BOARDMAN The Southern Park Mall in Boardman will open later than expected on Monday, November 3.

21 News received calls from multiple viewers telling us employees at stores in the mall such as Bath and Body Works and Hollister were told not to come to work Monday because the mall was closed.

We've since received a copy of a text message sent to employees by Southern Park Mall Manager Vince Tyler that the mall was closed to the public due to "operational safety concerns."

Not long after this, Tyler sent employees a follow-up text saying the mall will now open at 12:30 p.m., but tenants are not required to open due to the delay.

Our 21 News crew saw a Boardman Fire Department truck sitting outside the mall. Fire crews on scene told 21 News they heard the mall was closed, so they responded to make sure anyone potentially inside was safe. 

Some businesses with their own separate entrances such as JCPenney, Macy's, Buffalo Wild Wings and Planet Fitness opened as scheduled, but the mall itself is closed off to the public until 12:30. Signs are posted on mall entrances regarding the closure.

Some employees at the mall have reached out to 21 News, citing delays in pay. It is unclear exactly how many mall employees are affected.

21 News is working to learn what exactly these "operational safety concerns" are.

In response to the matter, Southern Park Mall's General Manager Vince Tyler told 21 News, "It's not possible at this time to report any further information."

"These residents are concerned right now, we have people frustrated over this mall," some Cody McCormick, a Boardman trustee candidate. 

Meanwhile, mall owner Mike Kohan, with Kohan Investment Group, remains delinquent on tax payments and County Commissioner Geno Difabio said this morning's shutdown isn't a good sign.

"The residents of the Mahoning County are getting hurt. Boardman Township is getting hurt," DiFabio said, "The schools are being hurt. Everyone out there that has any kind of lease out there where they have their businesses, they're going to get hurt. This guy's not a good player." 

McCormick said the mall is on "life support" and wants to see more accountability from local leadership and from the mall owner. 

"This guy needs to step up for the community," he added, "If he's not going to step for the community, then he needs to see his way out of the community."

Kohan has not yet returned a call on Monday regarding the matter. 

21 News will update this story as more information becomes available.