Progress continues on sale of Southern Park Mall

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21 News was the first to report on a potential deal in the works for a new owner of the Southern Park Mall in Boardman.

Kohan Retail Investment Group is looking to buy the mall but has a troubled financial history. Township leaders say the sale looks positive, as mall tenants wait in limbo.

Boardman leaders were recently notified by the Port Authority and Mahoning County Commissioners of a CRA transfer. Tenants in the mall told 21 News they have not been told any official information regarding a successful sale. 

"We're aware that it's changing ownership but in terms of the details of the sale and how that's going to transpire, we don't have any of that information," explained Township Administrator Jason Loree. 

Kohan Retail Group has a history of falling behind on property taxes and other bills, a concern that's echoed throughout Boardman and led to uncertainty about the mall's future.  

"We've heard good things and bad things about the malls that they end up taking over," Loree added. "We think our mall is very strong. We have very good tenants. There's good participation and we hope that it's a viable mall in the future." 

Tenants in the mall, including Steel Valley Brew Works, have a lease agreement that would carry over to the new owner, essentially acting as a security blanket ensuring their business doesn't go under.

"They've taken some steps with the external changes at DeBartolo Commons with some of the out parcel buildings that I think make the mall attractive," Loree explained. "But time will tell."

In talks of ambulance service in the township, Boardman also plans to maintain a third ambulance unit.

They hope to renegotiate their contract with Lane soon.