Commission approves PD-123 amendment for Aspen Parkway commercial/light-industrial park with limited facade variance

The Planning & Zoning Commission approved amendments to Plan Development District (PD) 123 that revise site layout, landscaping and elevations for a roughly 10.07-acre light-industrial parcel north of East Main and west of South Midlothian Parkway.

Assistant director Marion Spencer described the proposal and staff's recommendations: the applicant proposed a collection of buildings ranging from about 4,500 to 10,000 square feet, 166 parking spaces, and access off Aspen Parkway; staff supported amendments that oriented building fronts to Aspen Parkway but recommended against allowing rear-facing elevations toward Aspen without screening. The parcel is currently designated in the Midlothian 2045 plan as a Newtown module and is zoned light industrial.

Applicant James Martin said the intent is to deliver a "retail feel" along Aspen Parkway with sidewalks, enhanced facades and flexible tenant spaces; he asked for minor PD-modification language to avoid full reapproval of small future adjustments. Commissioners discussed circulation, the width and condition of Murray versus Aspen, façade articulation and the limits of city control over building materials. One commissioner cautioned that state law restricts local control of certain materials, noting the applicant's design intentions are not a guaranteed long-term outcome.

The commission voted to approve the PD amendment while denying most variance requests and allowing a limited variance to permit non-masonry materials that provide an appearance of masonry on specified front and side elevations; the motion passed 6-0.