For the first time, Sheetz has begun building a store in Oakland County.

The chain of 24-hour gas station/restaurant/convenience stores is locating on the site of a former gas station at 39471 W. 12 Mile Road at Haggerty Road in Novi. The new store will open next spring.

Sheetz has opened several stores and is building new locations in Macomb and Wayne counties. The company, based in Pennsylvania, plans to open 50-60 stores in the Detroit area in the next five years.

In Oakland County, Sheetz has several stores planned but has encountered opposition in several cities. Residents fear additional traffic and late-night noise, light pollution, loitering and crime. Business organizations say a large corporation like Sheetz could create unfair competition for family-owned gas stations.

Resid

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