Mall in Danger of Seizure Looks to Web Site for Support

The Westminster Mall has launched a Web site to better inform the public about Colorado’s laws prohibiting any type of government seizure of private property. The mall—is still embroiled in a lawsuit against the City of Westminster and the Westminster Economic Development Authority over the city’s efforts to seize control of the mall’s property for economic and tax reasons (see the Insider Online, July, “Colorado Mall Owners Fight Government Seizure.”).

The site contains information about the background of the city’s allegedly unlawful efforts, the lawsuit, which seeks to enjoin the urban renewal activities, frequently asked questions, and a form for visitors to submit comments. It also has a section explaining the implications of the city’s attempt to seize control of the property and demolish the mall so that the land can be redeveloped in accordance with the city’s long-term vision of what it wants to build on the property. The city has publicly expressed its dissatisfaction with the mall’s inability to sustain a steady revenue stream.