By AARON MUELLER
Niles Daily Star

Niles Township hit a snag in its journey to get the Eastgate Plaza torn down during its hearing at Berrien County Court Thursday morning.

Township Supervisor Jim Kidwell said the court could not grant the township a condemnation order for the building, because it had not served notice to the owner of the building, MoorPark LLC of Van Nuys, Calif. through a certified registered letter.

Chris Lynch, the township attorney, sent the letter Thursday afternoon.

A new hearing date has not been scheduled, but Kidwell said it should take place April 13 or before.

Kidwell and the township board have been hurried to get rid of Eastgate by residents and business owners who see the old building as a community eye sore and hotspot for vandalism and other mischief.

The 52-acre property on Oak Street was a popular shopping destination in the 1960s and 70s, featuring more than 20 businesses, but has been abandoned since 2006.