COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The City of Columbus and the owners of the long-closed Eastland Mall have been found in contempt of court after a Franklin County judge discovered a carnival was held on the mall’s grounds, despite a standing court order prohibiting events at the site.
Demolition work began at the site this year, 57 years after the shopping center opened. Crews from Grove City-based Loewendick started tearing down the north end of the shopping center on Columbus’ southeast side in February.
The city recently granted a permit for a carnival in the parking area near the mall’s former Sears, yards away from the active demolition of the shopping center, which closed in 2022.
Judge Stephanie Mingo stated that the carnival was observed on the Hamilton Road property last week, violating the court’s directive from last year that barred any activities until further notice. The judge also held the property’s owners, IGWT and Eastland Mall Holdings, accountable for the breach.
A chief environmental specialist for the court reported seeing carnival equipment and attractions being set up near the mall, which is currently undergoing demolition. The investigation revealed at least eight open points of entry to the property, making it accessible to the public.
Adam Sears, Chief Environmental Specialist, expressed concerns about public safety.
“The people I witnessed on the premises, including students from the nearby schools, attempting to access these vacant, open, and unsecured areas, posed a significant risk to public health, safety and welfare,” Sears said.
Sears recommended that the court reaffirm its previous orders requiring the defendant to bring the property into compliance and deferred to the court’s judgment regarding any additional orders.
The first demolition phase at Eastland Mall was mandated to be completed by May 31, based on an earlier agreement between the city and its owners. The second phase cannot start until Eastland Preparatory Academy, which operates out of the former Macy’s, goes on summer break, and must be completed by Sept. 15.
In March, a group led by the Columbus Department of Neighborhoods unveiled a study called Eastland for Everyone that lays out a vision for the southeast side property and the surrounding area. Reflecting 16 months of work and 1,800 participants, the study highlights what residents want to see in the neighborhood, including more grocery stores, a recreation and community center, more jobs, and improved safety and transportation.
The plan contains a rendering of what a redeveloped Eastland Mall could look like, with shops, restaurants, a rec center, housing, and other uses.
