COLUMBUS, Ohio — A status hearing was held Wednesday in Franklin County Municipal Court to discuss demolition plans for Eastland Mall.
Years ago, the Eastland Mall was a thriving place to shop, eat and enjoy on the east side of Columbus.
“It’s a lost memory, to everybody that was out here for years that know this is where you go to get your shoes, your shirts, your clothes,” said community member Giona Dolin.
Now, the property sits empty, fenced in and abandoned.
The city has slapped the owners with multiple code violation fines.
“While work is happening at the property including asbestos remediation, the concern of the city is there is no end game here without a demolition of that mall,” said Steve Dunbar, an attorney with the city.
While plans continue to push forward, the latest application to demolish the old property was rejected by the city.
“The city needs more information about exactly how those buildings are intertwined, physically how they are connected together any overlap of utilities,” added Dunbar.
“We have made progress, and we still plan on doing that, the demolition contractor has been paid,” said an attorney representing the mall. “Things were moving forward, and the demolition application denial was unexpected."
Demolition of the mall does not include the Eastland Preparatory Academy building or the old Sears building.
“We have elementary school kids running around and the idea of a demolition plan moving forward without our input just really doesn’t make sense from a safety perspective,” said an attorney representing the school
The city can only move forward with cooperation and collaboration with the other buildings nearby.
Another hearing is scheduled Nov. 20.