Gurnee mayor to talk with mall officials in light of holiday mayhem

Gurnee Mayor Kristina Kovarik said she plans to meet after the holiday season with officials from the village's biggest mall out of concern about fights and property damage at a day-after-Thanksgiving midnight opening.

Kovarik said the incidents from 1 a.m. to about 2:50 a.m. Friday at Gurnee Mills were an exception for what she contends is a well-run operation, from security to new stores that have opened.

"We can't let the perception be out there that it's not safe," Kovarik said Tuesday.

Gurnee Mills' Florida-based publicist, Scott Dobroski, declined to go beyond a statement about the mall's successful Black Friday that attracted thousands of eager shoppers. The mall has a zero-tolerance policy for "those disrupting others."

Village police said eight people were charged with crimes that included criminal damage to property, battery and mob action. Those arrested were 16 to 23 years old and participated in incidents ranging from fights to damaging a mall kiosk, authorities said.

Kovarik said she wants a post-holiday meeting with Gurnee Mills representatives to discuss opening at midnight to kick off the Christmas shopping season. She said nuisance factor from the early hour may negate the mall's potential financial gain.

"If they're going to operate their promotions, we're going to have to sit down," she said.

Gurnee depends heavily on the mall because of the local sales tax revenue it generates. The village does not have a property tax.

Trustee Greg Garner said he's concerned about the village's financial future if Gurnee Mills' problems continue. Garner said he's regularly observed loitering teenagers and what appear to be gang members at the mall.

Garner said a public meeting should be held with the village board, police, residents and Gurnee Mills representatives discussing what's happening at the mall and ways to eliminate trouble.

"I think people are fearful of shopping at Gurnee Mills," Garner said. "I think the residential mom is fearful of shopping at Gurnee Mills."

Kovarik said Gurnee Mills has been on an upswing since Simon Property Group Inc. took over. For example, this year it became the first Illinois mall to have a Neiman Marcus Last Call Clearance Center store.

Police said Friday's mayhem was not gang-related and didn't involve weapons.