Criminal charges have been brought against the New York-based Namdar Realty Group, owners of the Pittsburgh Mills Mall, by the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office. As reported by Triblive, the owner neglected the roads and parking lots for years, leading to a misdemeanor count of creating a public nuisance. Distress has been voiced by members of the community and officials alike over the condition of the roads, with massive potholes and cracks that made emergency services' access difficult and led to vehicle damages.
In correspondence with Allegheny County Council member Nick Futules, mentions were made of flat tires. They damaged rims, and someone claimed back and neck injuries due to the conditions—a state of affairs disclosed to Audacy. Furthermore, according to the DA's investigation, financial records reveal that surrounding businesses paid the realty company for road maintenance that was neglected, and Walmart shelled out $100,000 to repave roads essential for its deliveries, this detail a glaring window into the expected responsibilities allegedly forsaken by the Namdar Realty Group.
The situation was dire enough that first responders found the pothole-ridden roads a clear hazard. Eureka Fire EMS Chief Brad James stated, "These roads (have) extensive surface deterioration, cracking and potholes of considerable size and depth," he detailed, as reported by Triblive. The cratered conditions impeded emergency vehicles, causing damage to ambulances and extending response times to distress calls. This consequence cannot be overlooked or understated in the gravity of its implications.
Whilst crews were seen filling some potholes near the mall as late as last week, which may indicate some action taken by the defendant, Frazer Township officials had been aiming to compel legal action since September 2024, and despite diligent efforts to remedy the long-standing issue no significant actions were taken until now, according to the DA's office in a statement to CBS News Pittsburgh. District Attorney Stephen Zappala is scheduled to provide further comments on the ongoing case today which is of considerable public interest due to the potential impact on the community's wellbeing and commerce.
