Council members set aside the money late last year. But several said Tuesday that they fear the study would be biased because, they allege, the Salt Lake Vest Pocket Business Coalition would drive the study.

The coalition of small-business owners had objected to a proposal for a Home Depot near 3900 South and Highland Drive. The council approved a rezoning for the home-improvement store. Two residents sued and the case awaits a ruling from the Utah Supreme Court.

The proposed study would look at the impacts of two proposed big-box stores, including the new Home Depot and a Wal-Mart, on nearby businesses.

Councilman Russell Skousen said he has some "real problems with the goals of Vest Pocket."

The study is a "vehicle to attack the Home Depot and Wal-Mart and that's not what I voted for," he said. "They [Vest Pocket] lost the Home Depot deal and this is just continuing that."

Councilman David Wilde said big-box impacts already have been studied. "Let's save our taxpayers $30,000," he said.

Jan Crispin-Little, a senior research analyst with the University of Utah's Bureau of Economic and Business Research, which would conduct the study, insisted she is not anti-Wal-Mart or anti-Home Depot. She said the study would provide information on what happens when a big-box store moves into a neighborhood.

"There are many perceptions out there that may not be correct," she said.

Council members punted on whether to fund the study at a later time, but said they would work in the meantime to ensure a study would focus on what they want.

Council Chairman Steve Harmsen said the study makes sense, especially since there is now a situation where the impacts can be examined. He added that the study didn't have to be exhaustive about every impact.

"Let's not go out and see which church is true," Harmsen said. "Let's go out and take a look at this."

No one mentioned during the meeting that the Vest Pocket's president is Peter Corroon, a Democrat running against Republican County Mayor Nancy Workman.

tburr@sltrib.com