"Too many stations have been abandoned," Kilpatrick says. "Many that remain have become eyesores in our neighborhoods. Before we green-light new locations, existing stations must be cleaned up and our planning and building departments must assess if and where new stations are needed."

City officials say there are 379 gasoline stations in the city. Figures released by the mayor's office reveal 68 stations have closed since 1998, while 74 new ones have opened. Most of the closed stations were abandoned.

The plan has the support of the Arab American Chamber of Commerce, the Michigan Food and Beverage Association and the Metro Detroit Service Stations Association. But leaders of other organizations that represent local stores and gas stations say it would be bad for consumers and questioned its legality. A legal review is likely to occur in upcoming weeks. Martin Manna, executive director of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce, for instance, asks, "Why would you want to prohibit competition?"