Commission unanimously backs rezoning that would remove warehouse uses and phase out Southern Junction use

The Irving Planning and Zoning Commission on April 6 unanimously recommended that City Council approve a comprehensive‑plan amendment (2026‑13‑CP) and an associated zoning change (2025‑478‑CZ) for a commercial property along Irving Boulevard previously tied to the Southern Junction use.

Andrew Ruig, representing the property owner, told the commission staff had worked with the applicant to remove warehouse and distribution from the request and to limit outside storage and related uses. “We’ve taken off the ML2A and gone to community commercial and added some uses,” Ruig said, describing a package of indoor‑oriented commercial and showroom uses the applicant said would better match the surrounding heavy‑commercial area.

Ruig acknowledged community concern — including a petition described at the hearing as a “Save Southern Junction” petition — but said the existing entertainment use had not been commercially viable and that the owner had effectively stopped hosting events. “No matter how the vote goes tonight, they’re basically out of business soon,” he said.

Commission discussion focused on compatibility with surrounding zoning, limits on outdoor storage, and the mix of indoor uses (contractor office and storage, commercial retail/showroom and limited indoor automotive display). Commissioners thanked the applicant for revising the proposal and working with staff; the commission voted to forward both the comprehensive‑plan change and the zoning map amendment to City Council with recommendations of approval. The council will consider the items at its April 16 meeting.

Materials presented at the hearing emphasized that the request eliminates a warehouse‑distribution use the applicant originally sought and adds guardrails intended to limit intensity and outdoor storage. The recommendation is advisory; the City Council must take final action.