FAQs

  1. What is an Area in Need of Rehabilitation and an Area in Need of Redevelopment?

    This is defined in a NJ state statute NJ Rev Stat 40A:12A-14 (2013) A delineated area may be determined to be in need of rehabilitation if the governing body of the municipality determines by resolution that there exist in that area conditions such that (1) a significant portion of structures therein are in a deteriorated or substandard condition and there is a continuing pattern of vacancy, abandonment or underutilization of properties in the area, with a persistent arrearage of property tax payments thereon or (2) more than half of the housing stock in the delineated area is at least 50 years old, or a majority of the water and sewer infrastructure in the delineated area is at least 50 years old and is in need of repair or substantial maintenance; and (3) a program of rehabilitation, as defined in section 3 of P.L.1992, c.79 (C.40A:12A-3), may be expected to prevent further deterioration and promote the overall development of the community.

    Where warranted by consideration of the overall conditions and requirements of the community, a finding of need for rehabilitation may extend to the entire area of a municipality.

    and NJ40A:12A-5.  There are 8 criteria to determine if an area can be designated.  https://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/2013/title-40a/section-40a-12a-5

    1. For example, the generality of buildings are substandard, unsafe, unsanitary, dilapidated, or obsolescent, or possess any of such characteristics, or are so lacking in light, air, or space, as to be conducive to unwholesome living or working conditions. 

  2. What zoning districts are included in the Area in Need of Redevelopment designated by the Town of Westfield?

    CBD, GB1, GB2, GB3, RM8

  3. What is the Scattered Sites ordinance?

    There are 7 surface parking lots and 3 private parcels owned by Hudson Bay Corporation (former LT) included in the Redevelopment Plan dated 10/05/2020 and adopted by the Town Council 11/10/2020

  4. Are privately owned parcels of land subject to zoning?

    Yes, all properties are subject to zoning regulations

  5. Are publicly owned parcels of land subject to zoning?

    Yes, all properties are subject to zoning regulations

  6. Are parcels in the Area in Need of Redevelopment exempt from zoning?

    The Planning Board reviews and grants approval of zoning overrides in each parcel.

  7. Who decided to include the 2 town lots adjacent to the NJ Transit train station in the development proposal? And why?

    This is unknown, however 3 town lots are included in the Resolution 2020 Approving A Conditional Designation & Interim Costs Agreement with SW Westfield LLC (Streetworks Development, subsidiary of Hudson Bay Company (HBC)), dated 12/8/2020.

  8. Who decided to remove the 3rd lot, 148 Central Avenue Block 2116 Lot 11 (across from the Post Office) from the agreement dated 12/8/2020 and where is it documented?

    The question was asked at a Preview Center session and was not answered and there has not been an explanation as to why or when in this process it was removed from the Mayor or Town Council.

  9. There are several new residential multi-family developments in town in the last 5 years. How many units are built, leased, and occupied? How many have been approved by the Planning Board and are being readied for construction?

    1. 333 Central Ave (Central Ave & So. Ave)– built – 70 units

    2. The Bentley (So. Ave & Westfield Ave/ traffic circle)– built – 30 units

    3. Parker Building (W. Broad & South Ave)– built – 31 units

    4. 411 North Avenue – built – 20 units

    5. 440 North Ave - under construction - 10 units (AH units 2)

    6. Westfield Crossing (425 & 455 So. Ave)– under construction - 193 units (AH units 32)

    7. The Franklin (526 North Ave) – under construction - 40 units

      2017 Fair Share Affordable Housing Agreement to be built:

    8. Williams Nursery Site – in planning - 162 units (AH units 32)

    9. Grove St. and Grandview - in planning - 20 Units (AH Units TBD)

    10. 203-215 Ross Place - in planning - 10 Units (AH Units 0)

    11. 430 Central Ave - under construction - 22 Units 22 (AH Units 6)

    12. North Ave TOD, 628-710 North Ave (lot next to Handler Building) - in planning - 38 Units (AH Units 7)

    13. 206 Springfield Ave - in planning -24 Units (AH Units 5)

    14. 516-540 North Avenue East -in planning - 40 Units (AH Units TBD)

  10. What is the impact of PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) agreement instead of conventional taxes being pursued for this development?