Repairs Underway at Village Square Mall; Negotiating on Scope of Work

Repair work has been going on at Village Square Mall after much deterioration of the facility under a previous owner. Now, though, discussion is underway between the City of Effingham and the new owner as to the scope of work, particularly regarding the roof.

(A WORKER ENTERS THE FORMER J.C. PENNEY ENTRANCE AT VILLAGE SQUARE MALL EARLIER THIS MONTH)

Meanwhile, there will be a change in judges overseeing the case. Keith Jacob has entered the case as the attorney for Durga Property Holdings, the new owners of the mall. Jacob and Judge Jeffrey DeLong, who has been the judge on the case, are former law partners, so DeLong has recused himself from the case. Judge James Eder, who originally was assigned the case, will return as judge in the matter.

While the parties attempt to reach agreement on the scope of work on the mall roof, the case will be the subject of another telephone conference call the morning of June 11.