Council reviews amendment to Bakermore LLC development agreement for Lot D to allow limited highway-commercial uses

City staff briefed the Arlington City Council on a draft amendment to a development agreement with Bakermore LLC to change allowable uses on Lot D of a multi-parcel mixed‑use development. The proposal would retain the mixed‑use overlay but expand permitted highway‑commercial uses on the front parcel to allow smaller retail uses — including drive‑throughs and similar facilities — while limiting uses such as auto sales and major vehicle repair.

The change is intended to make the narrow Lot D marketable for street‑front retail: “We want retail on that front lot,” a city staff member said, noting the parcel’s size has made it difficult to develop under existing mixed‑use restrictions. Staff described the expansion as targeted, not a wholesale adoption of all highway‑commercial uses.

Council members raised traffic and access concerns for the State Route 530/170 Second frontage. Councilmember Deborah Nelson asked whether the transportation department would monitor ingress and egress; staff replied a new driveway cut at the north end of the parcel and related egress work would likely be required. Staff also said the developer would pay traffic mitigation fees into the city’s mitigation fund, and the city might arrange a credit if work on Fortieth Avenue is needed.

Councilmember Heather Logan requested that Exhibit C — the list of permitted additional highway‑commercial uses for Lot D — be completed before the public hearing; staff said Exhibit C will be filled in and a final version presented next week for public hearing and council action. Staff also noted the attorneys for the city and developer were still negotiating language and that tonight’s presentation was informational.

No vote or final action was taken at the workshop; staff said a public hearing and final ordinance or amendment will be brought to council at the next meeting.