STERLING HEIGHTS (WWJ) -- Another step has been taken toward ambitious plans for the site of a once-bustling Macomb County mall.
Lakeside Mall shut down back in 2024, and people in the area have been waiting since that time to see any progress made on the property.
On Tuesday, the Sterling Heights City Council approved a tax incentive plan, a $573 million Brownfield plan, to redevelop the land at Hall Road and Schoenherr into the Lakeside City Center, a mixed-use development.
One concern raised at Tuesday night's meeting is that the developer on the project, Lionheart Capital, is from Florida.
Some local union members said they want to make sure that local construction contractors are used.
Lionheart Capital Director of Development Colin Carby said they are in talks with several local construction companies.
"When it comes to local construction participation, yes, we're absolutely looking to partner and work with everyone locally," Carby said at the meeting. "As you can see here, there are all local members of the design and engineering team."
The plan still needs to be approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund Board.
Officials said construction is slated to begin in 2027, if all is approved, starting with the greenspace and park in the middle.
That will be followed by construction of 1,500 units of residential housing units, senior housing and retail space.
Meanwhile, the shuttered old mall is just sitting there.
Speaking to WWJ Newsradio 950 last month, Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor said demolition was expected to begin before the end of this year.
