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1. When do I need a construction permit?
2. Do I need a construction permit to replace my sidewalk or service walk?
3. Do I need a construction permit to remove a tree?
4. Do I need a construction permit to widen my driveway?
5. Where can I file for a construction permit or get an application?
6. How long will it take to get my permit?
7. How do I check the status of my permit once it is submitted?
8. How much does a construction permit cost?
9. How can I pay for the construction permit?
10. How do I schedule an inspection?
11. Who is responsible to get the permit, me, or my contractor?
12. Who should I contact with a concern regarding runoff/drainage?
13. Who should I contact with a concern regarding property maintenance?
14. Does Westfield require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) or Continued Certificate of Occupancy (CCO) when I sell my home or to open my business?

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1. What specifically will be voted on in the referendum?
2. Why has the cost of the project increased from $9M to $11.8M?
3. How will the project be financed? Will taxpayers have to pay for the $11.8M bond?
4. What is the timeline for the project if the referendum passes?
5. What if the referendum doesn’t pass?
6. Can the Town proceed instead with the Tamaques plans or other natural grass fields?
7. Will the fields be used primarily for games or practices?
8. How will artificial turf improve stormwater management at the site?
9. Why can’t the Town pursue natural grass like the WSA did at Elm Street?
10. How many hours of in-town play will be gained by installing lighte turf?
11. Will the Town pursue newer, more sustainable turf products to mitigate environmental concerns?

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1. Where does stormwater go?
2. Why has stormwater runoff become such a problem?
3. How can I reduce runoff?
4. What is an impervious surface?
5. How can I landscape my yard in ways to reduce runoff and protect the environment?
6. What are some simple changes I can make to protect our waters?

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1. How often do I need to rake, sweep, clean my storm drain?
2. What special equipment / materials do I need?
3. What do I do with the debris I’ve collected?
4. Is this a safe activity that I can do with my children or a scout troop?
5. Who can adopt a drain?
6. My time commitments have changed, can I unadopt my drain?
7. What is entailed in estimating the amount of debris I collect? Do I need to use a scale?
8. What happens if there are materials by or in my drain that I don’t feel comfortable/able to remove?
9. How can I promote my efforts to my neighbors and the community?
10. Still have a question?

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1. What services does Animal Control provide in Westfield?
2. What should a resident do if they see a fox or coyote?
3. If a raccoon is spotted out during the day, should residents be concerned?
4. When should a resident become concerned?
5. What should a resident do if they encounter an animal that is aggressive or appears to be rabid?
6. Is the rabies virus still found in New Jersey?
7. With warmer weather approaching, what happens if a resident finds a bat in his or her house?
8. Are you allowed to feed wild animals in Westfield?

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1. I heard I can get tested for COVID-19 at a commercial laboratory (i.e., LabCorp and Quest)?
2. What is the process of getting COVID-19 testing at a commercial lab?
3. If I get tested using a test kit from a commercial lab, how long will it take to get the results?
4. Should contacts of contacts be tested?
5. What is a “close contact?”
6. I was at a conference/mass gathering and I heard that there are people sick from COVID-19. What should I do?
7. I am planning a conference/mass gathering. Should I cancel the event because of COVID-19?
8. I had a large event and heard that one/at least one of the attendees has COVID-19, what should I do?
9. How are school closures determined?
10. I work at a school in a different state. That state’s health department told all staff that we need to self-monitor. Should I do it even though I live in New Jersey and not the other state?

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1. What is a Reexamination Report?
2. Why is the Town doing a reexamination?
3. What is covered by the Reexamination Report?
4. When will the report be completed?
5. How can I participate?

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1. What Is Compassion, Acceptance, Kindness & Empathy (CAKE)?
2. What is it? Why are we talking about it and not just eating it?
3. How is it offered or received?
4. What about when Compassion, Acceptance, Kindness, Empathy feels out of reach?
5. Who is entitled to a slice?
6. Where can I find related articles?

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1. Why is there an Open Public Records Act?
2. What is the policy behind Open Public Records Act (OPRA)?
3. What are government records?
4. What records are accessible to the public?
5. Why are some records exempt from disclosure?
6. What are some records that cannot be disclosed?
7. What entities doesn't Open Public Records Act (OPRA) cover?
8. Whom do I contact to obtain records from public agencies?
9. What do I need to do to request records?
10. Is there a form I have to use?
11. Do I have to pay for copies in advance of receiving them?
12. How soon can I get the records I requested?
13. What happens if my request is denied?
14. What are reasons for denials?
15. Can I ask for a record in a specific format?
16. Can I get immediate access to certain records?
17. How is personal information protected?
18. Does redaction apply to viewing or inspecting records?
19. What is the cost of paper copies of records?
20. What is the Government Records Council?
21. What can the Government Records Council (GRC) do for me if access to records is denied?
22. What is mediation?
23. How will the Government Records Council (GRC) conduct the investigation?
24. What happens if it is going to Superior Court?
25. How can I get more information about the law?
26. What are some definitions from the law?

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1. Why does Westfield need to provide an opportunity for low and moderate income housing?
2. What if Westfield decided not to provide an opportunity for low and moderate income housing?
3. How does the law define affordable housing? What’s the difference between low and moderate income housing?
4. What is the Fair Share Housing Center and why is there a settlement agreement with it?
5. Why even settle? Why not litigate?
6. What does the Settlement Agreement call for?
7. What is an overlay zone?
8. Where are the “overlay zones?”
9. The Settlement Agreement says that the Town has a rehabilitation share of 9 units, a prior round obligation of 139 units, and a prospective need obligation of 1090 units. How will we fulfill that?
10. Are there plans already in place to develop these areas in the overlay zones?
11. What are these developments going to look like, and will Westfield become urbanized?
12. What impact will these new residential developments have on traffic and schools?
13. What are the next steps?

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1. What is redevelopment?
2. What is an “area in need of redevelopment”?
3. What is the process to determine that an area qualifies as an “area in need of redevelopment”?
4. Doesn’t an “area in need of redevelopment” have a negative connotation?
5. What are the benefits for property owners located in an area in need of redevelopment?
6. What is a redevelopment plan?
7. What is the process for adopting a redevelopment plan?
8. What is a long-term tax exemption or payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT)?
9. What are the benefits of a payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) to a redeveloper?
10. What are the benefits of a payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) to the municipality?
11. Is the school district harmed by payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs)?
12. Why would the Town need or want more apartments?
13. Will more development cause too much traffic and congestion?

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1. When is a permit necessary to use the Conservation Center?
2. How do I get a permit?
3. What types of vehicles are permitted to use the Center?
4. What types of vehicles are not permitted to use the Center?
5. What organic materials are accepted at the Center?
6. What materials are not accepted at the Center?
7. Can my landscaper bring the grass clippings from my property to the Center?
8. Do I need to sort the organic debris or recyclable materials I bring to the Center?
9. What can I do with the bags or containers I use to transport organic debris or recyclables to the Center?
10. What if I have special circumstances?
11. Where can I dispose of household bulky waste?