MAYOR'S UPDATE:
MARCH 11

Thanks to the Westfield Clergy Association for organizing last night’s vigil that brought the community together to stand in solidarity with Ukraine. Due to the generosity of our residents, we filled up two trucks worth of donated supplies that will be sent directly to the Ukrainian people in collaboration with rescue organizations. Donations are still being accepted and can be dropped off in a bin located outside of the Police Department at Town Hall. 

If you are looking for a reputable place to make a monetary donation to support Ukrainian relief efforts, there is a list of vetted resources posted on my Facebook page. 
 
I’d also like to thank all who attended our Town Council meeting on Tuesday night and raised questions about the proposed Ferris/Prospect redevelopment project, primarily related to traffic and pedestrian safety. As I stated at the meeting, data collection for the Traffic Impact Study has been underway for some time and has undergone an initial review by our own traffic circulation consultants, WSP – the same firm who prepared the Traffic and Circulation element of our Master Plan, so they are already intimately familiar with town traffic flow and circulation. As we all know, the intersections in this area have been problematic for quite some time, and improvements need to be made regardless of any proposed development. 

In the next few weeks, WSP's recommendations to mitigate congestion and improve current traffic flow will be forwarded to the Town's Public Safety and Transportation Committee for review. The committee, chaired by Councilman Jim Boyes, will conduct their review and make any necessary revisions before forwarding their recommendations to be presented to the public and ultimately adopted by the Town Council. As always, safety remains the top priority, and I’m grateful for everyone’s input and engagement as this due diligence continues.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

COVID-19

Two years ago this weekend, on March 14, 2020, we reported the first case of COVID in Westfield. I wrote to all of you on that sunny Saturday afternoon and implored you to stay six feet apart, not to gather, and to take this virus seriously as we assessed which restrictions we would need to put in place to protect public health. Since then, more than 5,500 cases of COVID have been reported in Westfield, including 66 deaths. 

The past two years have been truly unprecedented in so many ways, and the sacrifices everyone has made are both profound and unquantifiable. From stepping up to fund the We Love Local campaign for our downtown businesses, to the widespread Feed the Frontlines initiative, donating PPE, overseeing remote learning in your homes, supporting our Virtual Downtown, the act of complete social distancing during those early months of COVID, and so much more – the sense of community has been remarkable. Our high vaccination rate is also a testament to our collective commitment to public health and to each other – one that undoubtedly saved lives. The Health Department continues to offer vaccinations in homes and offices for those ages five and above. Any resident interested in receiving the vaccine can call 908-789-4070.

It seems appropriate at this two-year milestone, and as we transition to a life with COVID that is slowly becoming more endemic than pandemic in nature, to acknowledge where we’ve been and the more optimistic road ahead. As we all hope that the worst of this virus is truly and finally behind us, you have my deepest gratitude for all you have done to bring out the very best of Westfield during a time that none of us could have ever imagined. While this experience indelibly altered our behavior and our values, it also brought our community closer together, and it’s my hope that we can continue to see the selflessness that has been a hallmark of this pandemic. 

POLICE DEPARTMENT UPDATES

Statewide Car Thefts
The New Jersey Office of the Attorney General and the State Police recently issued a press release warning residents about a significant spike in auto thefts statewide. In 2021, there were a total of 14,320 vehicles reported stolen in New Jersey, a 22 percent increase in overall thefts compared to the year before. To address this growing concern, the New Jersey State Police and Division of Criminal Justice are expanding the Auto Theft Task Force by adding additional detectives and prosecutors, as well as bringing on board additional police departments from around the state. Westfield is one of just five municipalities in the state with an officer currently on the Auto Theft Task Force, a working relationship that has been very beneficial in our Police Department’s ability to recover over 95% of locally stolen vehicles in the last year. 

As we’ve said many times, this is not a problem specific to Westfield, and one that we can displace by securing vehicles at all times. Chief Battiloro advises that there have also been several recent reports of catalytic converters stolen from vehicles in Westfield – another trend that is increasing statewide. As always, please report any suspicious activity immediately to the Police Department. 

St. Patrick’s Day Patrols
As the St. Patrick’s Day weekend approaches, the Westfield Police Department advises that it will be conducting a DWI checkpoint on Central Avenue on Saturday, March 19 and Sunday, March 20. While the Police Department is required to disclose the checkpoint’s location, increased DWI enforcement will be widespread beyond this checkpoint, with additional police patrols throughout Town to help ensure public safety. These efforts follow a 90.9% increase in DWI arrests from 2020 to 2021.

As always, residents are reminded to make safe transportation arrangements and not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Easter Egg Hunt
Thanks to the Westfield Police Department and Kiwanis Club of Westfield for sponsoring this year’s Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza at Mindowaskin Park on Saturday, April 9, from 12:00-2:00 PM (rain date is April 10). Pre-registration is required to attend, and is available to Westfield residents at www.wpdnj.org/easteregghunt through March 28, or until spaces are filled. The event will feature pictures with the Easter Bunny, special prizes, games, candy, face-painting, music, and much more.

For additional information, contact the Westfield Police Department Community Policing Bureau at 908-789-6078.

WALK THE CHALK

I am saddened to report that another bias incident has occurred – this time the use of reprehensible racial slurs written in chalk on the sidewalk and playground area of Jefferson School. This incident remains under investigation by the Westfield Police Department.

In response to this incident, the Human Relations Advisory Commission has partnered with Jefferson School to host “Walk the Chalk” at the school on Wednesday, March 16, at 3:00, upon school dismissal. The HRAC invites the entire community to participate by coloring chalk messages of unity and tolerance in the same places that the racial slurs were written. I hope to see you all there in a show of solidarity to combat hate and intolerance in our community.  

NATIONAL GIRL SCOUTS DAY

At Tuesday night’s Town Council meeting, I had the privilege of reading a proclamation to designate March 12 as Girl Scouts Day, in honor of the organization’s 110th anniversary. It’s only fitting that we honor this next generation of female leaders during Women’s History Month, including the 11,000 Girl Scouts in New Jersey and the vibrant Girl Scout community here in Westfield. Thanks to Westfield Girl Scouts Service Unit Manager Lucia Trolio and Girl Scouts Alice, Mahie, and Emily for joining us on Tuesday.

CONSERVATION CENTER

The Conservation Center will be open from 9:00-3:00 this Saturday, and will then begin its spring and summer seasonal hours on Thursday, March 24, opening on Thursdays and Fridays from 9:00-2:30, and Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00-3:00. Annual permits for organic debris will be sold at westfieldnj.gov/conservation beginning March 14, and will remain at $60 for the year.

As a reminder, the drop-off recycling programs are available free of charge and no permit required, with a wide range of items accepted. The annual mailer is en route to all homes, and full details are also available on our website.