Exton Square Mall to close after 53 years amid redevelopment dispute

It's the end of an era in Exton, the community's one and only mall, which stood for more than five decades. We'll be closing in just a few days' time. Action News reporter Taronda Thomas live there. Taronda, it's the end of the mall, but it could be the beginning of something very new at that site. Yes, it could be, Brian. It could be a town center with shops, restaurants and homes. Now, there's a court battle happening over that right now. But in the meantime, we went inside for one last look at a place where so many have shopped. First of all, it was a hangout. Exton Square Mall, a place where teenage weekends were made. I was like a typical mall rat back in the day. People were eating, we were walking around getting Dairy Queen and Indian pretzels. This mall is full of memories, but pretty soon it'll be a memory. Take it in the place before it turns to rubble. The Exton Square Mall closing after 53 years. As workers roll out the last of what used to be the pieces of a purchasing paradise, there's a battle over what will happen with this land next. Abrams Realty and Development LLC bought the already dying mall 17 months ago for $38.5 million with the intention of transforming the 65-acre site to a mixed-use town center with housing, shops and restaurants. The West Whiteland Township Board of Supervisors, though, rejected the plan, citing concerns over traffic and infrastructure. The vote caught developer Peter Abrams by surprise. The planning board voted unanimously to approve our master plan submission. And then we went to the Board of Commissioners. And notwithstanding all of this, they turned it down. Abrams sued in hopes that a judge would allow the $500 million project to move forward. As the court battle continues, the mall, with about five businesses inside, has become a financial drain. At this point, is it making you money or costing you money? Oh, it's costing us money. With the doors set to close on Tuesday, some are coming out to take one last mall walk. I said we need to go walk around next to the mall before they tear the thing down. Knowing pretty soon their once-thriving mall will be a memory. What once was is now a has-been. How things change. Now we should mention three businesses will stay open even though the mall is closing. They are Boscobs over here. There's also a mainline health center that will remain open. And Round One Bowling and Amusement. Now, if this plan is approved, it would take three to four years to build this new development. That judge is set to make a decision soon. We'll keep an eye on that. I did reach out to all of the members of the Board of Supervisors for West Whiteland Township. Right now, I'm still waiting for them to return my calls and requests for comment. We're live in Exum, Toronto, Thomas, Channel 6 Action News. Brian and Sarah? Yeah, everyone in that area has memories of Friday nights hanging out there at the mall. Okay, Toronto, thanks so much.