MID-HUDSON – Pyramid Management Group, the company that owns the Poughkeepsie Galleria, Galleria at Crystal Run in the Town of Wallkill and Palisades Center in West Nyack, said the state’s policy to continue the closure of indoor shopping malls is both “unfair and unjustified.”
The shopping venues with stores that have only indoor access remain closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The company said New York has cited situations in other states where bar and restaurant patrons “crowded into tight venues without masks and social distancing being required, creating greater risk for virus transmission.” The statement said, “That is not in any way comparable to a vast open shopping center with millions of square feet available to socially distance, nor is it comparable to venues like ours with comprehensive safety protocols in place, including the requirement of masks.”
The mall management company also rejected the notion that air circulation systems could circulate the virus. They questioned why freestanding restaurants, barber shops, office buildings, museums and large retailers are allowed to open.
“We and our tenants understand and respect the focus on public health. However, there is no documented link between HVAC systems and the spread of COVID-19 in malls,” the Pyramid company stated. “Overall, we have implemented all of the guidance released by the federal government, CDC, and State of New York. We stand prepared to re-open safely.”
