By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Hays Vice-Mayor Shaun Musil is feeling frustrated today as he reads numerous social media comments that incorrectly state the city of Hays is funding improvements at Big Creek Crossing, formerly known as “The Mall.”

The shopping center, 2918 Vine, is temporarily closed for 24 to 48 hours because of roof damage, most likely caused by rain the past two days.

Many of the posted comments are critical of the Big Creek Crossing renovation project.  Other posts are from employees at businesses in the facility, unhappy they are unable to work for a day or so.

Improvements and upgrades began about a year ago shortly after a Community Improvement District (CID) implemented for the Hays Mall.  The CID created a one percent additional sales tax on sales generated on mall property to be used to fund approximately $3.1 million in interior and exterior improvements.

Hays city commissioners–Musil was one of the three “Yes” votes–approved DP Management’s request for a CID at the Hays Mall in November, 2014.

Early Sunday afternoon, Musil wrote the following on his Facebook page and it is used here with his permission:

“Seeing a lot of post today talking about the roof collapse at Big Creek Crossing “the mall”.

“People are saying the city was stupid for giving them money.
City didn’t give them a dime. Yes I was 1 of 3 that made a decision to allow them to charge an extra sales tax. I will agree they have done a terrible job doing what they said they would do.

“That being said I’m very thankful no one was hurt. Also I’m very concerned for the people that make there living working there. Ok done with my rant. Thank you lord for the beautiful rain.”

“It’s horrible for the community, no matter what,” Musil reflected about the roof collapse.