If approved by a bankruptcy court, the City of Marion will place a lien on the Illinois Star Centre Mall property.
The mall owners reportedly owe more than two million dollars in special service area assessments, which the City of Marion has had to pay to satisfy a bond.
City Attorney Steve Green recommended the lien at the July 9th City Council meeting.
"I know the Council does NOT want to own the mall. But, it does allow you the opportunity in the future if there is a developer that approaches the City, it'll give you a lot more latitude than what you have right now."
Green doesn't think this will deter someone from inquiring about the facility.
"I suspect that the amount of money we would have as a lien would be less than what the total assessments would be for. So, no sir, I don't believe it would affect any potential developer."
The mall owners declared bankruptcy in May 2017 after an auction failed to attract a buyer.
The mall opened in 1991, but has become increasingly vacant in recent years.
