The future of Livingston Mall is back in front of township leaders Monday as the Township Council prepares to discuss the long-vacant property behind closed doors — a move that could shape what comes next for one of Livingston’s biggest redevelopment sites.

The council will enter a closed session at 6 p.m. Monday, July 13, at Town Hall, 357 S. Livingston Ave., to discuss the mall under attorney-client privilege. Officials did not disclose the specific legal issue, but the meeting notice identifies the mall as the topic of discussion.

The council is expected to return to public session afterward, with the regular meeting still scheduled for 7:30 p.m. The notice states that “formal action will be taken,” though it does not specify whether that action will involve the mall.

For residents who have watched the property decline for years, the discussion comes as the former retail hub enters a major turning point. The township designated the 59-acre site an “Area in Need of Redevelopment” in 2024, opening the door for a new vision beyond the shuttered stores and empty corridors.

Part of that future is already taking shape. The former Sears portion of the property has been approved for 376 housing units, including apartments and up to 81 townhouses, as Livingston works toward meeting state affordable housing requirements.

The remaining 43 acres have yet to receive formal redevelopment plans.

The mall’s decline accelerated in recent years as longtime anchors disappeared, including Sears, Lord & Taylor and Macy’s, which closed its Livingston location in 2026.

Residents who want to comment on the mall discussion can email [email protected] before 4 p.m. Monday. Comments will be shared with the mayor and council.

The public meeting will be livestreamed on the township’s Facebook page.