Summit County Council agreed Monday to conduct a traffic impact study in the busy Montrose shopping area.
Walmart and two retail property owners are expected to pay for the analysis, which will cost up to $200,000.
The study will likely end two ongoing lawsuits against the county — and possibly clear the way for Walmart to finally build Walmart and Sam’s Club stores on Rothrock Road in Copley Township.
The council approved a memorandum of understanding that says the county will seek bids for the study.
The council approved the measure without comment. Jason Dodson, chief of staff for County Executive Russ Pry, advised members not to comment because of the pending litigation.
As long as the winning bid doesn’t exceed $200,000, Walmart, West Market Plaza Limited Partnership and Montrose Retail Associates Limited Partnership are expected to pay for it.
If the bid process goes smoothly, the study could begin this fall.
The two ongoing lawsuits, which have been consolidated in county Common Pleas Court, date back to 2008 when West Market and Montrose Retail filed suit against the county Planning Commission and county engineer seeking a traffic impact study in Montrose.
The retail property owners say the county failed to do a new traffic study for the proposed Walmart project.
Walmart wants to relocate its stores from Rosemont Commons in Fairlawn to Rothrock in Copley.
The company wants to open a 24-hour supercenter with a full grocery line and a wholesale club that would offer a fuel station.
Rick Armon can be reached at 330-996-3569 or rarmon@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter at @armonrickABJ.