A New York State Supreme Court judge just handed Onondaga County a decisive victory in one of Central New York’s most closely watched real estate sagas. On March 30, Judge Joseph Lamendola approved the county’s eminent domain petition to seize the former Macy’s anchor store at ShoppingTown Mall — the last parcel the county didn’t already own.
The ruling effectively ends a half-decade standoff between Onondaga County and the commercial tenants who refused to sell, clearing the way for demolition and redevelopment of the sprawling 50-acre site in DeWitt that’s been sitting empty since 2020.
What Just Happened
The Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency offered $2.5 million to acquire the former Macy’s property from Transform Saleco LLC, the successor entity that inherited the space after Sears Holdings’ bankruptcy. Transform Saleco and Benderson Development, another holdout, had fought the county’s eminent domain proceedings through multiple courts — and lost at every level.
Last fall, the New York State Court of Appeals — the state’s highest court — refused to hear further arguments from the holdouts. The appellate division’s fourth judicial department had already ruled unanimously that “the redevelopment of the blighted former mall constitutes a legitimate public use.”
Christopher McDonald, the attorney for Benderson Development, argued that eminent domain laws shouldn’t apply to projects that incorporate housing. The court disagreed.
SHOPPINGTOWN MALL — BY THE NUMBERS
A Timeline of False Starts
ShoppingTown Mall, once a thriving suburban retail hub in DeWitt, has been on a downward trajectory for years. The county purchased the main property for $3.5 million in 2020, but gaining control of the remaining anchor parcels proved far more complicated.
The county partnered with OHB Redev LLC to redevelop the site into a mixed-use community featuring more than 900 residential units. That partnership fell apart in October 2025 when, according to County Executive Ryan McMahon, the developer’s vision “could not be executed due to issues regarding site control” — namely, the holdout properties that refused to sell.
Earlier in March 2026, the county voted to seek new developers for the site, resetting the search entirely. With the eminent domain ruling now secured, the county has a clean slate and full control for the first time.
What Could Replace the Mall?
County officials haven’t announced a specific redevelopment plan, but the site’s 50-acre footprint in one of Onondaga County’s most desirable suburbs gives developers a lot to work with. Previous plans centered on a mix of:
- Housing — both market-rate and affordable apartments and townhomes
- Retail — smaller-format shops and restaurants rather than big-box anchors
- Green space — public parks and walkable streetscapes
- Community amenities — potential space for medical offices, coworking, or civic uses
The trend nationally is clear: dead malls across America are being transformed into mixed-use “town centers.” Projects like Belmar in Lakewood, Colorado, and Mashpee Commons in Massachusetts have shown that replacing aging retail with walkable, mixed-use communities can revitalize surrounding property values and tax bases.
Why It Matters for DeWitt and CNY
ShoppingTown’s vacancy isn’t just an eyesore — it’s a drag on the local economy. An empty 50-acre site generates minimal property tax revenue, attracts no foot traffic, and depresses property values in surrounding neighborhoods.
DeWitt is one of Onondaga County’s most populated towns, and the ShoppingTown site sits at a critical crossroads near Erie Boulevard and Kinne Road. The right redevelopment could:
- Add hundreds of new housing units to an area with tight inventory
- Generate millions in new annual property tax revenue
- Create construction and permanent jobs
- Become a model for suburban mall redevelopment statewide
WHY IT MATTERS
With the eminent domain ruling secured and full site control achieved, Onondaga County can now move forward with a clean slate to attract new developers. The next few months will determine whether ShoppingTown becomes the kind of transformative redevelopment project CNY needs — or languishes in another round of planning delays. For DeWitt homeowners and businesses, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
What Happens Next
The county is now actively seeking new development partners. County Executive McMahon has signaled that the RFP process will move quickly, given the years already lost. Key milestones to watch:
- Developer selection — Expected in the coming months as the county evaluates proposals
- Demolition timeline — The existing structure will need to come down before any new construction
- Community input — Public meetings on the site’s future are anticipated
- Environmental review — Standard SEQR process for a project of this scale
The Bottom Line
After five years of vacancy, legal battles, and a failed development partnership, Onondaga County finally has full control of the ShoppingTown Mall site. The eminent domain victory over the Macy’s holdout removes the last obstacle. Now the real work begins: finding the right developer, the right plan, and the right vision to turn 50 acres of dead retail into something that actually serves the community. For the residents of DeWitt and everyone who drives past that empty parking lot on Erie Boulevard, the clock is ticking.
Sources: Spectrum News, CNY Central, LocalSYR, Onondaga County court filings
