The Dallas City Council has voted unanimously to approves changes to the development agreement with PC LH Land Partners (Prescott), writes Carol Toler of the Advocate. This includes an increase of TIF revenues from $23 million to $40 million, which will allow PC LH to hire a consultant and extend project deadlines.

However, one important issue that was not addressed was the issue of how large the grocery anchor was allowed to be. Residents opposed a large grocer, such as Tom Thumb, and were in favor of a more unique name like Trader Joe's or Sprouts.

Michael Coker, representing JAH Realty, spoke to the council, "We're not opposed to using TIF funds to redevelop Skillman Corridor. The LH Town Centers adds to the quality of life of the community. But, we've been good corporate citizens and another big box competitor will do us harm. We prefer to level the playing field."

JAH Realty's biggest concern was that if the grocery anchor was given to Tom Thumb, the big-store grocer would have two stores in close proximity - one at Skillman and Abrams and another at Skillman and Royal (where JAH Realty owns property) - and would be able to combine them into one Lake Highlands Town Center flagship store.

Bill MacLeod, a citizen of Lake Highlands, was also against a big grocer. His reasoning was that if the council allowed a big box store, then two separate shopping centers would die and because of this, the Lake Highlands community wanted a small box store.