Livonia City Council Advances Major Middlebelt Development Projects at May 18 Meeting

The Livonia City Council approved a series of development, infrastructure and administrative items during its May 18, 2026 regular meeting, including major projects tied to the growing Middlebelt Road commercial corridor near Schoolcraft Road.

The meeting’s most significant actions centered on approval of a relocated Costco gas station, a new Meijer gas station and convenience store, and an El Car Wash proposal connected to the Millennium Park commercial area. All three projects were approved as part of the consent agenda in unanimous 5-0 votes.

Council President Kayleigh Reid noted at the beginning of the meeting that Councilmembers Carrie Budzinski and Brandon McCullough were absent. Budzinski was home recovering after the birth of a child, while McCullough was absent due to personal matters. Five council members were present for the meeting.

Public Transit Dominates Audience Communication

Before council moved into formal business, several residents used audience communication to advocate for expanded regional transit service and support for the upcoming SMART transit ballot proposal.

Resident Justin Gooch described public transit as critical to his ability to rise from poverty into a successful career in software engineering. He urged residents to support the August ballot proposal, arguing that transit access creates economic opportunity for younger residents and families without reliable transportation.

Additional residents echoed those concerns, emphasizing transportation access for seniors, students, people with disabilities and households with limited vehicle access. One speaker described current Livonia transportation options as insufficient for maintaining employment and participating fully in civic life.

The meeting also featured criticism from residents regarding city purchasing and bidding practices. Resident Steve King challenged the city’s handling of a recreation center HVAC contract approved at a prior meeting, alleging the bidding process lacked transparency after two lower-cost bidders were disqualified. He also criticized the council’s frequent use of the consent agenda for high-dollar approvals.

Another resident, Christopher Martin, criticized what he viewed as a lack of scrutiny over city spending and raised concerns about construction materials used at Greenmead Historical Park. He also advocated for broader public broadcasting of zoning and appeals board meetings.

City Hall to Install Temporary ADA Ramp Ahead of Early Voting

Erika Smith, Director of Government Affairs, announced that a purchase order for the ramp has officially been placed. The decision follows an administrative push initiated on March 23rd to seek contractor quotes for a temporary barrier-free solution.

Smith credited a collaborative effort across multiple municipal divisions—including City Clerk Lori Miller, the Director of Emergency Preparedness, and the city's engineering, finance, inspection, and public works (DPW) teams—for expediting the project in compliance with local finance ordinances.

The announcement was met with enthusiasm from council members, aligning with broader community discussions during the meeting regarding equity, inclusion, and independence for Livonia residents with limited mobility.

Major Development Approvals Advance on Consent Agenda

The council unanimously approved the entire consent agenda by a 5-0 vote.

Among the largest items was Costco Wholesale Corporation’s plan to relocate its fuel station behind the existing store at 13700 Middlebelt Road while converting the current gas station site into additional parking. The proposal also includes a new fueling facility at 13550 Middlebelt Road. According to planning documents, the project would increase warehouse parking by a net gain of 88 spaces.

Planning materials showed that Costco revised portions of its site plan before the meeting, including vehicle circulation changes and fuel queueing layouts. During the earlier May 4 study meeting, land planner Jim Eppink explained that the existing parking lot exit onto Middlebelt Road would become right-turn only, while a new four-way stop and access route would be created behind the store.

Council also approved Meijer’s request to construct a gas station and convenience store at 13000 Middlebelt Road near the CSX rail corridor. The planning commission recommended approval with conditions addressing landscaping, lighting restrictions, signage and traffic safety improvements for the site’s southern Middlebelt Road entrance.

The El Car Wash proposal tied to the same commercial area generated some opposition. A resident letter included in the meeting packet argued Livonia already has too many car washes and questioned whether a citywide moratorium on new car washes was being enforced.

During audience communication at the regular meeting, another resident requested that the El Car Wash proposal be removed from the consent agenda because of the controversy surrounding new car wash developments in Livonia. Despite the objections, the project was approved as part of the unanimous consent agenda vote.

Infrastructure and Utility Matters Approved

Council also approved several engineering and utility-related items.

Among them was Amendment No. 5 to the city’s water service contract with the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA). City officials described the amendment as largely technical and said it would not directly impact water rates or service levels. Additional documentation explained that the contract governs meter connections and consumption limits between Livonia and GLWA.

The council additionally approved multiple storm water maintenance agreements tied to private development projects, including agreements connected to Plymouth Auto Sales, JB Tool and the Seven Mile/Farmington Meijer development. The agreements require property owners to reimburse the city for future maintenance costs related to privately constructed storm drainage systems.

Easement Agreements Approved Under New Business

Under new business, the council unanimously approved three easement agreements tied to the Meijer development at Seven Mile and Farmington roads.

City Engineer Todd Zilincik described the measures as standard “housekeeping” items routinely required for new developments. One of the water main easements was noted as important for potential future utility connections serving planned townhomes west of the site.

Council also approved a temporary license agreement allowing Consumers Energy to use a portion of city-owned property along Middlebelt Road as a staging area for equipment and materials. Interim City Attorney Eric Goldstein said the city has used similar arrangements many times in the past without problems and that Consumers Energy would be responsible for restoring the property after use.

Additional Council Action

Near the end of the meeting, council unanimously voted to refer a fence ordinance issue to the Law and Education Committee for further review. The proposed discussion involves mesh materials attached to residential fences that some residents believe may help deter deer.

No items were formally denied during the meeting, and there was no unfinished business listed on the agenda.

Detailed Meeting Action Table