Village Square Mall Owner Fails to Show for Status Hearing

Village Square Mall owner Mike Cohen failed to show up for a status hearing in Effingham County Circuit Court Friday. The hearing had been scheduled to see whether Cohen was complying with an agreed order to correct structural problems at the Mall properties on South Banker in Effingham.

Neither Cohen nor his attorneys showed up for the hearing. 

Village Square Realty Management...that is, Cohen...signed with the City an agreed order in July in which Cohen pledged to make the structural improvements.

City Attorney Tracy Willenborg said she will meet with the City Council and other City officials to determine how to proceed in the matter. Options include the Court finding Cohen in contempt for not complying with the order, and the City getting the Court's permission to make the corrections and then placing a lien on the property until they are reimbursed for its expenses.

Willenborg said the City continues its efforts to ensure existing businesses in the Mall can continue to operate.