Ross Gallabrese ULTIMATUM – The Fort Steuben Mall tenants await the outcome of a city-issued “fix it or close it” notice that requires the owner to address cited safety violations within 30 days.

STEUBENVILLE — Fort Steuben Mall employees and business owners are waiting to see what comes next after city officials issued a “fix it or close it” notice citing multiple safety violations at the aging shopping center.

City building inspectors identified “multiple conditions” they say pose safety hazards, including structural concerns with shifting storefronts, broken skylights, active leaks, mold and mildew odors and potholes. The entrance to 3 Bad Hombres Restaurant was also cited for structural concerns and has already been boarded over, with customers now directed to a rear entrance from the parking lot.

The mall’s owner has 30 days to decide whether to correct the violations or face possible closure.

On Wednesday, business owners said uncertainty is mounting as foot traffic continues to decline.

“There’s no business in the mall,” one employee said, adding he has worked there for five years and has watched conditions deteriorate. “There’s buckets in the mall walkways strategically positioned under leaks as well as the floor buckling upwards in places.”

He said the lack of customers has made staying open difficult. “That would solve everything. I’ve been hoping more stores would move in and we’d have more business,” he said. “If the store has to move, it’s not going to break my heart.”

He added, “None of the stores are really making money. And for what they charge in rent, we might as well move somewhere and get more business.”

Several other employees declined comment, saying they had been instructed to refer questions to corporate offices.

Bachu Solanki, owner of Great American Cookies, said he is also uncertain about the future but willing to relocate if necessary.

“The mall’s not in good shape,” Solanki said. “They should clean it up, it would help the businesses that are here–I don’t think they’re willing to do that.”

He said he opened his franchise 35 years ago hoping for growth that never materialized.

“I was hoping more stores would come in but it didn’t happen,” he said. “If they fix the place and do the marketing, maybe they can bring some more people in.”