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DeSoto County planning commission tables Market at 305 rezoning after neighborhood pushback
Summary
The DeSoto County Planning Commission on Feb. 26 tabled a request to rezone 5.1 acres along Hwy 305 and I‑269 to C‑4 Planned Commercial after residents raised concerns about traffic, lighting and business impacts; commissioners asked for a broader PUD plan and voted 8–4 to delay a decision until March 2.
The DeSoto County Planning Commission on Feb. 26 tabled a rezoning request for "The Market at 305," a proposed planned commercial development on 5.1 acres west of Highway 305 and north of Interstate 269, after extended public comment and questions from commissioners.
Planning staff introduced the application (RZNE‑000837‑2026), and attorney George Ready, representing applicants Lonnie and Tonya Umberger, told commissioners the request is consistent with the C‑4 Planned Commercial District and appropriate along the I‑269 corridor. Ready said the existing agricultural zoning predates I‑269 and the area’s residential growth and argued the proposal fits the corridor’s commercial character.
The applicant’s architect, Corey Brady, said the site plan includes a 30‑foot landscape buffer and that the developed portion will sit well back from existing agricultural parcels; he also confirmed fencing to protect the remaining AR property. Brady noted any turn lane at the entrance would need Mississippi Department of Transportation approval.
Dozens of nearby residents spoke during public comment. Todd Rawson of 8695 Cole Road raised concerns about increased traffic and a possible rise in truck traffic; Andrew Sakalarios of 970 Highway 305 N. said lighting and noise could affect his home and asked whether the store would operate 24 hours; Stacey Medlin Elliott warned that another convenience store could harm existing businesses and emphasized that Highway 305 needs widening. Resident Murray Haslip described the request as "spot zoning" and asked to see the remainder of the property laid out as a planned unit development (PUD).
Some residents expressed support: Jackie Smith said she thought the store design was attractive, and another commenter said they appreciated the developer’s work.
After public comment closed, Ready told the commission he understood neighbors’ concerns but maintained the proposal “complies with the comprehensive plan” and argued that “this development will not create traffic, it will capture traffic.” Several commissioners said they wanted to see a PUD or a plan for the entire property before approving a rezoning that would allow commercial uses on a portion of the acreage.
Commissioner Len Lawhon moved to table the Market at 305 rezoning; Commissioner Scott Griffith seconded. The motion to delay action until the March 2, 2026 Planning Commission meeting passed 8–4.
Next steps: the applicant may return to the commission on March 2 with additional PUD information or a broader plan for the full parcel; meanwhile the rezoning request remains tabled.
