we evaluate operating results and allocate resources on a property-by-property basis , and do not distinguish or evaluate our consolidated operations on a geographic basis . due to the nature of our operating properties , which involve retail shopping , we have concluded that our individual properties have similar economic characteristics and meet all other aggregation criteria . accordingly , we have aggregated our individual properties into one reportable segment . in addition , no single tenant accounts for 10 % or more of our consolidated revenue , and none of our properties are located outside the united states . we hold our interest in our portfolio of properties through the operating partnership . we are the sole general partner of the operating partnership and , as of december 31 , 2017 , held a 89.4 % controlling interest in the operating partnership , and consolidated it for reporting purposes . we hold our investments in six of the 25 operating retail properties and two of the four development and redevelopment properties in our portfolio through unconsolidated partnerships with third parties in which we own a 25 % to 50 % interest . 45 acquisitions and dispositions see note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for a description of our dispositions and acquisition in 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . current economic conditions and our near term capital needs conditions in the economy have caused fluctuations and variations in business and consumer confidence , retail sales , and consumer spending on retail goods . further , traditional mall tenants , including department store anchors and smaller format retail tenants face significant challenges resulting from changing consumer expectations , the convenience of e-commerce shopping , competition from fast fashion retailers , the expansion of outlet centers , and declining mall traffic , among other factors . in recent years , there has been an increased level of tenant bankruptcies and store closings by tenants who have been significantly impacted by these factors . the table below sets forth information related to our tenants in bankruptcy for our consolidated and unconsolidated properties ( excluding tenants in bankruptcy at sold properties ) : replace_table_token_13_th ( 1 ) total represents unique tenants . ( 2 ) gross leasable area ( “ gla ” ) in square feet . ( 3 ) includes our share of tenant gross rent from partnership properties based on preit 's ownership percentage in the respective equity method investments as of december 31 , 2017 46 anchor replacements in recent years , through property dispositions , proactive store recaptures , lease terminations and other activities , we have made efforts to reduce our risks associated with certain department store concentrations . in december 2016 , we acquired the sears property at woodland mall and we recaptured the sears premises at capital city mall and magnolia mall in 2017. in 2017 , we purchased the macy 's locations at moorestown mall , valley view mall and valley mall locations . we have entered into a ground lease for the land associated with the macy 's store located at plymouth meeting mall , and are in negotiations with replacement tenants for that location the table below sets forth information related to our anchor replacement program : replace_table_token_14_th ( 1 ) property is third party-owned and is subject to a ground lease dated june 23 , 2017. in response to anchor store closings and other trends in the retail space , we have been changing the mix of tenants at our properties . we have been reducing the percentage of traditional mall tenants and increasing the share of space dedicated to 47 dining , entertainment , fast fashion , off price , and large format box tenants . some of these changes may result in the redevelopment of all or a portion of our properties . see “ —capital improvements , redevelopment and development projects . ” to fund the capital necessary to replace anchors and to maintain a reasonable level of leverage , we expect to use a variety of means available to us , subject to and in accordance with the terms of our credit agreements . these steps might include ( i ) making additional borrowings under our credit agreements , ( ii ) obtaining construction loans on specific projects , ( iii ) selling properties or interests in properties with values in excess of their mortgage loans ( if applicable ) and applying the excess proceeds to fund capital expenditures or for debt reduction , ( iv ) obtaining capital from joint ventures or other partnerships or arrangements involving our contribution of assets with institutional investors , private equity investors or other reits , or ( v ) obtaining equity capital , including through the issuance of common or preferred equity securities if market conditions are favorable , or through other actions . capital improvement projects and development we might engage in various types of capital improvement projects at our operating properties . such projects vary in cost and complexity , and can include building out new or existing space for individual tenants , upgrading common areas or exterior areas such as parking lots , or redeveloping the entire property , among other projects . project costs are accumulated in “ construction in progress ” on our consolidated balance sheet until the asset is placed into service , and amounted to $ 113.6 million as of december 31 , 2017 . as of december 31 , 2017 , we had unaccrued contractual and other commitments related to our capital improvement projects and development projects at our consolidated and unconsolidated properties of $ 110.4 million in the form of tenant allowances and contracts with general service providers and other professional service providers . in 2014 , we entered into a 50/50 joint venture with the macerich company ( “ macerich ” ) to redevelop fashion district philadelphia . story_separator_special_tag these effects were partially offset by a warmer summer in the three months ended september 30 , 2016 ; a decrease of $ 0.8 million in same store common area maintenance expense , including a decrease of $ 0.7 million in snow removal expense ; and a decrease of $ 0.4 million in same store bad debt expense ; partially offset by an increase of $ 5.6 million in property operating expenses from the acquisition of springfield town center in march 2015 ; and an increase of $ 0.4 million in same store real estate tax expenses due to a combination of higher property assessments and higher tax rates at some properties . 53 impairment of assets during the years ended december 31 , 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , we recorded impairment of assets of $ 55.8 million , $ 62.6 million and $ 140.3 million , respectively . the assets that incurred impairments and the amount of such impairments are as follows : replace_table_token_18_th see note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for a further discussion of impairment of assets . project costs and other expenses project costs and other expenses decreased by $ 0.9 million , or 55 % in 2017 as compared to 2016 primarily due to a decrease of $ 0.5 million related to professional fees and decreased project costs of $ 0.3 million . project costs and other expenses decreased by $ 4.4 million , or 72 % in 2016 as compared to 2015 primarily due to a decrease of $ 3.3 million in acquisition costs primarily related to springfield town center and a decrease of $ 1.4 million of professional fees , partially offset by an increase of $ 0.4 million related to project costs . interest expense interest expense decreased by $ 12.3 million , or 17 % , in 2017 as compared to 2016 . our weighted average debt balance was reduced to $ 1,648.5 million in 2017 compared to $ 1,760.5 million in 2016 due to the application of cash proceeds from property sales in 2016 and 2017 , along with the net proceeds from our 2017 series c and series d preferred share issuances , net of the redemption of the series a preferred shares , and capital expenditures related to anchor replacements and redevelopment spending . also we had lower weighted average effective borrowing rate ( 4.01 % for 2017 as compared to 4.19 % for 2016 ) . interest expense decreased by $ 10.4 million , or 13 % , in 2016 as compared to 2015 . the decrease was primarily due to a lower weighted average effective borrowing rate ( 4.19 % for 2016 as compared to 4.63 % for 2015 ) and a lower overall debt balance ( an average of $ 1,760.5 million in 2016 compared to $ 1,780.8 million in 2015 ) . in 2016 , we also recorded a loss on hedge ineffectiveness of $ 0.1 million . depreciation and amortization depreciation and amortization expense increased by $ 2.2 million , or 2 % , in 2017 as compared to 2016 , primarily because of : an $ 8.7 million benefit recognized in 2016 due to a change in an estimated contingent liability recorded in connection with a property acquisition that did not recur in 2017 ; and 54 an increase of $ 1.4 million due to a higher asset base resulting from capital improvements related to new tenants at our same store properties , as well as accelerated amortization of capital improvements associated with store closings ; partially offset by a decrease of $ 7.9 million related to properties sold in 2016 and 2017. depreciation and amortization expense decreased by $ 16.0 million , or 11 % , in 2016 as compared to 2015 , primarily because of : a decrease of $ 19.9 million related to properties sold in 2015 and 2016 ; and a decrease of $ 8.7 million due to a change in an estimated contingent liability recorded in connection with a property acquisition ; partially offset by an increase of $ 4.7 million related to the march 2015 acquisition of springfield town center ; and an increase of $ 7.9 million due to a higher asset base resulting from capital improvements related to new tenants at our same store properties , as well as accelerated amortization of capital improvements associated with store closings . equity in income of partnerships equity in income of partnerships decreased by $ 4.1 million , or 22 % , in 2017 as compared to 2016 . this decrease was primarily due to a $ 1.6 million mortgage prepayment penalty incurred by lehigh valley mall , a $ 1.3 million decrease in lease termination income and an aggregate decrease of $ 1.0 million related to 2017 bankruptcies . equity in income of partnerships increased by $ 8.9 million , or 94 % , in 2016 as compared to 2015 . this increase was primarily due to a $ 4.2 million increase in equity in income from fashion district philadelphia due to recovery of previously expensed amounts and lower operating costs , a $ 1.7 million increase of income from gloucester premium outlets , which opened during the third quarter of 2015 , a decrease of $ 1.2 million in depreciation and amortization from metroplex as a result of fully depreciated assets , a $ 1.3 million increase at red rose commons and the court at oxford valley due to an increase in lease termination revenue and a $ 0.7 million increase at lehigh valley mall due to a combination of increased base rent and lower operating expenses , including reductions in snow removal expense , utility expense and bad debt expense , partially offset by a $ 0.4 million decrease from properties sold in 2015. gain on sales of interests in real estate , net gain on sales of interests of real estate , net was $ 23.0 million in 2016 ,

net cash provided by operating activities totaled $ 136.4 million for 2017 compared to $ 147.6 million for 2016 and $ 135.7 million for 2015 . the decrease in cash from operating activities in 2017 was primarily due to a decrease in net operating income as a result of property sales . the increase in cash from operating activities in 2016 was primarily due to a decrease in cash paid for interest . cash flows used in investing activities were $ 98.3 million for 2017 compared to cash flows provided by investing activities of $ 2.0 million for 2016 and cash flows used in investing activities of $ 379.1 million for 2015 . investing activities in 2017 included investment in construction in progress of $ 116.6 million , investments in partnerships of $ 73.4 million ( primarily at fashion district philadelphia ) and real estate improvements of $ 51.9 million ( primarily related to ongoing improvements at our properties ) , partially offset by $ 77.8 million of proceeds from sales of logan valley mall , beaver valley mall , crossroads mall and two non operating parcels , $ 35.2 million of distributions of refinancing proceeds from lehigh valley mall , and $ 30.3 million of proceeds from the sale of 801market street by the fashion district philadelphia joint venture .


 Write a concise suspicious activity report of the following text delimited by triple backquotes. Return your response as a formal report which covers the key points highlighting the location,dates,entity names and account holder information in chronological order of the text.
     ```net cash provided by operating activities totaled $ 136.4 million for 2017 compared to $ 147.6 million for 2016 and $ 135.7 million for 2015 . the decrease in cash from operating activities in 2017 was primarily due to a decrease in net operating income as a result of property sales . the increase in cash from operating activities in 2016 was primarily due to a decrease in cash paid for interest . cash flows used in investing activities were $ 98.3 million for 2017 compared to cash flows provided by investing activities of $ 2.0 million for 2016 and cash flows used in investing activities of $ 379.1 million for 2015 . investing activities in 2017 included investment in construction in progress of $ 116.6 million , investments in partnerships of $ 73.4 million ( primarily at fashion district philadelphia ) and real estate improvements of $ 51.9 million ( primarily related to ongoing improvements at our properties ) , partially offset by $ 77.8 million of proceeds from sales of logan valley mall , beaver valley mall , crossroads mall and two non operating parcels , $ 35.2 million of distributions of refinancing proceeds from lehigh valley mall , and $ 30.3 million of proceeds from the sale of 801market street by the fashion district philadelphia joint venture .
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 Suspicious Activity Report : we evaluate operating results and allocate resources on a property-by-property basis , and do not distinguish or evaluate our consolidated operations on a geographic basis . due to the nature of our operating properties , which involve retail shopping , we have concluded that our individual properties have similar economic characteristics and meet all other aggregation criteria . accordingly , we have aggregated our individual properties into one reportable segment . in addition , no single tenant accounts for 10 % or more of our consolidated revenue , and none of our properties are located outside the united states . we hold our interest in our portfolio of properties through the operating partnership . we are the sole general partner of the operating partnership and , as of december 31 , 2017 , held a 89.4 % controlling interest in the operating partnership , and consolidated it for reporting purposes . we hold our investments in six of the 25 operating retail properties and two of the four development and redevelopment properties in our portfolio through unconsolidated partnerships with third parties in which we own a 25 % to 50 % interest . 45 acquisitions and dispositions see note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for a description of our dispositions and acquisition in 2017 , 2016 and 2015 . current economic conditions and our near term capital needs conditions in the economy have caused fluctuations and variations in business and consumer confidence , retail sales , and consumer spending on retail goods . further , traditional mall tenants , including department store anchors and smaller format retail tenants face significant challenges resulting from changing consumer expectations , the convenience of e-commerce shopping , competition from fast fashion retailers , the expansion of outlet centers , and declining mall traffic , among other factors . in recent years , there has been an increased level of tenant bankruptcies and store closings by tenants who have been significantly impacted by these factors . the table below sets forth information related to our tenants in bankruptcy for our consolidated and unconsolidated properties ( excluding tenants in bankruptcy at sold properties ) : replace_table_token_13_th ( 1 ) total represents unique tenants . ( 2 ) gross leasable area ( “ gla ” ) in square feet . ( 3 ) includes our share of tenant gross rent from partnership properties based on preit 's ownership percentage in the respective equity method investments as of december 31 , 2017 46 anchor replacements in recent years , through property dispositions , proactive store recaptures , lease terminations and other activities , we have made efforts to reduce our risks associated with certain department store concentrations . in december 2016 , we acquired the sears property at woodland mall and we recaptured the sears premises at capital city mall and magnolia mall in 2017. in 2017 , we purchased the macy 's locations at moorestown mall , valley view mall and valley mall locations . we have entered into a ground lease for the land associated with the macy 's store located at plymouth meeting mall , and are in negotiations with replacement tenants for that location the table below sets forth information related to our anchor replacement program : replace_table_token_14_th ( 1 ) property is third party-owned and is subject to a ground lease dated june 23 , 2017. in response to anchor store closings and other trends in the retail space , we have been changing the mix of tenants at our properties . we have been reducing the percentage of traditional mall tenants and increasing the share of space dedicated to 47 dining , entertainment , fast fashion , off price , and large format box tenants . some of these changes may result in the redevelopment of all or a portion of our properties . see “ —capital improvements , redevelopment and development projects . ” to fund the capital necessary to replace anchors and to maintain a reasonable level of leverage , we expect to use a variety of means available to us , subject to and in accordance with the terms of our credit agreements . these steps might include ( i ) making additional borrowings under our credit agreements , ( ii ) obtaining construction loans on specific projects , ( iii ) selling properties or interests in properties with values in excess of their mortgage loans ( if applicable ) and applying the excess proceeds to fund capital expenditures or for debt reduction , ( iv ) obtaining capital from joint ventures or other partnerships or arrangements involving our contribution of assets with institutional investors , private equity investors or other reits , or ( v ) obtaining equity capital , including through the issuance of common or preferred equity securities if market conditions are favorable , or through other actions . capital improvement projects and development we might engage in various types of capital improvement projects at our operating properties . such projects vary in cost and complexity , and can include building out new or existing space for individual tenants , upgrading common areas or exterior areas such as parking lots , or redeveloping the entire property , among other projects . project costs are accumulated in “ construction in progress ” on our consolidated balance sheet until the asset is placed into service , and amounted to $ 113.6 million as of december 31 , 2017 . as of december 31 , 2017 , we had unaccrued contractual and other commitments related to our capital improvement projects and development projects at our consolidated and unconsolidated properties of $ 110.4 million in the form of tenant allowances and contracts with general service providers and other professional service providers . in 2014 , we entered into a 50/50 joint venture with the macerich company ( “ macerich ” ) to redevelop fashion district philadelphia . story_separator_special_tag these effects were partially offset by a warmer summer in the three months ended september 30 , 2016 ; a decrease of $ 0.8 million in same store common area maintenance expense , including a decrease of $ 0.7 million in snow removal expense ; and a decrease of $ 0.4 million in same store bad debt expense ; partially offset by an increase of $ 5.6 million in property operating expenses from the acquisition of springfield town center in march 2015 ; and an increase of $ 0.4 million in same store real estate tax expenses due to a combination of higher property assessments and higher tax rates at some properties . 53 impairment of assets during the years ended december 31 , 2017 , 2016 , and 2015 , we recorded impairment of assets of $ 55.8 million , $ 62.6 million and $ 140.3 million , respectively . the assets that incurred impairments and the amount of such impairments are as follows : replace_table_token_18_th see note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for a further discussion of impairment of assets . project costs and other expenses project costs and other expenses decreased by $ 0.9 million , or 55 % in 2017 as compared to 2016 primarily due to a decrease of $ 0.5 million related to professional fees and decreased project costs of $ 0.3 million . project costs and other expenses decreased by $ 4.4 million , or 72 % in 2016 as compared to 2015 primarily due to a decrease of $ 3.3 million in acquisition costs primarily related to springfield town center and a decrease of $ 1.4 million of professional fees , partially offset by an increase of $ 0.4 million related to project costs . interest expense interest expense decreased by $ 12.3 million , or 17 % , in 2017 as compared to 2016 . our weighted average debt balance was reduced to $ 1,648.5 million in 2017 compared to $ 1,760.5 million in 2016 due to the application of cash proceeds from property sales in 2016 and 2017 , along with the net proceeds from our 2017 series c and series d preferred share issuances , net of the redemption of the series a preferred shares , and capital expenditures related to anchor replacements and redevelopment spending . also we had lower weighted average effective borrowing rate ( 4.01 % for 2017 as compared to 4.19 % for 2016 ) . interest expense decreased by $ 10.4 million , or 13 % , in 2016 as compared to 2015 . the decrease was primarily due to a lower weighted average effective borrowing rate ( 4.19 % for 2016 as compared to 4.63 % for 2015 ) and a lower overall debt balance ( an average of $ 1,760.5 million in 2016 compared to $ 1,780.8 million in 2015 ) . in 2016 , we also recorded a loss on hedge ineffectiveness of $ 0.1 million . depreciation and amortization depreciation and amortization expense increased by $ 2.2 million , or 2 % , in 2017 as compared to 2016 , primarily because of : an $ 8.7 million benefit recognized in 2016 due to a change in an estimated contingent liability recorded in connection with a property acquisition that did not recur in 2017 ; and 54 an increase of $ 1.4 million due to a higher asset base resulting from capital improvements related to new tenants at our same store properties , as well as accelerated amortization of capital improvements associated with store closings ; partially offset by a decrease of $ 7.9 million related to properties sold in 2016 and 2017. depreciation and amortization expense decreased by $ 16.0 million , or 11 % , in 2016 as compared to 2015 , primarily because of : a decrease of $ 19.9 million related to properties sold in 2015 and 2016 ; and a decrease of $ 8.7 million due to a change in an estimated contingent liability recorded in connection with a property acquisition ; partially offset by an increase of $ 4.7 million related to the march 2015 acquisition of springfield town center ; and an increase of $ 7.9 million due to a higher asset base resulting from capital improvements related to new tenants at our same store properties , as well as accelerated amortization of capital improvements associated with store closings . equity in income of partnerships equity in income of partnerships decreased by $ 4.1 million , or 22 % , in 2017 as compared to 2016 . this decrease was primarily due to a $ 1.6 million mortgage prepayment penalty incurred by lehigh valley mall , a $ 1.3 million decrease in lease termination income and an aggregate decrease of $ 1.0 million related to 2017 bankruptcies . equity in income of partnerships increased by $ 8.9 million , or 94 % , in 2016 as compared to 2015 . this increase was primarily due to a $ 4.2 million increase in equity in income from fashion district philadelphia due to recovery of previously expensed amounts and lower operating costs , a $ 1.7 million increase of income from gloucester premium outlets , which opened during the third quarter of 2015 , a decrease of $ 1.2 million in depreciation and amortization from metroplex as a result of fully depreciated assets , a $ 1.3 million increase at red rose commons and the court at oxford valley due to an increase in lease termination revenue and a $ 0.7 million increase at lehigh valley mall due to a combination of increased base rent and lower operating expenses , including reductions in snow removal expense , utility expense and bad debt expense , partially offset by a $ 0.4 million decrease from properties sold in 2015. gain on sales of interests in real estate , net gain on sales of interests of real estate , net was $ 23.0 million in 2016 ,

