MAYOR'S UPDATE:
NOVEMBER 5

Thank you to everyone who cast a vote in Tuesday’s election, exercising our most treasured right and privilege. I am overwhelmed by your vote of confidence in supporting my reelection and the entire Westfield Together team. We look forward to serving you and representing your interests for another four years!

With the election now behind us, I hope we can all take the temperature down in our public discourse, and remember that we are friends and neighbors first and foremost. As your mayor, I represent all of you, regardless of your political affiliation and how you cast your vote. I remain committed to making decisions that are always in the best interests of the community at large, and pledge to continue to engage, listen, and inform.

We have an exciting four years ahead of us, and I am deeply grateful for the privilege to continue in this role.

Wishing you all a great weekend!

COVID-19 UPDATE

On Tuesday, the CDC Director issued a final approval for use of the Pfizer vaccine in children ages 5 to 11, a huge milestone in the effort to end the pandemic.1 in 500 Americans have been lost to COVID; in Union County that number is 1 in 275. 1 in 7 Union County residents have tested positive for COVID.

Regional Health Officer Megan Avallone reports that, once again, one of the six regions in New Jersey (our Central East region) is showing high levels of activity.

For the month of October, there were 93 cases identified in Westfield (down from 177 in September). The age ranges are broken down as follows:

Age 9 and under: 15 cases
Age 10-19: 15 cases
Age 20-29: 11 cases
Age 30-39: 13 cases
Age 40-49: 15 cases
Age 50-59: 13 cases
Age 60-69: 5 cases
Age 70-79: 4 cases
Age 80-89: 2 cases
Age 90 and above: No cases

The state’s seven-day average for new confirmed cases is down 8% from a week ago and 30% from a month ago, the lowest since August 4. The statewide transmission rate is 1.02.

Health officials are seeing an increase in travel associated cases, and they continue to encourage non-vaccinated residents to quarantine after travel per the CDC guidelines, especially after holiday travel.

Statewide, vaccination rates have increased 33% from last week’s rate, with an average of 36.4K doses administered per day. More than six million New Jersey residents are fully vaccinated.

In Union County, 367,907 individuals (66% of the total population) are fully vaccinated. In Westfield, 96% of adults and 76% of our entire population is fully vaccinated. Additional breakdowns by location and age group can be found on the NJ COVID Dashboard.

The Health Department’s immunization outreach continues with all three brands of vaccine. With numerous clinics held in October, in total, they administered 308 COVID vaccinations during the month (up from 99 individuals vaccinated during September). They have also provided a booster vaccination clinic to both Senior Housing complexes this month. The department is offering vaccinations in home and in the office for those 12 and above; any resident interested in receiving the vaccine can call 908-789-4070.

Today, the department also began its pediatric vaccination campaign with a clinic at Roosevelt School. Due to overwhelming demand and a very limited initial supply, the clinic did reach full capacity before its starting time, with many eager families lining up to receive a vaccine. I realize this was very frustrating for many. However, as a public Health Department, we of course had an obligation to communicate the information widely and make the opportunity available to the entire community. As soon as we receive additional doses, we will provide the details of the next clinic. Apologies to those who were inconvenienced -- we are very thankful that you made the effort to get your children vaccinated.

The work of the Westfield Regional Health Department has been nothing short of remarkable over the course of this pandemic. Yesterday marked 20 months since New Jersey saw its first case and, in that time, the department has investigated and contact traced 11,181 cases. Our staff continues to demonstrate the utmost dedication in serving the eight communities in the region, and I am grateful every day for their professionalism.

WESTFIELD SENIOR HOUSING CENTER

As you know, through my previous comments, we are continuing in our legal dispute with the Westfield Senior Housing Center over the more than $2MM owed to the Town. I want to reiterate that the residents of the WSHC will not be displaced or have their rents impacted by this dispute or any potential change in management of the facility as a result. Thanks to the WSHC residents who have continued to reach out to me to share information regarding their experiences at the WSHC.

In order to share critical information and facts with WSHC residents and their families, we are collecting their contact information to keep them informed. If you are a resident or family member of someone who is, and would like to be added to the list, please send your name, contact details, and WSHC building number to westfieldseniorinfo@westfieldnj.gov to receive future correspondence and updates.

POLICE UPDATE

I want to thank the numerous residents who have emailed me since the election with concerns about safety and security, and with questions about how these issues will be addressed going forward. I fully understand and share these concerns, particularly following the recent sexual assault and this week’s carjacking, both of which were of course extremely disturbing. Please know that, above all else, public safety is the absolute top priority of my administration.

Late this afternoon, Chief Battiloro announced the arrests of three individuals related to the carjacking incident that occurred on Wednesday in the parking lot of Summit Medical Group. The police investigation indicates that the victim was followed from his Hudson County residence to Westfield via Route 22 and carjacked upon arrival at Summit Medical Group. The suspect was accompanied by a blue Lexus SUV and stated to the victim that he was in possession of a firearm, but none was displayed. The accompanying blue Lexus SUV is a confirmed stolen vehicle from Maplewood. You can read the full press release on our website.

I am very grateful for the extraordinary work of the Westfield Police Department, in partnership with the New Jersey State Police Auto Theft Task Force, in bringing these arrests to fruition in less than 48 hours. Chief Battiloro will speak about the case at Tuesday night’s Town Council meeting with the community.

Over the course of the last week, there were also attempts at car burglaries and thefts on Ludlow Place, West Dudley Avenue, Lenape Trail, and Woods End Road -- none of which resulted in stolen vehicles, although there was some loss of property reported. In addition, on November 4, a 2019 BMW X3 was stolen from the 100 block of North Euclid Avenue, with the key fob inside.

You can always read more detail about police activity in the weekly Police Blotter, which is posted every Tuesday on the Westfield Police Department’s website, as well as on the Westfield Police Department’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

PAVING

We’ve been advised by our paving contractor that the resurfacing of Willow Grove Road has been delayed due to delivery issues with their materials. As a result, they are now anticipating completing this milling and paving work the week of November 15. As soon as we have specifics, we will communicate them. In addition, we are expecting updated timeframes in the near future for Elizabethtown Gas’ paving of Dudley Avenue and Hillside Avenue, which will be shared as soon as details are finalized.

VETERANS DAY

Please join me on Thursday, November 11, at 11:00 AM for the annual Veterans Day ceremony to be held at Memorial Circle. Thanks to Allan Betau and Randy Grizzard of the Martin Wallberg American Legion Post 3 for organizing this important event that recognizes our veterans and their tremendous service to our country.

VOLUNTEER APPLICATIONS

We have an exciting four years ahead of us, and once again I invite and ask for your participation! The annual open call for volunteers to serve on various Boards, Commissions, and committees is now open at westfieldnj.gov/volunteer through November 29, and I hope you’ll consider submitting an application. The talent and eagerness to volunteer among our residents are Westfield’s biggest assets, and I, along with the Town Council, remain grateful to all those who step up to devote their time and energy to benefit us all.

WESTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS

Congratulations to the WHS boys and girls soccer teams for their recent wins over Scotch Plains/Fanwood to win the Union County championships! WHS Athletic Director Sandy Mamary joined me, Councilwoman Habgood, and Councilwoman Mackey to witness Mayors Mahr and Losardo deliver pizzas from Outta Hand to our Fire and Police Departments -- in Westfield spirit wear -- to pay off the friendly bet they lost.

Join me in wishing the boys and girls soccer team good luck as they compete in the state sectional semi-finals, and good luck to the WHS girls volleyball team as they compete in the state sectional finals!

MAYOR'S UPDATE:NOVEMBER 5