Gaithersburg places Lakeforest Mall redevelopment under moratorium

Gaithersburg's Mayor and Council voted last night to institute a moratorium on development that would prevent Lakeforest Mall from being redeveloped in the near future. Expected to last a year, the moratorium could be lifted sooner if city officials chose to do so.

The mall's operator has failed to acquire the anchor store spaces at the property it sought to buy. A 5-1 majority voted for the moratorium. The general consensus was that the mall site is such a rare redevelopment opportunity for a large property in the city, and officials want to ensure it is done right.