After years of opposition, the New Tanger Outlet Mall just north of Columbus celebrated its grand opening Friday. Dignitaries gathered for speeches and a ribbon cutting Friday morning.
More than 80 outlet stores including Calvin Klein and Coach are located at the open-air mall just off I-71. The project had met setbacks as local governments sought their share of tax revenues. Following a year of construction, stores opened this morning accompanied by music from members of the Ohio State band. Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor applauded the creation of nearly a thousand jobs.
“I want to thank Tanger and Simon for their investment in our community for the 900 jobs that they’re going to create, for having faith in the state of Ohio,” Taylor said.
Traffic to the mall was backed up on northbound I-71 as well as along other routes to the mall; something that local residents like Robin Perry had feared.
“As far as traffic’s concerned, traffic is already unbelievable up here and now since the mall’s here it’s going to be worse,” Perry said.
Residents’ objections had also stalled the Tanger outlet’s construction.