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Council rejects 'Southlake Snow' shaved‑ice proposal, citing traffic and safety near Whitechapel roundabout
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Summary
Council voted 7–0 to deny a land‑use amendment and zoning/site plan for a proposed Southlake Snow shaved‑ice business at a roundabout location, after staff and residents raised safety and stacking concerns tied to school pick‑up traffic and the site's driveway configuration.
Southlake — The City Council denied two items on first reading related to a proposed seasonal shaved‑ice business, Southlake Snow, at the corner of North White Chapel Boulevard and West Highland Boulevard by a 7–0 vote on April 7.
Consultant John Cornelson and owner Mitchell Allen described a family‑run concept with a walk‑up window (no drive‑through), tree preservation, a plan to employ students, and charitable proceeds from sales. Cornelson said the proposal reduced monument signage, preserved most trees and designed a low‑impact layout with decomposed granite pathways.
Residents and several council members said the site’s proximity to a fast two‑lane roundabout and to school pickup patterns raised safety and stacking concerns. David Learmonth, a 28‑year resident, described the roundabout as “very fast” and warned that turning into the site during peak school traffic could cause problems. Multiple council members suggested the Whitechapel entrance, as drawn, could create backups into the roundabout.
Council members also discussed hours of operation, removable bollards or gates to close the site in off‑season hours, sign illumination, and whether a right‑in/right‑out configuration would be sufficient to handle peak demand. Planning & Zoning recommended approval earlier, but the council concluded the traffic and safety risks at the proposed location were substantial.
Mayor Pro Tem Williamson moved to deny the land‑use amendment (7A) and then to deny the zoning/site plan (7B); both motions passed 7–0.
What it means: The property owner may return with a different concept or a reconfigured site plan, but the council’s unanimous denial ends this iteration of the proposal. Several council members said the approach might work at another location if access and stacking issues were resolved.
Speakers quoted (selected): - “That roundabout… is very fast. Any kind of trying to turn in there is gonna cause a problem to me,” — David Learmonth (resident). - “We really want this to be as low key as possible,” — Mitchell Allen, applicant.
Actions: Council denied item 7A (land‑use amendment CP26‑0005) and 7B (zoning change and site plan for Southlake Snow), each by a 7–0 vote on first reading (motions to deny).
