SLIPPERY ROCK — The 75-room Marriot Fairfield Inn and Suites here is expected to open Sept. 7, Jeff Schmitz, owner of the property, told borough council Tuesday night.

Council gave Schmitz the go ahead to continue work there. He had asked for a 60-day development plan, which would include a temporary occupancy permit, with the cutoff being Oct. 18.

When the project was given a building permit last year, the opening date was supposed to be in February 2011, but it was delayed.

Borough solicitor Neva Stanger said the confusion began because the property originally was one large development with a number of out parcels. At some point, the property was divided into subdivisions.

Another issue was the entrance to the property.

A roundabout is planned on the hotel's driveway, but council members were concerned that it would be difficult for a fire truck to get through.

Schmitz said that the curb will be built so a fire truck will be able to jump it. Ron Steele, assistant fire chief at the Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire Department, said the department is OK with the roundabout.

Paving of the access road off Route 108 on the property will take place on Thursday or Friday.

Schmitz said most of the landscaping needs to be done by Sept. 1 because Marriot will examine the hotel a week before it opens.

Once that is complete, the only work left is to put up light poles and to do grading and to install fencing near the property's retention ponds.

Stanger expressed confidence in Schmitz's ability to complete the project on time.

“He's very willing to cooperate. I think we can do it,” Stanger said.

The project originally broke ground in November 2007, but was delayed for several years.