I think the only thing you're missing is the pessimism that the only way these will be implemented is in an overly exploitative fashion.

Having mixed-use buildings with residential over commercial properties is very common in the US as well. I think the base assumption leading people to the pessimistic appraisal of the project is that Costco will be the one renting the space from Thrive and subletting to Costco employees among other renters similarly to historical Company Towns. I haven't yet read anything to confirm or deny this assumption.