
The density is hard to miss. Along just a two-mile stretch of Mound Road, Local 4 counted at least six gas stations and three car washes — many of them opening in just the last few years.
Drivers said they’ve noticed, too.
“They have way too many gas stations,” said Joe Siket. “They are putting one up on 10 Mile and Mound right now and they already have two there.”
Mike Bogden shared a similar concern about long-term impact.
“If you keep building them and building them, then what are you going to have? A bunch of empty gas stations down the road,” he said.
Not everyone sees it as a problem, though. Jacqueline Barber said the businesses serve a purpose.
“It boosts up the community and it brings jobs,” Barber said.
What the moratorium covers
The pause applies only to new construction. Businesses already operating and projects that have already received permits or approved site plans are not affected by the moratorium.
The idea originated in January, when the Warren Planning Commission recommended a temporary freeze to allow time for a zoning overhaul.
Drivers who spoke with Local 4 said they support the move.
“I think it’s a great thing,” Bogden said.
When asked if Warren needed the moratorium, Siket didn’t hesitate.
“Oh yeah, absolutely,” he said.
City leaders hope the temporary pause leads to a more diverse mix of businesses.