UPDATE | Group plans to invest $30M in redevelopment of Southern Park Mall

BOARDMAN — Washington Prime Group plans to invest $30 million in the redevelopment of Southern Park Mall, which will be completed in fall 2020, the mall owner announced at a news conference Thursday.

Washington Prime Group is requesting a tax incentives package and economic development tools to offset costs associated with non-revenue generating investments.

"No resident in Boardman or Mahoning County will be asked to pay a single dollar of new tax as a result of the approval of the proposed incentives," said Matt Jurkowitz, vice president of real estate development at Washington Prime Group.

The investment will include the development of greenspace and a hike and bike path connected to Boardman Park.

Washington Prime Group will host Coffee with the Community Dec. 13 to provide a forum for community members to ask questions regarding the project.

"The redevelopment is a big signal that the mall sees that there is staying power for their investment," said township administrator Jason Loree.

Loree is especially encouraged by Washington Prime Group's plan for the outdoor green space. He said they even suggested using it in the winter months for an outdoor ice skating rink.

So far, Washington Prime Group has submitted stormwater retention plans to account for 15.7 acres of land. Unlike when the mall was developed in the 1970s, developers today must account for stormwater runoff of the area they're developing, said Krista Beniston, township director of zoning and development.

"It looks like they're doing significantly more than they would be required to already," Beniston said.

At a Dec. 16 meeting, the school board will vote on an incentives package to support the redevelopment effort. The package would evaluate the property's tax rate and hold it at that rate during redevelopment.

At Boardman trustees' Dec. 30 meeting, trustees will vote on whether to make the property a community entertainment district, which would simplify the process of acquiring multiple liquor licenses.

Washington Prime Group announced Nov. 18 that Steel Valley Brew Works will be one of the tenants to anchor the redevelopment. The local brew and entertainment venue will be owned by StoneFruit Coffee operator Joshua Langenheim.

This story was originally published December 5, 2019 at 1:59 PM with the headline "UPDATE | Group plans to invest $30M in redevelopment of Southern Park Mall."