Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Commercial Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board allows standalone car wash, limits convenience store build until intersection is signalized
Summary
The board approved an amendment allowing a car wash to stand alone in Robinson Crossing area 9 and a convenience store with up to four pumps only after the Malone Road–Church Road intersection is signalized and Jan. 20, 2036; the board added a requirement for an echo‑stone fence buffer recommended by members.
The Olive Branch Board of Aldermen approved amendments to Robinson Crossing PUD area 9 on Jan. 20 that separate a proposed car wash from a convenience store and bind a detailed layout and architectural standards.
Staff described key conditions that will govern development: the convenience store with four pumps may not be constructed until Jan. 20, 2036, and only after the Malone Road–Church Road intersection is signalized; the owner also limited fueling to four pumps (eight fueling positions), requires a canopy maximum height of 15.5 feet, mandates a monument sign no taller than 8 feet and located within 40 feet of the driveway, and requires at least one electric‑vehicle charging station.
Dr. Song said the preliminary layout (exhibit) is binding and the building materials are intended to blend with nearby residential character, including 80% minimum brick on the convenience store. Staff reported the planning commission unanimously recommended approval subject to the conditions.
Board members pressed on buffering and noise. Alderman Earhart and others discussed requiring an improved buffer wall rather than a standard wooden fence; Alderman Aldridge moved to approve with the addition of a sim‑echo stone fence (a masonry‑facing, longer‑lasting screen) instead of a plain wood fence. The board approved the motion; the record shows one member opposed and the motion passed.
Applicant Byron Houston and owner Barry Bridgeforth spoke about design changes made after neighborhood meetings, including flipping the car wash to reduce residential noise and enclosing vacuum equipment nearer Church Road. Houston said the design and plant selections will reduce noise impacts. Bridgeforth noted the developer’s intent to continue Robinson Crossing’s existing fence style and said the proposed fence design has performed well in prior phases.
The amendment also made certain uses administrative on the corner lot (allowing other permitted uses, subject to staff review), and requires construction of the agreed buffer across both lots before issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
