SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Destiny Mall has been notoriously known for having a lot of crime. This past weekend, in the second occurrence in three weeks, shots were reportedly fired inside the mall.
As a result, there has been a noticeable decrease in shoppers this week, creating a lack of business for the mall’s outlet stores. Maria Galuppo, a Destiny store manager, has seen a major decline in foot traffic and overall revenue.
“I think the mall traffic will continue to decline,” Galuppo said. “Businesses will eventually just keep leaving as long as the crime continues to happen because the mall continues to sweep everything under the rug.”
To go along with a lack of customers, there have also been issues with employee attendance. Galuppo has had several employees call out of workdays because of their safety concerns.
Syracuse University student Will Manning was enjoying dinner with his grandparents when he was told to evacuate the mall because of an active shooter. This incident, along with a reported robbery of Juli Boeheim, has caused Manning to consider alternatives for shopping and dining.
“I have definitely looked into online shopping, it might be where I continue to acquire my shopping needs,” Manning said. “And somewhere closer to Marshall Street if I’m looking for a better meal.” He also believes the shooting will make his peers feel less inclined to visit Destiny as well.
The mall, Syracuse police, and the mayor’s office will be meeting this week to analyze different strategies on how to revamp Destiny’s security efforts.
