Savvy business or just plain deception?

Was it deceit -- or just a common business practice?

An independent review of Planned Parenthood's development process will determine if the clinic will open as scheduled on Sept. 18.

If the city's review shows all parties acted appropriately, staff leaders are recommending a final occupancy permit be issued.

Foes who oppose the opening of the $7.5 million clinic, which offers abortions, claim the project was pushed through without developers disclosing what it was. Even aldermen were unaware of the building's use until later.

But many building projects don't require city council approval. And leaders of the clinic say it's a common business practice to not disclose one's identity so as not to alert competitors.

In a permit application submitted March 22, the site's property owner is listed as Gemini Office Development, a subsidiary of Planned Parenthood. It lists the tenant as "unknown at this time."

The project became a public hot potato in July after a construction worker at the site learned the identity of the new tenant and told his parish priest about it.

But the building's final plan was approved much earlier, Nov. 16, 2006, during a planning and development committee meeting. Alderman Lynda Elmore asked if the facility was "being built specifically for a tenant," according to meeting minutes.

"We're in negotiations with a tenant; we do not currently have a lease, but we still want to move ahead," a Gemini representative said.

These records, opponents say, show clear deception. It also has raised concern among city officials.

Mayor Tom Weisner "has serious concerns about Planned Parenthood's tactics in coming to the city," spokesman Carie Anne Ergo said. "It's become clear they have known from the beginning they were planning to open in the center. He's disappointed … and concerned the community didn't have an opportunity to weigh in."

Steve Trombley, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood/Chicago Area said businesses often keep their projects close to the vest for competitive reasons, though the clinic situation was a bit different.

"Given (protesters') behavior so far, the reason why we did this should be clear to everybody," he said. "We did not want them harassing our construction workers, harassing our employees and disturbing the community."

That's not the point, said Vince Tessitore, a local zoning attorney who has publicly opposed the center.

"We're not talking about alerting competition, we're talking about being honest with the city that's approving your project," he said.

The formal review, which will cost the city $185 an hour, is being done by attorney Richard Martens. His firm has never before dealt with the city, Planned Parenthood, the Pro-Life Action League, or any of their issues, city leaders say. The review should be done in two to three weeks.