MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) -
There are some visions for the old Montgomery Mall, but the future is unclear. Now one council member is pushing for more retail development at the site.
"How can we figure out how to do this, so that section of our city that has been neglected when it comes to retail…have the opportunity for the city to take the lead," said Jon Dow, who represents District 6 on the council.
The city is moving forward with plans for a new police and fire substation in one section of the mall. According to the mayor, Belk, Inc., still has a verbal agreement with Riverside Church for the former Parisian building. But nothing has happened in months.
An Iowa developer has 90 days to decide whether to buy the rest of the facility.
Dow wants the city to purchase the portions of the site that are for sale. Mayor Todd Strange said it wouldn't be worth it at this point, because of how much it would cost to renovate the mall.
"The only number we've heard is about $4 million," the mayor said. "It's not worth $4 million. If we bought it for $4 million, we'd tear it down."
Mayor Strange said new stores have opened up in the Governors Square Shopping Center and nearby on the East South Boulevard. But he said retail at the Montgomery Mall site is not an option right now, but could be down the road.
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