Planning commission approves rezoning to allow Midlow Scoops expansion despite neighbor opposition

The Midlothian Planning and Zoning Commission on a 5-2 vote approved an amendment and rezoning that will change the southern 63 feet of Lot 2, Block 52, Original Town of Midlothian, from Residential 3 to Urban Village Plan Development District No. 114 to allow Midlow Scoops to expand into the adjacent property at 105 South Third Street.

City planning staff introduced the plan development amendment, saying the two properties total 0.396 acres and the proposal would allow professional office and a limited restaurant/walk-up beverage and prepackaged food use while prohibiting on-site baking, cooking of hot food and heavy food-preparation equipment. Staff said the change is consistent with the city’s 2045 comprehensive plan and the surrounding “original town” land-use module.

Neighbors strongly opposed the rezoning during the public hearing. Josh Messenger, a resident at 717 West Avenue H, told commissioners the neighborhood already suffers from parking congestion and said, “I think that this is going to increase our parking problems in the area.” Ted Howard, a longtime Old Town resident, argued a…