The Garland Plan Commission on Jan. 27 recommended approval of a five-year specific-use provision (SUP) for a used-goods retail store at 3338 Broadway Boulevard, Suite 314, after a brief public hearing and applicant remarks.

Planning staff had recommended denial of the requested SUP for a 20-year timeline, saying the proposal is “not consistent with the future land use map and not considered the highest and best use for the surrounding area.” The commission, after hearing from the applicant and the landlord, voted unanimously by show of hands to recommend a modified five-year SUP; the recommendation will go to City Council for final action.

The site is a roughly 6,500-square-foot leased suite within a community retail (CR) zoned shopping center that is surrounded by other community retail uses, a multifamily planned development for senior living, and neighborhood office uses. Staff told commissioners it sent notice to the public and recorded 129 mailings; staff said it received one written response opposing the request but that response was outside the notification area.

Leitron Thomas, the applicant, described the proposed business as more than a conventional thrift store. “We’re not just a regular thrift store. . . . It’s my concept is to have a Saks Fifth Avenue of the thrift stores,” Thomas said, adding the operation would include youth training, job-readiness help and philanthropy such as providing clothing for people seeking employment. Thomas said the location previously housed a thrift store before zoning changed and that he had already signed a lease and purchased new inventory when he learned the zoning required an SUP.

Kevin Fan, who identified himself as the landlord, told the commission he helped place the applicant in the space and described the proposed shop as “very well organized” and likely to attract customers to the center.

Commissioners noted they were comfortable shortening the requested 20-year SUP to a five-year term to allow the business to operate while retaining the commission’s and council’s ability to reassess later. Commissioner Paris moved to approve with a recommendation of a five-year SUP; Commissioner Rose seconded. The vote was unanimous.

Staff emphasized that the plan commission’s action is a recommendation; the City Council will consider final approval. The record shows staff recommended denial and the commission recommended a shorter, five-year SUP after hearing testimony and viewing the site photos included in staff materials.

Votes and next steps: The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to Garland City Council; the council’s date for formal consideration was not specified at the hearing.