Legal issues that have held up development at the corner of Pearl and Whitney roads are finally being resolved, and one official is predicting some action there by the end of the year.

Economic Development Director Brent Painter said the city hopes the parcel will be under new ownership within a few months.

"We have some potential projects lining up for that site," Painter said.

The parcel has been tied up in foreclosure since the Toledo-based Timberstone development group ran into financial obstacles and bowed out in 2009.

Timberstone was the second developer to plan and then abandon a project there.

WXZ Development Inc. recently posted signs seeking retailers at the long-stalled retail site, indicating signs of life for the parcel.

"At least there's movement and it's getting closer," Painter said. "I think we'll see some activity there by the end of the year."

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. Circuit City is out of business, and Bed Bath & Beyond built a store at the Plaza at SouthPark.

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

Timberstone's other Strongsville project, a Kindercare on an outlot at Westfield SouthPark, was also abandoned mid-construction.