43
Despite thefts, resale mall opens
NORTH LIMA
A new business opened its doors this week as expected, even after having part of its heating and cooling units stolen.
“Stuff ... A spectacular resale mall” is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily in the former Giant Eagle, 11734 South Ave.
Owner Bob Neapolitan said the building, which has been vacant for years, had copper and compressors stolen from the roof about two weeks ago.
“We decided to go forward with opening because I’ve had a lot of support from dealers, who are volunteering anything and everything because they’re counting on this,” he said.
The resale mall has vendors who offer antiques, modern furniture, collectibles, T-shirts and memorabilia. Neapolitan plans to move a greenhouse to the property in the spring.
Beaver Township Police Chief Carl Frost said thefts and breaking-and-entering cases have increased slightly.
“Yes, there’s been an uptick lately. We’re getting more and more of those complaints” of break-ins at unoccupied structures, he said.
“This is just a guess, but I think Beaver was a little slower than some of the other communities to start getting a few houses going into foreclosure. I don’t have any stats to prove that, just a gut feeling,” he continued.
In September, police arrested two men accused of burglarizing an unoccupied house, the chief added.
The resale-mall theft is still under investigation.
Neapolitan said he is undeterred by the loss and is hoping insurance will cover it. He’s happy with the store’s location, which is close to Sheely’s Furniture & Appliance and the North Lima Business Complex.
“I think we’re going to complement each other. When you have a one-[attraction] place, it’s a trip. When you have two or more attractions, it’s a destination,” he said.