Another proposed Sheetz location in Oakland County has gotten a thumbs down.

The Wixom Planning Commission voted 6-0 Monday, March 3, to deny Sheetz’ request for a special land use permit to occupy the site of a former Rite Aid store, 47300 Pontiac Trail at Beck Road.

Madison Heights, Rochester Hills and Waterford Township have also rejected Sheetz, a Pennsylvania-based chain of 24-hour gas station/convenience store/restaurant outlets.

Farmington Hills rejected one proposal and approved another.

Highland Township and Novi approved Sheetz locations. The Royal Oak Planning Commission recommended approval of a Sheetz location; the City Commission will have the final say. No date has been set for the commission to consider the proposal.

Numerous Wixom residents told the planning commission that the busy Pontiac Trail-Beck Road intersection did not need the additional traffic a Sheetz location could bring. They also expressed environmental concerns because Sheetz will have six underground storage tanks.

Other residents, as well as business organizations, said the area doesn’t need another gas station and Sheetz could force existing stations out of business and could draw patrons away from the downtown area.

“We love competition. But don’t ask us to compete against a $13 billion corporation,” said Sharkey Haddad, special projects manager for the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce.

“Go back to Pennsylvania. Leave Michigan alone,” he said, prompting applause from the audience.

The planning commission specified that the rejection was based on concerns about traffic and Sheetz’ potential effect on the downtown area.

The motion for denial also said the development didn’t fit with the city’s master plan.

David Bruckelmeyer, a Sheetz representative, said the company conducted a study that showed 75% of Wixom patrons would be pass-by traffic; the store would generate minimal additional vehicles.

To address environmental concerns, he said state law would hold Sheetz responsible for the underground tanks even if the gas station closed.

Responding to criticism about possibly driving other gas stations out of business, he said competition keeps prices low and motivates other businesses to keep their facilities clean and well maintained.

He said Sheetz provides a service to people who need gas or a meal at odd hours.

“We see a lot of third shift workers who need a meal. We see a lot of first responders,” he said.

Sheetz had proposed a $9.5 million investment. The existing Rite Aid building would be demolished and a new 6,100 square-foot structure built with 16 fueling stations. It would have employed 30-35 people, with most working full time.