“Again we haven’t seen a lot of progress under this ownership,” said Town of DeWitt Director of Planning and ZoningSamuel Gordon. 

Owners of Shoppingtown Mall in the Town of Dewitt, the developer submitted this “new” plan to the town’s board in May. Consisting of mixed-use residential, office and retailer space, the plan is nearly identical to the original one presented in 2015.

“And until we get an application, there is no project. Maybe there is a concept but there is no project,” said Gordon. 

In June the town passed a new mixed-use zoning overlay as well as other zoning guidelines allowing the development of buildings 2, 4 and 6 stories high depending on location. That same month, a small store announced it would be leaving the mall. One month after the final anchor store, Sears, announced its departure. 

“These are issues that they have to be dealing with on some level. We’re just not sure what they’re thinking,” said Gordon.

Moonbeam owes more than $3 million in back taxes from the last three years. 

“Obviously they’re not paying their taxes so maybe they don’t have a plan for the mall,” said Gordon.

The town is waiting to see if Moonbean will pay its back taxes come October—because it’s delinquent taxes extend back three years, the property could go up for auction.  Or, there could be other options according to town officials. 

“Is it frustrating that this property is sitting vacant in the heart of DeWitt? Yes, it is frustrating,” said Gordon.