The problems at Pittsburgh Mills Mall's parking lot continue to frustrate locals, with its expanse of damaging potholes remaining largely unfilled despite efforts to patch them up. Crews were spotted working on the issue last Saturday, but the efforts were a drop in the bucket compared to the scale of the problem. "Looked like somebody dropped a bunch of bombs in the parking lot," Gary Archer of Butler stated as per CBS News. The situation is exacerbated for motorcyclists, with Taisia Shepeliuk, who teaches motorcycle training at the mall, noting the danger and difficulty in navigating the precarious terrain.
Adding further concern, the Allegheny County District Attorney's office has begun a criminal investigation into Namdar Reality Group, the mall's owner. The office has executed a search warrant to access the company’s bank records amidst claims that the realty group has been collecting money for road maintenance without any apparent use toward that end. Locals such as Sarver resident Tom Younkins have expressed their dismay, describing the roads as "just unimaginable, you can’t navigate anywhere through here," according to WTAE.
Frazer Township police have been compiling reports since 2021, linking nearly 40 incidents directly to the pothole problem. These incidents range from flat tires and damaged wheel rims to accidents and increased response times for emergency services. The conditions were so treacherous that multiple near collisions were witnessed as drivers slammed on their brakes to avoid the deep craters. "It's ridiculous," said Taylor Detzer of Tarentum in a statement detailed by TribLIVE.
The focus of the criminal investigation is still unclear, but local shoppers are frustrated and speculating online. Namdar Realty Group, which buys struggling retail properties, hasn’t responded to requests for comment. Last year, a civil lawsuit was filed against the company for creating a public nuisance due to poor road conditions. Some businesses, like Walmart, have stepped in to help by paying for gravel to ease delivery issues.
