Management of The Citadel mall said it was “deeply disappointed” by the recent ban prohibiting Colorado Springs uniformed military members from going to the east-side shopping center, according to a news release Thursday.

On Wednesday, local military leaders tweaked the ban to allow visits related to education or religion. Previously, the military only allowed service members to visit for recruiting. An Armed Services Career Center is inside the mall.

The adjustment didn’t stop Citadel mall management from criticizing the ban in the release via its media relations agency, UpSpring PR.

“Protecting our merchants, employees, and patrons has remained our top priority, and our team has invested substantially in enhancing safety and security at Citadel Mall,” management stated in the release. “The Armed Forces Disciplinary Committee’s announcement came as a surprise to our team, and we are deeply disappointed by their decision to limit uniformed military personnel access to the mall.

“We have maintained a heightened security presence on property and regularly evaluate the mall’s security needs to adapt to changing conditions. We do not take this decision lightly and will continue to take any necessary steps to ensure Citadel Mall is regarded as a safe place for all.”

The mall has a large array of tenants including some that directly provide religious services and education, such as the newly opened Zeal Church, the Catholic Center, a free K-8 public charter school, a GOAL High School site, a nonprofit called Imagination Celebration, among others.

Before the news of the tweaked police Wednesday, Zeal Church expected to be granted an exemption, in part, because it has a stand-alone address and dedicated door. Other tenants of the mall do not have the same large presence.

The new exemption does not extend to the numerous businesses in the mall, including those that are veteran-owned.

Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade called out veteran-owned businesses in a statement on the ban that celebrated the mall’s qualities.

“It is a place where people come to shop, eat, worship, learn and play,” he said.

However, Mobolade said he respected the recent decision and agreed that safety is critical.

“I am working closely with Maj. Gen. David Doyle at Fort Carson, garrison leadership, local law enforcement, business partners, community organizations and mall owner, Namdar, to collaborate and improve safety to ensure the Citadel is a thriving place,” he said, in an emailed statement.

A board consisting of representatives from Fort Carson, Evans Army Community Hospital, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base and the Air Force Academy decided to ban service members from the mall as part of an off-limits list that also features bars and nightclubs. The order applies to all soldiers, airmen, sailors, guardians and other service members based at the five installations in town.

Read more here.

Businesses and establishments can express their concerns through the Directorate of Emergency Services at 719-526-1453.

Councilwoman Nancy Henjum will host a community conversation about the mall from 4-6 p.m. Sept. 20 at Zeal Church.