SPANISH FORT, Ala. — Ice might be the last thing on local residents’ minds as clocks fall back and temperatures dip toward freezing, but the Planning Commission has warmed officially to developers’ plans to make the product more readily available within city limits.

Several months of often contentious negotiations ended favorably Monday night when the commission approved unanimously an evolved request to erect a freestanding, self-service ice machine at Papa John’s Convenience Store on Spanish Fort Boulevard.

“As I’ve seen it, so far things look good,” Building Official Bruce Renkert told the commission.

The change of heart comes after the most recent commission work session when proponents of the site plan for the use — only recently added to the city’s Table of Permitted Uses — agreed to relocate the structures away from the convenience store’s gasoline pumps and toward the back of the property.

The shift also reserves parking spaces that would otherwise have been gobbled up by the dispenser, and developers have offered to relocate and fence a dumpster at the rear of the property.

In mid-October the commission approved the land-use request, but several commissioners voiced continuing concerns over traffic congestion the accessory enterprise would create in an already often crowded location.

The permitted use requires the ice machine to be allowed “as an accessory use only, in conjunction with a convenience store or other retail establishment.” Commissioners contended it was up to the developers to develop a site plan that would allow for the new service without creating undue traffic congestion for the convenience store.

Commissioners Kevin Diamond, Maura Dismuke and Mary Brabner voted originally against the request. Brabner — the City Council representative — has since ceded planning duties to fellow council member Tom Sawyer.

In light of the proposed compromise, all nine voting members of the commission approved the measure.

Commissioner J.R. Smith said he appreciates the developers’, working on behalf of businessman Van Knight, compromise and finding a solution that benefits the business interests without sacrificing the commission’s concerns.

In other business, the commission:

rUnanimously approved a revised preliminary and final subdivision approval request by ALNA Baldwin LLC for previously approved Phase I of the proposed Shadow Creek Estates. The change increases several of the lot sizes that did not meet the three-acre threshold required to opt out of sewer services, and increases at least one lot to 4.6 acres.

rUnanimously granted site plan approval for Tacky Jack’s Tavern to overtake the former Oysterella’s location on the Causeway at 1175 Battleship Parkway.

rUnanimously granted the property owner’s request for infrastructure modifications in the cul-de-sac at the end of Blakeley Ridge Drive.

rAnnounced City Hall will be closed Nov. 11 in observance of Veteran’s Day with offices re-opening at 8 a.m. Nov. 12.

rAnnounced City Hall will be closed Nov. 25-26 in observance of Thanksgiving with offices reopening at 8 a.m. Nov. 29.

rAnnounced the city’s fourth annual “Spirit of Christmas” parade will begin at 9 a.m. Dec. 4 at the Eastern Shore Centre. Parade applications are available online at www.cityofspanishfort.com and at City Hall.