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County Executive Steve Stenger and the County Council last week took another step into blighting the once vibrant Jamestown Mall. Conditions within the huge mall are deteriorating and it’s being called a menace to public health and safety.

The county council held the first of two public hearings last week to decide what the

county should do about the mall and 148-acres of property there. A second hearing is planned in January. The county can proceed once the mall itself and large parking tract are declared blighted.

Stenger has been working on transformation of the mall for the past 18 months calling it “unsightly and possessing safety hazards to residents.”

“I feared that if the County did not step in and be proactive, the site would remain a

detriment to North County,” County Executive Stenger said. “We took the unprecedented step of buying mall properties from four of the five owners. We want to make Jamestown Mall a property North County residents can be proud of once again.” One property the county bought was Macy’s for $1.

To acquire any remaining mall properties, the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority may need to exercise eminent domain. A blight study was completed and was presented to the County Council during a public hearing Dec. 5

“Blighting is an important step in acquiring the final properties,” County Executive Stenger said. “This is a key action in a complex process. Once we control all the mall properties, we will request proposals for new uses.” He added that “all options are on the table.”

Stenger has stated that property is an “eyesore” and a “drain” on North County. How long it will take to make a decision about the property’s future is anybody’s guess.           –Bob Lindsey

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