Don’t rush to judge Charlestowne plan

Don’t rush to judge Charlestowne plan

Recently an announcement was made that Charlestowne Mall in St. Charles was being sold. The new owners have not presented any concept for the mall but the negative attitude of the Tri-City residents have spoken.

In comments and letters to the editor, people state that they will never or have never purchased anything at the mall and will continue not to support the merchants in the mall. Some suggestions are more directed to the park districts and the activities that they should offer, but not at a retail outlet.

Other ideas have another strip mall and more restaurants in the out lots or parking lot of the mall. How many strip malls and restaurants are needed on Main Street (Route 64)? The idea of tearing down the mall was even suggested. How attractive is the former St. Charles Mall property?

Even the St. Charles City Council was negative by suggesting that the council may have to make a business enterprise zone for the East side of St. Charles. The city has given taxpayer money to businesses in the form of TIFs, sales tax rebates and outright grants that the city council must believe that only with government intervention can businesses survive in St. Charles.

We have all been disappointed with Charleston Mall and its former owners who promised bigger and better things and failed to perform. Let’s all take a step back and wait for the new owners to present their concept for Charleston Mall. Even when the concept is announced everybody should sit back and review what is being presented before the negative attitude reappears.

Jack McCabe

Batavia