Politics & Government

'Dangerous Conditions' Could Force Closure of Lincoln Mall

The Village of Matteson plans to file a lawsuit to shutter the 40-year-old shopping center, based on a slew of more than 25 fire, safety and building violations that threaten the safety of shoppers and workers.

A recent tally of more than 25 fire, safety and building violations is at the crux of the Village of Matteson's lawsuit to force the closure of Lincoln Mall.

Exposed electrical wiring, a dismantled fire sprinkler system, blocked fire exits, and a crumbling roof  threaten the health and safety of shoppers and employees, the Village of Matteson said in a press release Wednesday.  The village is filing a lawsuit to shut down Lincoln Mall permanently—or at least until improvements are made, according to the release.

READ: Should Lincoln Mall Close Permanently? Yelp Users Speak Up

“This was a difficult decision because of the important role Lincoln Mall has played in our community for so many years,” Village President Andre Ashmore said of the 40-year-old shopping center. 

Find out what's happening in Chicago Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“But we have a duty to protect the public. After repeatedly trying to work with this business owner on a correction plan, we can no longer allow him to ignore his responsibility at the expense of the health and safety of visitors. We have no other choice than to close Lincoln Mall until it is safe.”

Officials held a 10 a.m. news conference on Aug. 7 to discuss the matter further.

Find out what's happening in Chicago Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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