On Thursday, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon unveiled a major redevelopment plan for the long‑idle ShoppingTown Mall in DeWitt. The county’s Industrial Development Agency (OCIDA) selected a consortium led by Continuum Partners, in partnership with The Sposato Companies, Hayner Hoyt Construction and Dalpos Architects, to execute the “ShoppingTown Reimagined” project.
Project scope and economic promise
The 65‑acre site will be converted into a walkable, mixed‑use neighborhood featuring houses, apartments, retail shops, restaurants, public gathering spaces, hospitality options, and a technology‑and‑office campus. While exact unit counts were not disclosed, the county executive’s office indicated the development will include “hundreds” of residential units.
McMahon said the phased redevelopment is expected to attract more than $400 million in private investment. He emphasized that each phase will be tied to market demand, financing availability, and clear milestones designed to “protect taxpayers.” OCIDA will retain control of the property until financing, development and construction benchmarks are met, after which the developer will complete a phased acquisition totaling $16.1 million.
Tax revenue and community impact
When the previous District East proposal was announced in 2024, the county projected roughly $12 million in annual sales‑tax revenue. Although the earlier plan fell through after OHB Redev LLC withdrew, the new initiative is positioned to deliver comparable or greater fiscal benefits while revitalizing a site that has long been a visual blight for neighbors.
McMahon described the mall as a “symbol of neighbors’ frustration” and highlighted the opportunity to restore it as a gathering place for generations of Central New Yorkers. “We have an opportunity to make it a place people come back to, whether they live there, work there or stop in for dinner,” he said.
Background and previous attempts
In February 2024, OCIDA voted unanimously to exercise eminent domain, allowing the county to acquire three parcels previously owned by Transformco and Benderson Development—former Sears and Macy’s stores. The county purchased the remaining mall property from Moonbeam in 2020, but holdout owners stalled meaningful redevelopment for years. A September 2025 court ruling finally cleared the way for the county to proceed.
OHB Redev had envisioned more than 900 residential units and commercial space, but site‑control challenges prevented that vision from materializing. McMahon framed the termination of the OHB partnership as a positive step, noting the possibility of future involvement from companies like Micron.
Developer perspective
Continuum Partners founder and CEO Mark Falone expressed pride in the project, citing his Syracuse roots and family legacy with The Pioneer Companies. “Our vision is to transform this long‑underutilized property into a vibrant, mixed‑use neighborhood that brings together places to live, work, shop and gather,” Falone said. He added that great development strengthens communities and creates lasting value.
Next steps
The development team will now work through the phased acquisition and construction schedule, with OCIDA monitoring progress against agreed milestones. Local officials and residents can expect ongoing updates as the project moves forward, turning a decades‑old eyesore into a catalyst for economic growth and community pride in DeWitt and the broader Onondaga County area.
Original reporting: CNY Central WSTM (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
