Big Changes Proposed At Trumbull Mall

TRUMBULL, CT — The Trumbull Westfield Mall with the right approvals is due to be a different kind of experience that offers more than the traditional brick-and-mortar retail experience. The mall is the town’s largest taxpayer with an assessed value of more than $209 million.

The mall has plans to open a 17,000 square-foot SeaQuest aquarium between JCPenney and Target. A 200-plus apartment unit plan is also brewing.

Changes at the mall are sure to be a hot-button issue in town for some time to come as plans are still in their infancy. Town officials don’t want to see the largest taxpayer go extinct in a changing retail environment, but at the same time don’t want an over development that strains town resources.

Mall owners are asking the town for a zone change so they can build 250 apartment units. Originally the mall had wanted 590 units, but First Selectman Vicki Tesoro’s administration asked the request to be pared down. Her administration also asked for larger setbacks and a reduction in building height along with a master plan to guide the potential development.

“I’m working closely with my staff to make sure that any changes related to the mall are balanced and consider the community’s concerns as well as the success of the mall into the future,” Tesoro said. “It is in the Town’s best interest to work innovatively, within reason, with the owners of this property.”

Among concerns are the number of new students the apartment development would bring into the public school system. A 2017 study for the Oakview housing complex in town and a similar housing development in Glastonbury found that between 30 and 42 students would be enrolled in schools per 200 units of apartments. Tesoro noted that Trumbull Public Schools has 300 fewer students than it did at its peak.

Trumbull Trivia
What town did Trumbull belong to before becoming its own community?

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Trivia Answer
Trumbull was originally part of Stratford and was granted full independence in 1797.

Patch file photo