The Shenango Valley Mall, which has been the topic of discussion for the revitalization of the City of Hermitage is expected to be demolished soon.

21 News caught up with Hermitage Director of Business and Community Development Mark Longietti who tells us he expects the mall to be demolished sometime in 2024.

Longietti tells us there is no specific date set for the demolition at this time, but expects it to be sometime after JCPenney closes on May 5 and vacates May 10.

Once demolition begins developer Butterfli Holdings and its sister company Flicore will clear the site and begin the development of parcels around Route 62 (State Street) and Route 18 (Hermitage Road).

Longietti tells 21 News he expects to see retail oriented businesses and restaurants built on these parcels. He says this would not be a mall, but rather individual buildings.

Additionally, Longietti discussed his vision for a community space for the city, which would act as a pedestrian facility and an event space to hold events such as the city's night markets, art shows, food truck events and much more.

Longietti went on to discuss the possibility of future additions such as miniature golf, a splash pad or even an amphitheater. Longietti also said he eventually wants to see a housing component here.

No matter what comes here, Longietti tells us this will be a transformative project for the city.

"When you think of Hermitage, it's not a traditional city where you have a downtown. We're trying to create a downtown feel to it," Longietti said.

In addition, Longietti tells us PennDOT is working on a sidewalk project along State Street from the Sharon border to Route 18, which would connect right up to the mall property.

"All this is creating connectivity for pedestrians," Longietti said.

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