The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership through the county Port Authority has bought out two owners. Negotiations are underway to buy out two others. A deal with the fifth owner has yet to be reached.

The Partnership paid $1 for one mall property, the Macy’s site. The cost of the other property was not available, but Stenger said it will likely end up paying “pennies on the dollar — consistent with blight.”

Kenneth McClendon, a resident of an adjoining subdivision, criticized the county for allowing the mall to deteriorate.

“Before it closed they should have been on it with the coding and everything that needs to be done. They just let it go down,” said McClendon.

Stenger defended the process, saying his administration has acted as quickly as possible on a situation he inherited .

“It’s very difficult bringing five different property owners into compliance,” Stenger said. “Especially when they are all out-of-town.”