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County Holds 2nd Public Hearing on Acquiring Jamestown Mall Land
St. Louis County held a public hearing at a special Committee of the Whole meeting of the St. Louis County Council on Tuesday Jan. 3. The recently completed blighting study was presented. “As we go through this process, public input is crucial,” County Executive Steve Stenger said. “We want to hear from St. Louis County residents about their concerns while keeping everyone informed about our progress.”
The Council discussed the possible need for the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority to use eminent domain to acquire the remaining mall properties. Before plans can proceed, all properties must be acquired, and the mall itself and the large parking tracts must be declared blighted.
According to Stenger, the county has “taken the unprecedented step of buying mall properties from three of the five owners.” Those who sold are cooperating with redevelopment plan. For example, the county already purchased the Macy’s property for $1. Reportedly, one property that still needs to be acquired is Dillard’s.
The County Council held the first public meeting on the blight study on Dec. 6.
Since St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger took office less than 2 years ago, his administration has worked steadily toward the transformation of the Jamestown Mall property that fell into disrepair and was closed in 2014. The property is unsightly and poses safety hazards for area residents.
“Our residents deserve better,” County Executive Stenger said. “We have taken the unprecedented step of buying mall properties from three of the five owners. We want to make Jamestown Mall a property North County residents can be proud of once again.”
To acquire the remaining mall properties, the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority may need to exercise eminent domain. A blight study was recently completed and will be presented to the County Council in a second public hearing Tuesday.
“As we go through this process, public input is crucial,” County Executive Stenger said. “We want to hear from St. Louis County residents about their concerns while keeping everyone informed about our progress.”
The public hearing on the blight study will be held at a special Committee of the Whole meeting of the St. Louis County Council on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 41 South Central, 1st Floor, Clayton, MO 63105.
County Council held the first public meeting on the blight study on December 6th.
