District 87 concerned about future of Eastland Mall

Posted on June 15, 2020
Eastland Mall
Reilly says he understands COVID-19 has hit businesses hard, however, he says even prior to the pandemic, Eastland mall had been struggling. (WJBC file photo)

 

By Heart of Illinois ABC

The owner of Bloomington’s Eastland mall says it might not be able to survive the economic impact of COVID-19.

With schools being funded largely by property taxes, District 87 superintendent, Dr. Barry Reilly, is concerned what a potential loss of the mall could mean for Bloomington schools.

Noting that It’s the most valuable piece of real estate in the county, Reilly told our news partner Heart of Illinois ABC you want to put something there that is going to generate dollars to the local economy.

Reilly says he understands COVID-19 has hit businesses hard, however, he says even prior to the pandemic, Eastland mall had been struggling.

If the mall were to close, he worries the economic impact could cause the school to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Reilly did say the funding they see from the mall has steadily dropped over the years. And Eastland has come in to negotiate their assessed values. Reilly added the district has worked hard to help, but can’t rely Eastland to hold up their end of the bargain.

Despite concerns, Eastland Mall remains open, and customers can continue to shop there.

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