There has been interest in building on the vacant land at Pearl and Whitney roads, but nothing can happen there until the former developer's legal issues are settled.

Mayor Tom Perciak said this week that litigation between banks and Timberstone Group has tied up any action on the property.

He gave the update at a City Council meeting in response to a resident's question.

The long-in-coming retail development stalled for the second time in mid-2009 when Toledo-based Timberstone ran into financial trouble and bowed out of the project.

Timberstone's other project, a Kindercare children's learning center on an outlot facing Howe Road to the east of Westfield SouthPark mall, was also halted mid-construction.

Perciak said some developers and buyers have asked about the Pearl-Whitney site, but the city cannot authorize any action.

"We refer them back to the existing owner or to the financial institution," he said.

Residents were promised a major retail project, to be called Renaissance Park, that would include a grocery store and a mix of other retail and restaurants by original developer David Lewanski, who in late 2005 said he had commitments from Lowe's, Bed Bath & Beyond and Circuit City to locate there.

Lowe's and GFS have been constructed so far.

When Lewanski left, Timberstone proposed a multi-phased project that would include smaller retail stores, restaurants and office space. 

In anticipation of the construction, the area around the project was improved. A hotel and beverage store were removed and trees were planted. A driveway off Pearl Road that would serve the development was also put in.