Future Of Livingston Mall Uncertain; Town Seeks Suggestions
LIVINGSTON, NJ — What should be done with the Livingston Mall property now that it has been deemed an “area in need of redevelopment?” This is the question that township officials are asking as they seek feedback about the future of the once-bustling shopping center.Many local residents have found themselves pining for the glory days of the Livingston Mall, which is located at 112 Eisenhower Parkway. In recent years, the mall has lost stores and shoppers, with one visitor comparing the experience to entering the set of a post-apocalyptic movie.On Oct. 14, the Livingston Town Council passed a resolution that designates the mall as a condemnation area in need of redevelopment – and authorizes the use of eminent domain.Now, township officials are asking for some input from residents as they try to create a “community-led vision of what the Livingston Mall property will look like for the next 50 years.”Take the survey online here.The township will also be holding a series of public meetings on the topic (learn more here). Here’s when they will take place:Monday, March 17 – Senior/Community Center, Tahaney Rooms, 204 Hillside Ave. Kick-Off Presentation and Hands-On Visioning Workshop (6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.)Tuesday, March 18 – Town Hall, Training Room (first door on the right when entering from S. Livingston Ave), 357 S. Livingston Ave. Open Design Studio (approximately 1 to 3 p.m.); Framework Pin-Up (6 to 7 p.m.)Wednesday, March 19 – Town Hall, Training Room, 357 S. Livingston Ave. Open Design Studio (approximately 10 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 3 p.m.); Concept Pin-Up (6 to 8 p.m.)Thursday, March 20 – Town Hall, Training Room, 357 S. Livingston Ave. Open Design Studio (approximately 10 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 4 p.m.)Saturday, March 22 – Town Hall, Council Chambers, 357 S. Livingston Ave. Work in Progress presentation.Last year, Township Manager Barry Lewis gave a brief update on the ongoing plans for the Livingston Mall area, noting that “there are a lot of moving parts” to the situation.“We think there's an opportunity now to do a more global reimagining of the entire mall site,” Lewis said.When the mall came up for discussion at another town council meeting in May, the town manager said the property is privately owned by multiple stakeholders – which made the discussion much more nuanced. Read More: Ownership Boondoggle Is Making Progress Tricky At Livingston MallIn the past, the entire mall was owned by Simon, the largest such company in the country. Simon eventually sold its interest to Kohan Retail Investment Group, which also owns several other malls throughout the U.S.Complicating the matter, Sears previously exercised an option within their lease that gave the company control over part of the mall property. When Sears declared bankruptcy, another company – Transformco – purchased its assets, including its interest at the Livingston Mall.“Within the remaining property, Macy's also has an option that they've indicated they're going to exercise to peel off about 10 acres at the south including their building,” Lewis continued, adding that the parent company of the old Lord & Taylor has roughly 50 years remaining on a ground lease on their piece.“So it's been quite a challenge to try and get all the stakeholders involved,” he said.Since then, the town has continued a tug-of-war with the mall’s owners, fining them for alleged code violations – something it continues to do. The mall has also gone into delinquency for its property taxes, officials say.According to Lewis, the power was shut off at the mall on Oct. 11 due to nonpayment to JCP&L. Its owners subsequently made an arrangement or payment and got the power turned back on, he noted.“This is the second time that was imminent, and this time it actually went through,” he said at a recent town council meeting.Just a short drive away in Essex County, another large shopping center – The Mall at Short Hills – has continued to pull in new tenants and expand spaces for existing stores. It’s a contrast that is puzzling to some local shoppers, who can’t help but draw comparisons between the two. See Related: Tale Of 2 Malls: Frustration In Livingston, New Stores In Short HillsSome have claimed that its end is nigh for the Livingston Mall.“That mall is gonna be gone within the next year,” a social media user commented in November. “Went there this summer and half the stores were closed b/c the AC was broken.”“Livingston Mall is falling apart,” another commenter agreed.However, other visitors have urged their fellow shoppers to take heart and continue patronizing the mall.According to a recent social media post:“I know there are a lot of rumors about Livingston Mall being completely closed down, but that is not true. I just got my eyebrows done here. While a lot of the stores are empty, the rumors are hurting the ones that are still open.”Despite the well-wishes from some shoppers, the situation is looking pretty grim at the mall these days, others report. Read More: Livingston Mall ‘Falling Apart,’ Shoppers Say; Condemnation LoomsSend local news tips and correction requests to [email protected]. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Livingston Facebook page.The article Future Of Livingston Mall Uncertain; Town Seeks Suggestions appeared first on Livingston, NJ Patch.
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