TRUMBULL – The new caretakers of the Trumbull Mall have been advised by First Selectman Vicki Tesoro of a pending blight action that could result in civil fines if conditions at the troubled mall are not addressed.
Tesoro alluded to the blight action in a July 1 letter to the public about the mall’s worsening conditions (lack of air conditioning, potholes, garbage) following news of the 5065 Main St. property going into receivership. That happened when Namdar Realty Group defaulted on a $152.3 million loan on March 1, 2025. Namdar in partnership with Mason Asset Management purchased the mall from Westfield two years ago.
In the past month Centennial, the Dallas-based management company now in charge of managing and leasing at the Trumbull Mall, has told the first selectman it has begun to address the many issues left behind by the mall owner.
“We have advised Centennial of the pending blight action the Town of Trumbull has on the property,” Tesoro said. “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.”
Under the town municipal code, any violation of the blight portion of the code that is not rectified in 30 days can lead to a $100-per-day fine. According to a 2012 town municipal code amendment, failure to pay the civil penalty(ies) assessed by the citation hearing officer may result in a Superior Court judgment as provided in Connecticut General Statutes, Section 7-152c(f).
According to Tesoro, Centennial – the management company that also operates the Connecticut Post Mall in Milford – 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,” she wrote. “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.”
Town Economic and Community Development Director Rina Bakalar clarified that Centennial has not purchased the Trumbull Mall but is currently managing the leasing, maintenance, security, etc. for the property as Namdar has no management authority at this time. But she also stated that it is possible new mall ownership will be coming in the near term, but Namdar remains the current owner.
