He and council allies called the developer's plan vague and underfunded. Despite the new partnership, Aetna said it will go ahead with plans to close the Luettgens Ltd. clothing and Post Script card stores to cut losses stemming from rent subsidies. Peters and other city leaders met Friday morning with Aetna CEO Richard Huber after a contentious week. Peters said the two sides set a 90-day timetable for seeking new bids. It's still unclear how a redeveloped mall could look, though less retail space seems likely.
Developers say the mall needs a new attraction such as a sports technology center or movie theaters.
Peters and city officials met with about 30 mall tenants Friday to assure them they won't be left out on the streets. The city wants to keep you downtown, or in this building. Peters, however, chastised shop owners for contributing to their own problems by not staying open during weekend events. But it really does bother me sometimes. Peters said Hutensky is free to reapply under the new bids.