Planning panel backs ice cream shop with drive‑through in Lower Beaver neighborhood

The Des Moines Planning and Zoning Commission on Dec. 18 recommended approval of a rezoning and land‑use amendment to allow an ice cream shop with a drive‑through at 4540 Lower Beaver Road.

Jillian Summer, planning staff, told the commission that Evergreen LLC seeks to amend Plan DSM to change the site from low/medium‑density residential to neighborhood mixed use and rezone the parcel from NX2 to RX1 to permit retail and the proposed drive‑through. "Staff is recommending approval of the item," Summer said, while noting the drive‑through and access configurations may require a Type 2 design alternative and that a site plan review will address driveway locations and other details.

Applicant Suki Kor, who said she has lived in the area for 10 years, described the proposed shop as a neighborhood amenity. "This shop will be bright, colorful, and inviting, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy desserts for families and kids," she said. The applicant emphasized reuse of the existing building and limited site changes beyond seating and a drive‑through.

Local residents and neighborhood leaders spoke in favor. Isaac Yall, president of the Lower Beaver Neighborhood Association, said about 30 neighbors attended their meeting and voiced support, adding they are "excited to see new life in that district." Neighbor Steve Lautic said the neighborhood has empty commercial buildings and blight that this project could help address.

Opponents raised traffic and safety concerns. Carol Maher, who identified herself as a bike advocate from downtown Des Moines, cited the bike lane that runs in front of the parcel and warned that a drive‑through would introduce short, car‑focused trips and additional curb cuts: "Putting a car focused business at this location is not desirable," she said, urging the commission to consider closing curb cuts and improving sidewalks. Maher pointed to a past crash near Woodlawn Preschool as evidence that pedestrian safety merits careful review.

Commissioners discussed the curb‑cut and traffic questions and deferred technical review to staff and the traffic department. An unidentified commissioner moved to approve staff's recommendation; the motion passed by voice/hand vote. The commission's action forwards the recommendation (and staff's site‑plan condition for landscaping and further design review) to the City Council for final action as required by city procedure.

Next steps: the applicant will proceed with site‑plan review and any Type 2 design alternatives required for the drive‑through; the City Council will hold the final public hearing and decision on the requested Plan DSM amendment and rezoning.