Destiny USA Owners Sue Syracuse Over Property Valuation
The owners of Destiny USA have filed a lawsuit against the city, claiming that the assessed value of the mall’s property is overinflated. The lawsuit, filed by Destiny USA Land Company LLC and its subsidiaries on April 17, argues that the city’s assessment of the property at $32,768,500 for the 2026 tax year is excessive. Destiny USA contends that the true value should be $4,255,257 due to the presence of brownfield sites, which are areas that require significant environmental remediation and cannot be developed.
The mall’s representatives argue that a substantial portion of the land includes areas with a history of storing oil and other waste, making them unsuitable for development. Despite their appeal to the City of Syracuse Board of Assessment Review in January, the appeal was denied, prompting the lawsuit. Destiny USA is seeking a review and correction of the 2026 assessment, along with a reduction in its total tax burden and a refund of overpaid taxes with interest.
The city has yet to respond to the lawsuit, but Syracuse city auditor Alexander Marion has released a statement indicating that the city views the mall’s actions as an attempt to reduce their tax obligations unfairly. As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome could have significant implications for the mall’s financial responsibilities and the city’s tax revenue.
