The new building is expected to feature Chipotle Mexican Grill, Starbucks Coffee, Potbelly Sandwich Works and Electronics Boutique. The county hired a consultant to study Northtown's request. Although the consultant recommended approving the plan, the county turned it down. The plan would have granted up to $300,000 a year in tax breaks over the next decade. The plan was supported by the MetroNorth Chamber, which cited the Northtown Mall as a "vital link in the community."

The city of Fridley passed a resolution urging the county board to grant the tax abatement, citing Northtown Mall's 1,500 workers, $24 million in payroll and generating $2.1 million a year in property taxes. The Fridley resolution noted the Blaine city council had voted to give the mall $2.7 million through a tax-abatement program. Glimcher, which bought the mall six years ago, asked for similar tax abatement from Anoka County.

But Anoka County has been loath to give out such tax breaks, and this time was no exception. Nonetheless, the renovation will go ahead. After all, aside from losing the anchors, Northtown has kept its common area 90% leased. The mall's location is in the midst of one of the fastest-growing areas of the Twin Cities, and Glimcher officials say they are negotiating with a variety of prospects.