MAYOR'S UPDATE:
WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 21

It’s been another exciting week for ribbon cuttings! This week, we held these events for two existing businesses who have chosen to expand in Westfield, reflecting a tremendous vote of confidence in our future. 

We welcomed Bimmer Hub BMW Repair Center, now located at 391 Springfield Avenue, who chose Westfield for their second location, after starting their successful Cranford location in 2020. 

We also had the ribbon cutting for Mimi & Hill, who relocated their growing business from Elmer Street to the space previously occupied by the New Jersey Workshop for the Arts (which is now on Elmer Street). This new location represents a significant expansion of their retail shop and their design showroom, and will also house the offices for their twenty employees. I love that they are part of a growing community of women-owned businesses in Westfield who are driving the resurgence of our downtown. 

This week I also had the pleasure of walking to school with Franklin School fourth grader Nate Adwar, along with his brother Rafael and their neighbor Adam, as part of the Westfield Public Schools Walk to School Day. We saw many Franklin friends along the way, including our amazing crossing guards who work tirelessly to keep our children safe.  

As a reminder, the Town Council meets on Tuesday night. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

ONE WESTFIELD PLACE PREVIEW CENTER

Thank you to the many residents who have already visited the One Westfield Place Preview Center to view the redevelopment proposal by HBC | Streetworks Development and provide your input. 

You can either explore the Preview Center at your own leisure during their operating hours and weekly open houses, or book a personalized, 90-minute curated tour. Following are the expanded hours of operation:

Tuesday: 10:00 – 5:00
Wednesday: 10:00 – 5:00; Open House from 5:30 – 7:30
Thursday: 10:00 – 5:00
Friday: 10:00 – 5:00
Saturday: Open House from 1:00 – 4:00

Before you visit, I would suggest first reviewing the expansive FAQs on our website, which also includes a link to a comprehensive parking report, as well as those written by HBC | Streetworks Development at onewestfieldplace.com. Both of these documents provide helpful and detailed information on the issues that matter most to residents, and will continue to be expanded as additional questions come in over time. 

HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION RECOGNITION

Congratulations to the Westfield Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) for receiving the Historic Preservation Commission Award from the Board of Directors of Preservation New Jersey (PNJ). This award recognizes organizations and individuals that have made important and sustained contributions to the understanding and promotion of historic preservation and history in New Jersey. PNJ cited the HPC's engagement of local citizens regarding the need for, and benefits of, local historic preservation.

In addition, the HPC was also recently awarded a $45,000 grant by The New Jersey Historic Trust, an affiliate of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), whose mission is to save and promote historic sites throughout the state. Westfield was one of 27 grant recipients awarded funds to support preservation planning projects.

These grants are a reflection of the dedication of the HPC volunteers and our commitment to making historic preservation a top priority, which has resulted in the voluntary designation of nine historic properties in the past five years -- the most in our history.  Now, more than ever, as we look to the future of our downtown, we remain committed to maintaining and preserving the historic integrity of our town while we continue to move it forward. 

On behalf of a grateful community, congratulations to the dedicated volunteers of the HPC for this recognition.

ELECTION INFORMATION

Vote By Mail
The deadline to apply by mail for a mail-in ballot is Tuesday, November 1. The deadline to apply in-person at the Elizabeth and Westfield County Clerk Offices for a mail-in ballot is Monday, November 7 at 3:00 PM. Mail-in ballots can be returned in person or by mail to the Union County Board of Elections office, or at the secure ballot drop box located at the County Clerk’s Office at 300 North Avenue. 

Early In-Person Voting
Union County residents have the option to vote early at specified locations throughout the county beginning on Saturday, October 29, through Sunday, November 6. Locations, dates, and times for early voting are available on the Union County Board of Elections website.

In-Person Voting on Election Day
The General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 8. Polls will be open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. A list of Westfield Wards and Districts is available on our website.

For additional information about voting in the November 8 General Election, visit unioncountyvotes.com.

Disability Rights NJ – Voter Assistance
Disability Rights NJ provides assistance to individuals with disabilities regarding voting – including providing information on voter registration and the rules regarding voting. They also operate a voter hotline on Election Day for individuals with disabilities who have difficulties voting or accessing the polling place. Individuals can call the hotline from 8:00 - 4:00, Monday through Friday, or from 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM on Election Day (866) 493-0023 or email atvoterhotline@disabilityrightsnj.org.

FIRE PREVENTION MONTH

Thanks to the Westfield Fire Department and Fire Prevention Bureau for hosting elementary school assemblies and speaking with students from grades K-3 about fire prevention and fire safety in recognition of Fire Prevention Month. 

CHANGES TO LEAF COLLECTION

Please look for the 2022 Leaf Collection Program mailers, which arrived at homes this week and detail this year’s collections process. In response to residents’ feedback, the Public Works Committee of the Town Council has made some notable changes to the program this year.
 

• First, in order to keep the collection crews moving as efficiently as possible, there will no longer be designated weeks for each zone. The crews will move in sequential order through the zones and proceed to cover as much ground as possible each day.

• Nixle alerts will be sent out daily to notify residents of the completed areas and the anticipated collection points for the following day (subscribe by texting 07090 to 888777).

• The Town will supplement its weekday collection efforts with six Saturday collection dates.

Collection will start on November 7 in Zone 1 and Zone 6 (weather permitting). Once again, the Town will provide up to ten free leaf collection bags per household, which can be picked up with proof of residency at the Conservation Center (no permit required), starting on October 24. For more information on the Center's seasonal hours and curbside pickup guidelines, visit westfieldnj.gov/leafcollection.

UPCOMING EVENTS