CLEVELAND -- Wal-Mart has agreed to anchor the Steelyard Commons retail project, after initially backing out of the deal.

The retail giant agreed Tuesday to do the project in a proposal that does not require City Council approval.

Council Member Joe Cimperman accused Mayor Jane Campbell of sidestepping council.

"The mayor has shown that she would rather go around and do stuff under the cloak of secrecy instead of an open trusting relationship," said Cimperman.

But Campbell's chief of staff Chris Ronayne said this is not the case.

"What the developer always said to us: 'I have the zoning. I have the money. I have a plan. Work with me. And please don't stand in the way of retail opportunities in the city of Cleveland,'" said Ronayne.

Wal-Mart was brought back to the table with the assurance that it would be able to operate a grocery store alongside its retail business.