Century III Mall owners have 30 days to show good-faith progress on demolition, judge says
WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. (KDKA) -- The battle over the Century III Mall and what to do with the dilapidated property continues.
The state has seen enough and is trying to take the land, but the owners say they will take care of the problem.
Once the beacon of shopping and commerce in West Mifflin, the building is now just a decaying concrete mess. Craters dot the road connecting Clairton Boulevard and Clairton Road. Graffiti covers the outside of former anchor stores.
"Their own testimony was they would never go inside that building without a HAZMAT suit," said West Mifflin solicitor Phil Dilucente.
Friday's court battle gave Moonbeam, the owner of Century III, 30 more days to figure out when it's coming down. Dilucente said this has been a long fight for the borough.
"It's been a long time coming. We understand some of the plight that they've had COVID, but nonetheless, the judge was very clear on that," he said after the hearing.
Moonbeam argued they are moving forward with demolition. They said they tried to get permits this past week but the process is slow. Friday, Common Pleas Judge Jill Rangos gave them 30 days to show good-faith progress.
"At least the taxpayers are seeing movement. This council and this mayor have stressed that this is priority number one for over two years now," Dilucente said. "I can tell you, If a judge makes an order, you better follow it."
The judge said if Moonbeam does not follow through, she may move forward to allow the county DA's office to take possession. Dilucente is glad the judge put conditions on the mall owners, but he would have liked to see, as he called it, more "teeth," for their bond. At this point, it's a waiting game for when the inevitable demolition of the mall will happen.