Mayor Prods Deerbrook on Plans

Uncertainty continues over the future of Deerbrook Mall despite statements more than four months ago by mall management a comprehensive plan was likely to be forthcoming by the end of August.

When representatives of Mid America Realty, the shopping center manager, asked the Village Board of Trustees May 6 for approval to move around some of the existing tenants it told Mayor Harriet Rosenthal and the Trustees it expected to know more in 90 days.

The 90-day suggestion came on the heels of the sale of Jewel to Supervalue. The relocation of Jewel into a new Deerbrook store is a key part of renovation plans. Mall representatives indicated they would have an answer from the food and drug retailer by then.

“Mayor Rosenthal is in regular communication with Deerbrook management,” Village Manager Kent Street said. “Jewel is reviewing its space needs in light of market competition. We do expect something relatively soon.”

Comprehensive redevelopment plans including removal of interior mall space and a relocation of both Jewel and T.J. Maxx was tabled just over a year ago when uncertainty arose over Jewel’s future.

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