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Retail size limit might be lifted on Bellingham land mentioned in Costco discussions

Ralph Schwartz; THE BELLINGHAM HERALD
Published: Feb. 10, 2013 at 12:00 a.m. PST
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BELLINGHAM - The City Council will consider removing the size limit on big-box stores from a property that has been the subject of negotiations between city officials and Costco.

That would be just one of many actions required to attract a large store to undeveloped land off West Bakerview Road, across from Fred Meyer.

The change to city code exempting the property from the 90,000-square-foot limit will be considered at a public hearing before the council at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11. The meeting will be held at City Hall, 210 Lottie St.

While the land has been the subject of talks between Costco and the city for several months, city officials say they are making the property ready for any large retailer that might want to build there.

The city has received no word that Costco will relocate its store to the location, Planning and Community Development Director Jeff Thomas said Friday, Feb. 8.

Officials at the Issaquah-based warehouse chain have said their existing store on Meridian Street is too small.

Bellingham officials would like to keep Costco in the city for the sales tax revenue it brings.

The council could vote on the exemption as early as the Monday meeting.

Exemptions were granted in 2010 to other properties along West Bakerview, from Interstate 5 to Northwest Avenue, and along Meridian from I-5 to Horton Road.

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