What to watch: The Midland City Council will meet Tuesday, Nov. 18, to consider zoning changes for a new retail development on Austin Street and a car sales business on North Midland Drive. Both proposals would bring new activity to underused areas but have drawn mild neighborhood pushback over noise and traffic.

Key points:

  • Austin Street rezoning: Developers are requesting to rezone a 1.4-acre vacant lot at 1110 Austin St. from multi-family zoning to local retail. The change would allow the construction of a small shopping center with up to five tenants.

City staff said the site meets all zoning standards and fits the surrounding development, including retail to the north and east, housing to the west, and a planned office center to the south. The applicant said the project supports infill revitalization in Midland’s central area.

Three nearby homeowners, about 3% of those notified, filed objections citing “an influx of traffic,” “noise,” and “not enough law enforcement.” Planning staff still recommended approval, calling the retail zoning a “low-intensity buffer” between single-family homes and heavier commercial areas.

  • Midland Drive SUD: Council will also consider a Specific Use Designation (SUD) without Term for a car sales and service business proposed at 406 North Midland Dr. The site, already zoned regional retail, would formally permit vehicle display and light service operations.

The property sits near a mix of housing, retail, and an auto body shop. City planners said the proposal fits the area and aligns with the city’s goal of building functional, high-quality neighborhood centers.

One resident, representing 2.3% of nearby properties, submitted an objection letter citing “noise pollution” from the nearby public pool and junior high school and opposing additional noise from the business.