Midlothian council denies proposed Midlow Scoops expansion after hours of public comment; orders workshop

After more than two hours of public comment and detailed council questioning, Midlothian City Council denied without prejudice a request to amend Planned Development District (PD) 114 and rezone 101 and 105 South Third Street so Midlow Scoops could relocate and expand into the neighboring house. The council directed staff to convene a workshop with neighbors, applicants and staff to seek additional, enforceable mitigation.

The Midlothian Planning and Zoning Department and the applicant described the requested change as a modest conversion of an existing residential property into an indoor ice‑cream/parlor and beverage area with limited food preparation. Planning staff reported that the proposal was consistent with the city’s downtown master plan and recommended approval; the Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended the amendment 5–2. Staff also said property‑owner notification produced approximately 52 letters in opposition and 65 in support and…