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Council approves rezoning at 820 W. Miller Road but removes convenience‑store use
Summary
The Garland City Council on April 7 approved a planned‑development rezoning for 820 W. Miller Road in District 5 to prepare the site for future tenants, but explicitly removed allowance for a convenience store; the church on the site holds leases through 2027 and no immediate redevelopment is planned.
The Garland City Council voted unanimously April 7 to rezone the property at 820 West Miller Road to a planned development with a neighborhood‑services base, while removing the proposal’s allowance for a convenience‑store use by right.
City planner Nabila told the council the site is slightly under 1 acre, is bordered by commercial uses to the north and single‑family homes to the east, and currently houses a church with leases that run through 2027. Nabila recommended that a convenience‑store use remain subject to a special‑use permit rather than be permitted by right, and outlined other proposed PD conditions including a minimum planting of six ornamental trees along Miller and prohibitions on certain uses (laundromats, outdoor display, transit stations).
Maxwell Fisher, representing the applicant Zone Dev and 1 Group Holdings, described the rezoning as a way to “open up options for reoccupying the space” once the church’s lease expires. Fisher said the owner agreed to screening, to remove accessory structures and to add ornamental trees along the frontage. "We would agree to remove the accessories or 3rd accessories structure on the property," Fisher said, noting the applicant had prepared the site for future tenants.
Several council members said a convenience store at the site would concern nearby residents. Mayor Pro Tem Luck said his worry was twofold: proximity to a single‑family neighborhood and the potential sale of tobacco and alcohol near the skate park, which volunteers regularly find cigarette butts around. "My concern with a convenience store is twofold," he said, describing public‑safety and nuisance concerns near the skate park. Councilmember Beard noted existing nearby retail and crosswalk access and urged retail that would support the skate‑park community instead of an additional convenience store.
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Ott moved to approve the rezoning with the removal of the convenience‑store use; Councilmember Bass seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
The PD change does not include a specific site concept; staff and the applicant said no immediate redevelopment is planned while the existing tenant remains through 2027. The council’s approval prepares the parcel for future applications, including any SUPs that would return to the Planning and Zoning Commission and city council for review.
