City Granted Permission to Make Repairs to Village Square Mall

The City of Effingham has been granted permission to make repairs at Village Square Mall.

At a hearing Friday afternoon in Effingham County Circuit Court, Judge Jeffrey DeLong ruled that the City can examine the Mall to determine what improvements, including demolition where necessary, should be made. The City can then place a lien on the property to recoup its costs from Mall owner Mike Cohen.

City Attorney Tracy Willenborg said the City's goal all along has been to do what is best for the south side of Effingham, including the current tenants of the Mall. 

At the City's request, Judge DeLong reserved the issue of sanctions against Cohen.

The judge also ruled that no work can take place, including demolition, in the area of the former J.C. Penney store at the Mall until it can be evaluated as to its structural soundness.

Willenborg obtained a March hearing date to review progress made in the matter.