So, Columbus Mayor Coleman (who is up for re-election this fall against Republican Bill Todd) made a big move last week to evict the current managers of the City Center mall downtown and take back control of the near-empty eyesore. So now everyone‘s talking about what to do with City Center. Todd apparently used the move to try and score some political points against Coleman, but he may not have thought the whole thing through. From BSB:

Bill Todd today (HT: RAB): Bill Todd Slams Mayor Coleman over Plan to Take Over City Center

“Unfortunately, the first action by our drowsy mayor was an overreaction! Filing an ill-considered lawsuit against the nation’s largest shopping center developer is hardly an act of mature, responsible leadership.

“We need considered judgment and a plan for addressing the blighted area formerly known as the City Center Mall. Burning bridges with Simon Property Group is not smart. We should expect more from our mayor than a knee-jerk reaction. . .

“The only thing Mike Coleman accomplished with this political stunt is to make Columbus look unprofessional and anti-business.”

…Here’s what Bill Todd was saying about the City Center back in May (HT: RAB): Bill Todd: “Tear down this Mall!” (w/video goodness!) and as covered by the Columbus Dispatch:

“Mr. Mayor, tear down this mall,” Todd said.

Todd offered no specifics for his City Center plan beyond saying he thinks the mall should remain an entertainment and shopping area. He said he meant “tear down” rhetorically; his plan won’t necessarily include razing City Center.

He also said he’d move to seize control of the mall through eminent domain, if need be. City Center’s land is owned by the city-created Capitol South Urban Redevelopment Corp., and the mall is owned by Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group.

Oops.

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