First Selectman Provides Update On Trumbull Mall In New Statement

TRUMBULL, CT — First Selectman Vicki Tesoro issued an updated statement Tuesday evening regarding recent changes at the Trumbull Mall.

Here is the full statement from Tesoro, provided by the town:

Many in the community have read about recent events related to the disposition of the Trumbull Mall. On June 12th as a result of the property going into receivership, Centennial took over day to day property management of the Trumbull Mall. They are now handling maintenance, security, marketing and leasing efforts.

Centennial owns the Connecticut Post Mall in Milford and owns and manages other retail real estate properties across the country. They are a professional and experienced manager. We see the arrival of Centennial to the Trumbull Mall as a very positive step to improve conditions at the mall while the disposition of the property plays out.

See also: Owner Of CT Mall Takes Over Management, Leasing For Trumbull Mall

On Wednesday, June 25 my administration met with the property management leadership from Centennial here in Trumbull. The meeting was positive, productive, and candidly, a breath of fresh air. While there is a great deal that needs attention at the Trumbull Mall, I was encouraged by the immediate steps Centennial is taking to create a better environment for shoppers and businesses.

Centennial has thoroughly assessed the condition of the property. Their first order of business is to repair the air conditioning system which was nonfunctional during the recent heat wave. They are investing significant dollars immediately to repair the system. They are addressing landscaping, garbage, and potholes. They have already returned the sweeper to the site so the lot can be cleaned on a regular schedule.

Steve White, Executive Vice President, Property Management stated, "We recognize that the mall has experienced challenges in recent years, and our immediate focus is on improving the condition of the property and laying the foundation for a better experience, one that serves both our tenants and the broader community."

As it relates to security and general maintenance, they are planning significant operational changes and an increase in equipment, training, and capacity. They have advised us they are in the process of issuing Requests for Proposals (RFP’s) for qualified vendors for security and janitorial services. They have confirmed that the new security team will include a well-trained Director of Security who will work closely with our Police Department. They wholeheartedly agree with our assessment that the current in-house services are woefully inadequate. Their leasing team is reaching out to all tenants. They are issuing a series of communications to outline the steps they are taking to improve conditions at Trumbull Mall.

We have advised Centennial of the pending blight action the Town of Trumbull has on the property. As we see conditions improving, we can work toward resolving this blight action. We look forward to a positive working relationship into the future. We thank the Centennial team for the high level of communication and cooperation thus far.

As it relates to the transformation of the area, the Trumbull Area Market Feasibility and Land Use Study is garnering tremendous interest. We continue to stack up potential opportunities for the future as the disposition of the property ownership plays out over the coming months. We are in touch with all the relevant entities involved with the proceedings related to the property. We are working to ensure everyone understands the value and incredible economic development opportunity this area presents.

Rina Bakalar, Director of Economic and Community Development, and I will be giving a comprehensive update to the Trumbull Town Council on the Trumbull Mall area at the October meeting. We appreciate the interest and support we are receiving from residents and other stakeholders throughout this process. We will continue to share information as the situation evolves.

Written statement from First Selectman Vicki Tesoro provided by the town of Trumbull on July 1, 2025.