The Arlington Town Council voted to approve an outline planned-development plan that allows up to 600 apartments or townhouses on the subject property, with specific unit caps and additional conditions. The council also approved an amendment requiring staff to spell out a walking-trail connection as a condition of approval.

Under the outline plan discussed at the meeting, the developer may propose up to 600 dwelling units overall but the plan itself limits density within subareas: no more than 150 units in a single unit area and no more than 300 units in the area identified as "Area A." Council members and staff stressed that the outline plan does not replace a Master Development Plan, which must be approved later and will include design, amenities and architectural details.

A council member who identified concerns about allowed uses under the older B‑1 designation cautioned the body not to commit town funds lightly: "Before you vote to pay for having sewer run to it, you take all of this 23 pages and read it and understand what's in here before you do that," said an unidentified participant (Speaker 6). The transcript shows that concern centered on the town's exposure if the municipality extends utilities prior to final site plans.

Council discussion also addressed vesting timelines. Staff noted that, under state vesting law, approvals can vest for up to 15 years, while the town's internal timelines are typically shorter; speakers contrasted that with the 1998 plan, which had no expiration. Several members emphasized the project will be phased and likely take years to reach initial construction, citing the need for sewer, grading and other infrastructure.

Before the main vote, the council voted to amend the approval to require a walking trail condition; the motion to amend (mover recorded as Mister Biggs; a second was recorded) passed on a verbal voice vote with no opposition recorded on the record. The presiding officer then called the main motion on the project; the motion passed, with Mister McKee and Mister Harmon recorded as voting no on the final approval. The applicant thanked the council after the vote.

What happens next: the developer must submit and receive approval of a Master Development Plan before buildings, amenities and architecture are finalized, and any municipal decisions about extending sewer will be considered separately and require Council authorization. The walking-trail condition will be returned in writing for staff to define precisely.