HERMITAGE, Pa. (WKBN) – The impending closure of Shenango Valley Mall is leaving question marks for the many businesses still operating there. Hermitage city officials say they want to keep the businesses that remain in the city.
City leaders don’t want to lose local businesses to mall closures, so to help local businesses stay afloat, city commissioners are proposing funding for relocation and other costs. ing.
The Board is considering the details of the evacuation support policy. If the resolution passes, the city will have access to relocation assistance in the form of mini-grants. The proposal states that the business must stay at the Hermitage for three years or the funds will have to be repaid.
Mark Longhietti, director of business and community affairs, said it’s important to provide support to businesses forced to leave the mall.
“Each of them has or will have some expenses associated with relocating, so this mini-grant of up to $3,000 will help with those expenses,” Longhietti said. Ta.
So far, three companies have found new locations in the city.
City commissioners are scheduled to vote on the proposal at Thursday’s voting meeting. Longhietti said he expects them to approve it.
“It’s time to turn the page,” Longhietti said. “One thing we know about life is that change is always a constant. You know things change, but I think this will be accepted by people and change for the better.”
The remaining anchor store, JcPenney, will close within two weeks. The mall itself will close on May 31st.
