Ice cream shop gets zoning OK near Amherst circle.

TL;DR

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)
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)
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)

The story at a glance

An 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)

Key points

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)
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)
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)
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)
No shop name, construction timeline, or investment figures reported in available sources.

Details and context

The 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)

Process 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)

No opposition noted at hearings; change from B-2 to CBD is minor but targeted to aid this project without broader impacts reported.

Why it matters

New businesses like this ice cream shop signal gradual commercial growth in rural Amherst County.

Local residents gain a convenient treat spot near a main route, potentially boosting foot traffic without major infrastructure needs.

Watch 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)