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Northridge Mall demolition, $15M awarded to city
The city of Milwaukee was awarded $15 million in federal funds to demolish and redevelop the blighted Northridge Mall, but other hurdles still remain.
MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee is getting millions of dollars to demolish the dilapidated Northridge Mall as a battle over the property continues.
The property owner, U.S. Black Spruce, continues to rack up fines for being in contempt of court for failing to secure the property. Gov. Tony Evers awarded a $15 million American Rescue Plan Act grant to pay for demolition, but the clock is ticking.
"This has been a blighted eyesore on the northwest side of the city of Milwaukee," said Mayor Cavalier Johnson."It’s dragged down the entire city of Milwaukee, in fact."
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The once-popular mall has been closed since 2003. Since then, there have been fires, break-ins and even a death.
"The property in question, Northridge Mall, is a danger. It has been for a number of years," Johnson said.
Northridge Mall
The most recent fire came in November. The city asked for $15 million to cover demolition, asbestos abatement and site work.
"This day only came about because of the collaborative efforts. It’s a much-needed thing to help our community, so we get rid of this blight," Taylor said.
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Northridge Mall redevelopment funding announcement
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson was joined by city leaders at the blighted Northridge Mall property to talk about new federal funding that will go towards demolition and redevelopment.
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The grant award brings the city one step closer to a years-long goal of tearing down the building. There is a timeline for using that money, which must be spent by 2026. The Common Council first needs to earmark the money for its intended use this year, which is expected to happen next week.
"It’s tested my patience, it’s tested the patience of others. We do have to be a little bit more patient as it continues to make its way through the legal system," said Johnson.
Attorneys for U.S. Black Spruce did not return FOX6 News' messages Friday.