Treats, a proposed boba tea and ice cream shop on Grand Avenue, received a treat of its own on Wednesday when the St. Paul City Council voted to rezone the site of a former hair salon to allow the restaurant-type use.

The proposal passed 5-1, with Council Member Jane Prince opposed and Dai Thao absent.

“This is an appropriate rezoning, especially because it is the least intense rezoning that would allow the tenants’ proposed use,” said City Council Member Rebecca Noecker.

The change from “business-community” zoning to “traditional neighborhood” zoning at 770 Grand Ave. drew some spirited opposition from former City Council Member Dave Thune and others during a public hearing this month.

Critics noted the more intense “TN” zoning would allow new construction up to the property line, though Treats property owners Reza Inc. have said nothing so dramatic is planned.

“My fear is this is going to lead to a flurry of additional properties seeking the TN zone,” Prince said. “I heard the landlord promise that he has no intention of demolishing the building or adding one of those really ugly additions that would bring the property up to the property line. Promises mean something in this room.”

Noecker said that any future demolition would still have to go before the city’s Heritage Preservation Commission for approval.