Residents press council for answers as mall redevelopment stalls, urge veterans use

Longtime Monroeville residents urged council to press a developer and prospective retail owners for clarity about the future of the local mall, saying tenants have been left without information and calling for community‑oriented reuse.

"He has been there 34 years, and he is left clueless," said Georgiana Woodhall, a resident who signed in for public comment, describing a tenant she said had little foot traffic and no updates on the property. Woodhall said she wants the site used for veterans and first responders if redevelopment proceeds.

Council staff said the municipality’s primary contact for developer negotiations is the property manager and that the developer—referenced in public comments as a group including Cypress and Walmart entities—has been working to finalize deals with existing leaseholders. "They're not haven't been successful to get to that point," staff told Woodhall, saying the borough remains in a holding pattern until lease issues are resolved.

Council members repeatedly urged residents to raise concerns with their county council representative and said the municipal review process (building department, planning commission, council) begins only when formal plans or demolition permits are submitted. One council member said demolition and plan submittals would trigger the public review steps.

The comment period also included calls from residents to use the site for veterans’ services or other community resources. "Put something there for for our veterans and our 1st responders," Woodhall said. Council asked residents to submit written materials and promised staff would follow up where appropriate.

No formal council action was taken on the mall at this meeting; staff said they were awaiting the developer’s ability to move forward.