{"url":"https://newsadvance.com/news/community/new-era-progress/article_6d51de9f-5d98-47e6-a1a4-f81578c5ec02.html","title":"Ice cream shop gets zoning OK near Amherst circle.","domain":"newsadvance.com","imageUrl":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/13260308/pexels-photo-13260308.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=650&w=940","pexelsSearchTerm":"Ice cream shop exterior","category":"Sports","language":"en","slug":"a8a6deef","id":"a8a6deef-5c89-41ae-b54d-3e9b955ee435","description":"Zoning Approval Granted: An ice cream shop on a vacant lot near Amherst's U.S. 60 traffic circle received zoning approval after rezoning from B-2 to CBD.[[","summary":"## TL;DR\n- **Zoning Approval Granted:** An ice cream shop on a vacant lot near Amherst's U.S. 60 traffic circle received zoning approval after rezoning from B-2 to CBD.[[1]](https://newsadvance.com/news/community/new-era-progress/article_6d51de9f-5d98-47e6-a1a4-f81578c5ec02.html)[[2]](https://amherstva.gov/wp-content/uploads/!archive/TC%20Minutes/TC%20Minutes%20260311.pdf)\n- **Rezoning for Setbacks:** Parcel TM #96A4-A172 owned by Jim Beck and Kathy Beck was rezoned to reduce front setbacks for better shop development.[[3]](https://amherstva.gov/wp-content/uploads/!archive/PC%20Minutes/PC%20Minutes%20260304.pdf)[[2]](https://amherstva.gov/wp-content/uploads/!archive/TC%20Minutes/TC%20Minutes%20260311.pdf)\n- **Local Development Step:** Approval follows Planning Commission recommendation and sets stage for construction in the small town.[[1]](https://newsadvance.com/news/community/new-era-progress/article_6d51de9f-5d98-47e6-a1a4-f81578c5ec02.html)\n\n## The story at a glance\nAn unnamed ice cream shop gained zoning approval to build on a vacant lot near the U.S. 60 traffic circle in the town of Amherst, Virginia. Owners Jim Beck and Kathy Beck applied to rezone parcel TM #96A4-A172 from B-2 (general business) to CBD (central business district) to allow reduced front setbacks. This is reported now after the Amherst Town Council acted following a Planning Commission recommendation; a prior article in March noted the proposal and upcoming hearings.[[2]](https://amherstva.gov/wp-content/uploads/!archive/TC%20Minutes/TC%20Minutes%20260311.pdf)[[3]](https://amherstva.gov/wp-content/uploads/!archive/PC%20Minutes/PC%20Minutes%20260304.pdf)\n\n## Key points\n- Article by Justin Faulconer, reporter for Amherst New Era-Progress and Nelson County Times, published around April 16, 2026.[[1]](https://newsadvance.com/news/community/new-era-progress/article_6d51de9f-5d98-47e6-a1a4-f81578c5ec02.html)\n- Planning Commission on March 4, 2026, held public hearing and voted 7-0 to recommend rezoning; supporters included residents Debbie Hughes and Kathy Maitland.[[3]](https://amherstva.gov/wp-content/uploads/!archive/PC%20Minutes/PC%20Minutes%20260304.pdf)\n- Town Council on March 11, 2026, set public hearing for April 8 after staff report by Town Manager Sara E. McGuffin; motion passed 4-0 (one absent).[[2]](https://amherstva.gov/wp-content/uploads/!archive/TC%20Minutes/TC%20Minutes%20260311.pdf)\n- Rezoning reduces front setback requirements under CBD zoning to enable better site use for the ice cream shop.[[3]](https://amherstva.gov/wp-content/uploads/!archive/PC%20Minutes/PC%20Minutes%20260304.pdf)\n- No shop name, construction timeline, or investment figures reported in available sources.\n\n## Details and context\nThe lot sits near a busy U.S. 60 traffic circle in Amherst, a small town in central Virginia, making zoning changes key for commercial fits.[[1]](https://newsadvance.com/news/community/new-era-progress/article_6d51de9f-5d98-47e6-a1a4-f81578c5ec02.html)\n\nProcess started with proposal announced March 21, 2026; Planning Commission approved recommendation March 4; Council scheduled final hearing for April 8, aligning with the article's timing on approval outcome.[[4]](https://newsadvance.com/news/community/new-era-progress/article_726bd967-812d-4a0f-9972-f36dd08d3ae2.html)[[2]](https://amherstva.gov/wp-content/uploads/!archive/TC%20Minutes/TC%20Minutes%20260311.pdf)\n\nNo opposition noted at hearings; change from B-2 to CBD is minor but targeted to aid this project without broader impacts reported.\n\n## Why it matters\nNew businesses like this ice cream shop signal gradual commercial growth in rural Amherst County.  \nLocal residents gain a convenient treat spot near a main route, potentially boosting foot traffic without major infrastructure needs.  \nWatch for construction start or opening, though timelines remain unreported.[[1]](https://newsadvance.com/news/community/new-era-progress/article_6d51de9f-5d98-47e6-a1a4-f81578c5ec02.html)","hashtags":["#local","#business","#virginia","#zoning","#amherst","#development"],"sources":[{"url":"https://newsadvance.com/news/community/new-era-progress/article_6d51de9f-5d98-47e6-a1a4-f81578c5ec02.html","title":"Original article"},{"url":"https://amherstva.gov/wp-content/uploads/!archive/TC%20Minutes/TC%20Minutes%20260311.pdf","title":""},{"url":"https://amherstva.gov/wp-content/uploads/!archive/PC%20Minutes/PC%20Minutes%20260304.pdf","title":""},{"url":"https://newsadvance.com/news/community/new-era-progress/article_726bd967-812d-4a0f-9972-f36dd08d3ae2.html","title":""}],"viewCount":2,"publishedAt":"2026-04-20T03:39:19.755Z","createdAt":"2026-04-20T03:39:19.755Z","articlePublishedAt":"2026-04-16T14:00:00.000Z"}