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12News Reporter John Rupolo talks with some business owners and residents near the soon to be torn down Harborcreek Mall. CLICK FOR VIDEO  For years, those entering the township on East Lake Road have seen the torn down remains.

"I remember when it was vibrant, when the store was open," said Howard Hennell who has lived in the neighborhood across the street from mall for over 50 years. His daughter used to work at one of the stores at the mall.  Today he heard the news, the structure will soon be torn down.

"That's going to be great," said Hennell.  Harborcreek supervisors announced Wednesday the Township is purchasing the mall and all of its acres for just under 558,000 dollars from the owners represented by the Baldwin Brothers.  Some are calling this a bold move in the name of development.

"They don't do this behind closed doors, they put the money in the budget and said this is something we're looking at doing and passed the budget," said Jake Rouch from the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership.

Sue Hanson has owned a nail and hair business just across the street from the decaying mall for the past 14 years.

"Anything would work there, maybe even a park to walk your dog," said Hanson.  Other residents say housing would also be a nice addition to the area.  Officials in Harborcreek still trying to decide what to put there.  They are in the process of trying to develop the land once the building on the grounds is torn down.