Trumbull officials held a town hall meeting on Tuesday to discuss future changes to the Trumbull Mall.

Community residents said the mall has been a staple of the community for decades Town officials said the Trumbull Mall is the largest taxpayer in Trumbull and that the property isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Trumbull First Selectman Vicki Tesoro told News 12 that community input on this transformation is essential.

“We want the people of this town and this region to support this mall right now. We’re looking at the future, but people need to support our mall now,” said Tesoro.

The community has previously met to discuss plans in June and September.

“Please support the mall, don’t talk negatively about the mall, be positive. Everyone needs to be positive together and participate in this transformation,” said Tesoro.

Trumbull residents crowded the Town Hall for a third meeting about a long-term vision for the property.

Some community members asked officials to increase public safety and security in the mall.

Officials talked about doubling down on retail stores by adding grocery, entertainment and outdoor recreation options.

“We want it to be a destination point. We want people to come here, shop, eat, be entertained. It’s important to this community, it’s also important to this region, not just this community,” Tesoro said. “It’s the Trumbull mall, but we have shoppers who come here from all over Fairfield County.”

The town says it will put finishing touches on its plan in the coming weeks and then enter Phase 2, taking the study to building developers.