Orchards Mall was shut down Thursday by local officials.
A sign posted in the door of the Benton Harbor mall tells customers that the mall has been closed due to non-payment of its water bill. This does not affect the JCPenney in the mall because it has a separate water account.
The sign, which can be seen in various areas around the mall, warns of potential “further action” if the mall’s owners don’t respond.
Orchards Mall officials have responded…on Facebook. They say they have paid their water bill and accuses Benton Township officials of being “very stubborn and unprofessional.”
The mall reportedly owes over $31,000 in water payments. In a statement, Benton Township’s superintendent says the mall can re-open with a $6,000 deposit.