Council's action authorizes city staff to negotiate and execute an agreement with Trammell Crow to move the southbound exit farther north. That would give motorists the opportunity to turn into more retail centers situated along the frontage road. Trammell Crow officials have declined to comment on the change. The company is conducting the transaction under a partnership called Parmer/Retail 35 Ltd.

The city would contract with the Texas Department of Transportation, which would do the planning, design and construction. The transportation department has planned to move the exit as part of long-range changes for I-35. The project has been accelerated with the money from Trammell Crow.

The area around Parmer and Howard lanes is quickly adding retail. H-E-B grocery, Home Depot, Lowe's, Wal-Mart and Kohl's are either open or have plans to build between Parmer and Howard. A timetable for the project has not been set.