News of the purchase agreement came as a surprise to both the city and Judge William Sosnay, who is presiding over the case.

Source: https://biztimes.com/phoenix-investors-seeks-to-purchase-former-northridge-mall-property/

The city asked Sosnay in January to award the municipality title to the entire mall property, but the judge indicated that he will not rule on that request until appellate judges issue a ruling on the matter.

Source: https://biztimes.com/city-pausing-northridge-mall-boston-store-demo-plans/