Trumbull residents gathered Thursday to discuss future plans for the mall, the town’s largest taxpayer.

The Trumbull Mall dates back to the 1960s, and although officials noted challenges, they were adamant the mall is not closing - or being bulldozed - to make room for housing.

Town officials said the mall is positioned for future success, averaging 500,000 visitors per year and millions of dollars in revenue.

Options laid out on the table include doubling down on retail, including grocery and entertainment, or a “commercial village” that could include outdoor recreation, senior living, medical offices or a hotel.

The town also discussed how to address crime and blight.

“Just walking to the mall is a danger. The street is way too busy, way too big, and there are no sidewalks, so I hardly even walk,” said resident Dina Sokol.

One of the major topics was giving the mall a sense of community - something that has faded over time.

“We want to keep the Trumbull mall in this community. It's very important to our community, it's been the fabric of this community for many, many years, for decades. We're hoping that people want this type of shopping experience, a ‘work, live, play’ experience," said Trumbull First Selectman Vicki Tesoro.

The meeting at the Town Library was interrupted by a fire alarm activation, which sent several trucks to the building. The meeting continued following an all-clear from fire officials.

The next step is a formal recommendation, which could come by the end of the year.