I think we can easily compare Crossroads to other malls that have gone down similar paths. The signs are there...anchors leaving, the type of crowd it attracts, and the fleeing of the smaller fill in retailers.

Crossroads will likely be dead with in 5 years...but if people are smart, they will keep it from being a slow death. All that will do is cause property values to drop more, raise crime, and just be overall bad for that part of town.

Ideally, the mall needs to begin a plan to shut down and dismantle. Tear the mall down and then redevelop the area as 50% office space, 30% residential and 20% retail. A Sheperd Mall redevelopment probably won't happen - utilizing the existing space. The best thing though is to tear it all down and start over with new construction. Otherwise blight will just skyrocket in that area of town and we don't need that.