MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Raleigh residents say it’s a relief to know a portion of Raleigh Springs Mall will come down this weekend.
The area is an eyesore to people who live close and drive by it.
WREG talked with residents who said the work is long overdue and is a sign that some progress is being made
On Saturday, the Sears Auto Center at Raleigh Springs Mall will be torn down.
“Very happy because it’s a travesty right now. It’s a dumping site basically right now,” said Billy Stewart.
Although some said tearing down the Sears Auto Center is progress, some don’t think it’s enough.
“I think it’s wonderful, but I hope that they don’t just tear part of it down and leave the rest,” said Joyce Stewart who lives in Raleigh.
Most of Raleigh Springs Mall is practically abandoned.
Memphis Council member Bill Morrison said the city is still in court with the owners of the mall building.
He also said the LLC wants $6 million from the city for its two parcels.
The owner reportedly already rejected the $2.5 million Thursday.
Nevertheless, residents said tearing down the Sears Auto Center portion gives them hope.
“They’re going to put the police precinct there and from what I understand it’s supposed to be the Old Allen precinct combined with the traffic division. In addition they’re going to put a library there,” said state Representative Antonio Parkinson.
In the next couple of weeks, the Bank of America and Sears building will come down too.
Morrison said he hopes the city can break ground on the project in September, but that all depends on the current lawsuit
The city hopes this will draw a retail development.
Morrison says the lawsuit is still in limbo although the city continues to seek settlement.
In the past the right documents were not filed properly.