The Midland Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a request to rezone a 1.992‑acre tract at 1110 Austin Street from MF‑16 (multiple‑family dwelling district) to LR (local retail) for future retail development.

Britt Murray, senior planner, told the commission the request was submitted by PJP Group LLC on behalf of SHMK Development LLC. Murray said the change was made after City Council asked staff to work with the property owner to seek a less‑intense zoning; the owner agreed to local retail rather than the previously considered regional retail. "Staff recommends approval of this request," Murray said.

Planning staff reported three objection letters — representing about 3 percent of notices sent — that raised concerns about increased traffic and congestion on Austin Street. Murray said the objections were from the initial notice period and that one additional person withdrew an objection after learning the proposed zoning would be less intense.

When the public hearing opened, the applicant deferred comments to staff and no members of the public spoke in opposition. Commissioner Martin moved to approve the rezoning; the motion carried by voice vote, recorded as "Motion passed 7 to 0." No amendments or conditions were recorded in the meeting minutes.

The commission’s approval sends the zone change forward consistent with the staff recommendation and the property’s designation as a special study area in the future land‑use plan, which currently has no specific policies for the designation.