After months of speculation about his plans, the new owner of the Southern Park Mall says he wants to reassure the community about his commitment. 

Mike Kohan, head of Kohan Retail Investments, acknowledges the group still owes some delinquent taxes and penalties, but plans to rectify the matter soon. 

Records from the Mahoning county auditor's office show, and auditor Ralph Meacham has confirmed, Kohan Retail Investment has paid $481,267.34 as of Friday, June 13. Those taxes were due in March and the group is now facing a second half payment of $510,284.73 that will come due in August. 

The amount Kohan has paid represents two of the mall's seven parcels. 

Kohan also paid late penalties due on one of the parcels, but still owes penalties on the remaining six, as well as overdue taxes. 

21 News first reported in May that the group was over half a million behind in their property taxes, along with $50,000 in penalties. 

Kohan began 2022 owning 51 malls around the country. By the end of 2024, that number was down to 27. 

Boardman township and Mahoning county elected officials have expressed frustration since Kohan took over the mall over lack of communication, even as they benefit from tax incentives and have a track record in other parts of the country of unpaid bills and mall closures.

When reached by phone Tuesday, Mike Kohan told 21 News he plans on paying the remainder in the very near future and plans to reassure the public that they are dedicated to the success of Southern Park. 

"We're making it happen. It's a beautiful mall," Kohan said. 

Kohan added that he intends to bring in additional tenants and will have details on other plans in the future.