Westfield, New Jersey

Planning Board

The board will hear a new appeal (PB 26-005) for preliminary/final major site plan with variances at 440 E. Broad Street, submitted by Brick Building, LLC. This item was adjourned from the June 1 meeting. The board will also approve minutes from previous meetings and review the status of pending applications. No resolutions are scheduled for adoption.

• Public hearing for PB 26-005: Preliminary/Final Major Site Plan with variances at 440 E. Broad Street by Brick Building, LLC (adjourned from 6/1/2026)

Board of Adjustment

This special meeting of the Westfield Board of Adjustment will hear an adjourned appeal for a proposed senior housing development at 1129 Boynton Ave. The applicant seeks a minor subdivision and multiple bulk variances, including a density increase from 19.5 to 67.4 units per acre, far exceeding the permitted 16 units/acre. Other requested variances involve lot size, setbacks, building coverage, and impervious surface limits.

• Density variance to 67.4 units/acre (max 16) for Second Westfield Senior Housing at 1129 Boynton Ave
• Lot area reduction to 0.46 acres (min 5 acres required)
• Side and rear yard setbacks reduced to 20 feet (min 100 feet)
• Building coverage increase to 43.5% (max 25%)
• Impervious coverage increase to 55.5% (max 50%)

Town Council Notifications

The Westfield Town Council will vote on adopting the Union County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan 2026, which identifies natural hazard risks and mitigation actions. Other items include awarding a contract for 2026 road improvements, supporting bus stop locations on Route 28, and authorizing an affordability assistance grant for a tenant at 3302 Echo Lane. An executive session is scheduled for contract negotiations.

• Resolution adopting Union County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan 2026
• Resolution authorizing contract for 2026 Various Road Improvements
• Resolution supporting Bus Stop locations along Route 28 as recommended by NJDOT
• Resolution authorizing Affordability Assistance Grant for tenant at 3302 Echo Lane, Unit 3302
• Resolution to submit grant application for 2027 W Grove Street and E Grove Street Improvement Project

Downtown Westfield Corporation

The Downtown Westfield Corporation board will meet to approve the May 2026 meeting minutes and budget, receive reports from the Executive Director, committees, and liaisons, and hear public comments. No major rezonings or contracts are on the agenda.

• Approval of May 2026 DWC budget and spend
• Executive Director's report on ongoing projects
• Reports from Design, Promotions, and Economic Vitality committees
• Mayor's report from Mayor Jeremy Berman
• Public comments opportunity

Town Council Notifications

The Westfield Town Council will consider two special ordinances that authorize additional bond funding: $862,000 for the Houlihan‑Sid Fay Fields parking lot, restroom and multipurpose facility improvements, and $880,000 to replace the synthetic turf at the same fields. The meeting also includes a series of resolutions to refund various fees, grant affordability assistance to tenants at 2212 Echo Lane and 440 North Avenue East Echo Lane, and approve contracts for police department equipment and a beer‑wine garden concession. All items are presented for council approval or confirmation.

• Special Ordinance No. 2026-02: bond appropriation of $862,000 for Houlihan‑Sid Fay Fields parking lot, restroom and multipurpose facility improvements
• Special Ordinance No. 2026-03: bond appropriation of $880,000 to replace synthetic turf at Houlihan‑Sid Fay Fields
• Resolution authorizing payment to Axon Enterprise for the Westfield Police Department
• Resolution authorizing award of contract for security access control equipment for the Westfield Police Department
• Resolution authorizing an Affordability Assistance Grant for a tenant at 2212 Echo Lane, Unit 2212

The council approved a bond ordinance to appropriate an additional $862,000 for the parking lot, restroom, and multipurpose facility improvement at Houlihan-Sid Fay Fields. The vote was 7-0 with two members absent. A second bond ordinance for turf field replacement was heard but no vote was recorded in the minutes.

• Approved $862,000 additional bond for Houlihan-Sid Fay Fields parking lot/restroom project (7-0)

Board of Adjustment

The Westfield Board of Adjustment will hold a continued hearing on a variance application by ARC of Union County to build a single-family dwelling as a community residence for the developmentally disabled at 901 Morris Avenue, requiring multiple setbacks and coverage variances. The board will also hear four new variance applications for residential additions and structures, including a previously installed outdoor kitchen and additions at several addresses. Additionally, the board will approve minutes and resolutions from the May 11 meeting.

• Continued appeal: ARC of Union County, 901 Morris Ave – variances for front yard depth, building mass, coverage, and garage.
• New appeal: Mickael Avedissian & Amie Borges, 34 Fairhill Rd – addition and garage requiring side yard setback variance.
• New appeal: Gregory Jager, 421 Birch Ave – outdoor kitchen exceeding maximum coverage.
• New appeal: Daniel Wertherim, 531 Topping Hill Rd – second-story addition and porch exceeding FAR and coverage.
• New appeal: Albert & Melissa Royce, 560 Tremont Ave – carport, driveway expansion, porches requiring multiple variances.

Recreation Commission

This is a routine meeting with reports from commission chair, town council, board of education, and director, plus committee updates on pool, parks, fields, policy, and programs. The only specific item under new business is a presentation by Lisa Hunt regarding Tamaques Library. No major decisions or public hearings are listed.

• Presentation by Lisa Hunt on Tamaques Library

Planning Board

Board of Health

The Westfield Board of Health will hold a public hearing, approve minutes, and receive department reports. Old business includes updates on the Westfield Station hearing, Peking Garden, and 1958 Cuban matters. New business features a potential new WIC clinic location and two ordinances: one setting a fee for repeat pre-operational inspections (Ordinance 1-2026) and another for non-union salaries (Ordinance 2-2026). A closed session is scheduled for a personnel matter.

• BOH Ordinance 1-2026: establishing a fee for repeat pre-operational inspections
• BOH Ordinance 2-2026: setting non-union salaries
• New WIC clinic location proposal
• Westfield Station Hearing update
• Peking Garden and 1958 Cuban updates

Downtown Westfield Corporation

The Downtown Westfield Corporation Board will vote on the April 2026 DWC Budget and approve minutes from the prior meeting. Directors and committee chairs will report on ongoing projects, new businesses, marketing, and influencer outreach. The meeting includes liaison reports from the Mayor, Council, DPW, and Chamber of Commerce. Public comments will be heard.

• Approval of April 2026 DWC Budget
• Approval of April 2026 Board meeting minutes
• Updates on new businesses, expansions, and ribbon cuttings
• DWC Influencer Outreach Program report
• Committee reports: Organization, Design, Promotions, Economic Vitality

Town Council Notifications

The Westfield Town Council will vote on two bond ordinances totaling $1,742,000 for improvements at Houlihan-Sid Fay Fields: $862,000 for parking, restroom, and multipurpose facility upgrades, and $880,000 for synthetic turf field replacement. Other actions include authorizing a contract for crossing guard management services, increasing the bid threshold, and approving multiple equipment purchases for the Department of Public Works. The agenda also includes resolutions for fee refunds, escrow disbursements, and event requests.

• Special Ordinance 2026-02: $862,000 bond for Houlihan-Sid Fay Fields parking lot, restroom, and multipurpose facility improvements
• Special Ordinance 2026-03: $880,000 bond for synthetic turf athletic field replacement at Houlihan-Sid Fay Fields
• Resolution to increase the bid threshold
• Contract award for crossing guard management services
• Five equipment purchases for DPW: Sand Pro, ASV RT-40, Toro Groundmaster, Fisher Plow, and a stipend for Recycling Program Coordinator

The Town Council voted to approve the minutes from its May 5, 2026, conference and regular meetings. Two bond ordinances for Sid Fay/Houlihan Field improvements were introduced on first reading (parking/restroom expansion for $862,000 and turf field replacement for $880,000), and several resolutions were proposed, including DPW equipment purchases, a Clean Communities Grant, and a crossing guard contract to ACMS for $514,624. No final votes on these items were recorded in the provided minutes; the public comment period was interrupted before council action could be reported.

• Approved minutes from May 5, 2026 meetings

Historic Preservation Commission

The Westfield Historic Preservation Commission will approve the April 27, 2026 minutes and consider several preservation matters. New business includes a demolition review for 722 Rahway Ave, a hearing on a Major Certificate of Appropriateness for 218 Dudley Ave, revised plans for 231 Elizabeth Avenue, and an advisory review of 531 Topping Hill Road. Old business recaps the May 9 HPC/NJFO Home Tour and reminds members of the upcoming NJ Historic Preservation Conference on June 17‑18.

• Demolition review – 722 Rahway Ave.
• Major Certificate of Appropriateness hearing – 218 Dudley Ave.
• Revised plans review – 231 Elizabeth Avenue.
• Advisory review – 531 Topping Hill Road.

Board of Adjustment

The Westfield Board of Adjustment will adopt resolutions from April 13, 2026, and consider extension requests for previously approved variances. The board will continue a case regarding unauthorized structures at 17 Sunnywood Drive and hear four new appeals, including a major proposal for 1129 Boynton Avenue seeking a density variance from 16 to 67.4 units per acre.

• Adoption of resolutions for 316 Orenda Circle, 546 Boulevard, 526 Clark Street, and 761 Belvidere Avenue
• Extension requests for 912 Brown Ave, 1022 Grandview Ave, and 53 Cardinal Drive
• Continued appeal: Brant Lipari, 17 Sunnywood Drive – outdoor kitchen, patio, and shed violating setback and wall length limits
• New appeal: Second Westfield Senior Housing, 1129 Boynton Ave – minor subdivision with density variance from 16 to 67.4 units/acre and bulk variances
• New appeals: 106 Barchester Way (FAR variance), 725 Willow Grove Rd (pool/patio variances), 8 Folkstone Drive (addition variances)

The Westfield Board of Adjustment met on May 11, 2026, and took several procedural actions. It adjourned the Second Westfield Senior Housing application to a special virtual meeting and granted three one-year extensions for previously approved variances. The board also memorialized four prior resolutions, adopted minutes from April, and heard testimony on two appeals without reaching final decisions.

• Adjourned ZBA 25-065 (Second Westfield Senior Housing) to a special virtual meeting (unanimous)
• Granted one-year extension for ZBA 24-033 (Ganesh Sankaran) through 3/10/2027 (7-0)
• Granted one-year extension for ZBA 24-053 (Katherine Powell) through 6/9/2027 (7-0)
• Granted one-year extension for ZBA 24-054 (Union County Educational) through 2/10/2027 (7-0)
• Adopted minutes of April 13, 2026, meeting (6-0)
• Memorialized resolutions for ZBA 25-048, 25-057, 25-061, 25-062 (all unanimous)
• Carried ZBA 25-040 (Brant Lipari, 17 Sunnywood Drive) to July 13, 2026, due to new engineering report

Town Council Notifications

The Westfield Town Council will consider resolutions at its May 5, 2026 meeting, including awarding contracts for roof repairs and interior renovations at the Fire Department, and for landscaping equipment for Public Works. Several routine financial actions such as refunds and warrants are also on the agenda.

• Resolution authorizing contract for roof repairs at Westfield Fire Department
• Resolution authorizing contract for interior renovations at Westfield Fire Department
• Resolution authorizing contract for landscaping equipment for Department of Public Works
• Affordability Assistance Grant for tenant at 3301 Echo Lane, Unit 3301
• Affordability Assistance Grant for tenant at 516 North Avenue East, Apartment 111

The Town Council approved contract awards for roof repairs and interior renovations at Westfield fire houses. They also authorized a pilot program to purchase commercial battery-powered leaf blowers for the Public Works Department and Board of Education.

• Approved fire house roof repair contracts
• Approved Fire House 1 interior renovation contract
• Approved purchase of battery-powered leaf blowers and charging stations for pilot program
• Approved minutes from April 21, 2026, meetings

Recreation Commission

The Westfield Recreation Commission is meeting for a routine agenda including approval of minutes, public comment, and reports from the chair, town council liaison, school board liaison, and director. Committee updates will cover pools, parks, fields, policy, and programs. Old business includes the Tour de Westfield event, a Five Guys fundraiser, and Westfield Baseball, while new business is limited to a Google Drive item.

• Tour de Westfield scheduled for August 30th (old business)
• Five Guys Fundraiser (old business)
• Westfield Baseball (old business)
• Committee reports on pools, parks, fields, policy, and programs
• Google Drive as new business

Planning Board

The Westfield Planning Board will vote on resolutions for two prior applications: PB 25-005 (909 Bailey Court) and PB 26-001 (500 Central Avenue). The board will also discuss three pending major site plan applications with variances: a residential roof deck at 423 South Ave West, an expansion of a dental practice at 320 Lenox Avenue, and a second-floor expansion of a dental practice at 440 E. Broad Street. No new appeals or minutes are on the agenda.

• Approval of resolution PB 25-005 for Robert & Ruthann Dufkis at 909 Bailey Court
• Approval of resolution PB 26-001 for 500 Central Westfield, LLC at 500 Central Avenue
• Pending application PB 26-003: residential roof deck with variances at 423 South Ave West
• Pending application PB 26-004: expansion of dental practice with variances at 320 Lenox Avenue
• Pending application PB 26-005: expansion of dental practice into second floor with variances at 440 E. Broad Street

Board of Health

The Westfield Board of Health will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes, receive consent agenda reports from the Health Department, Vital Statistics, and Animal Control, and review financial reports. Old business includes a Board Hearing Subcommittee item regarding Peking Garden. The meeting will also include public comment and a closed session for personnel and contractual matters.

• Approval of Board minutes from March 2, 2026
• Consent agenda: Health Department reports for February and March
• Consent agenda: Animal Control reports for February and March
• Old Business: Board Hearing Subcommittee regarding Peking Garden
• Closed session for personnel and contractual matters

Historic Preservation Commission

The Westfield Historic Preservation Commission will hold a regular meeting on April 27, 2026, at 7:30 PM. New business includes demolition reviews for two garages (531 Hillcrest Ave. and 509 Kimball Ave.), a demolition plan review at 231 Elizabeth Ave., and an advisory review at 560 Tremont Ave. The commission will also discuss upcoming events like the HPC/NJFO Home Tour and the NJ Historic Preservation Conference.

• Demolition review: 531 Hillcrest Ave. (garage)
• Demolition review: 509 Kimball Ave. (garage)
• Demolition plan review: 231 Elizabeth Ave.
• Advisory review: 560 Tremont Ave.
• HPC/NJFO Home Tour on May 9

The Commission approved the March 23, 2026, minutes and reviewed several demolition requests. An architect agreed to revise plans for a historic home on Elizabeth Avenue to retain its front façade. The Commission provided advisory comments on a property at 560 Tremont Avenue.

• Approved March 23, 2026, minutes (unanimous)
• No comment on garage demolition at 527 Hillcrest Avenue
• No comment on garage demolition at 509 Kimball Avenue
• Requested revised plans for 231 Elizabeth Ave after architect agreed to retain front façade
• Provided advisory review for 560 Tremont Ave, suggesting removal of dormers

Town Council Notifications

The Town Council will vote on the 2026 municipal budget (total appropriations $59.6M, raising $32.5M from taxation) and the Special Improvement District budget ($452k). It will also consider a resolution to defer $61.4M in local school tax, refund recreation and bond fees, award a contract for firefighter PPE, and amend parking regulations (no-parking on Barchester Way, new handicapped spots on Cacciola Place and Kimball Ave). The meeting includes public hearings on the budgets and Ordinance 2026-13.

• Adoption of 2026 municipal budget ($59,599,525 total, $32,523,064.16 tax levy for municipal purposes plus $3,956,534 library levy)
• Adoption of 2026 Special Improvement District budget ($452,135)
• Deferral of $61,418,437 in local school tax (50% of levy)
• Ordinance 2026-13 to add no-parking on Barchester Way and handicapped parking at 205 Cacciola Place and 301 Kimball Ave
• Award of contract for firefighter protective clothing and thermal imaging cameras ($50,400 total, including $45,818 federal grant)

The council adopted General Ordinance 2026-13, amending the town code to add two on-street handicap parking spaces (at 205 Cacciola Place and 301 Kimball Ave/Wilson School) and a no-parking restriction on Barchester Way near Lawrence Avenue. The vote was 7-0 with two members absent. The council also approved bills and claims totaling $894,579.06 and authorized several refunds for cancelled recreation programs. Public hearings were held for the 2026 SID and municipal budgets, but no vote is recorded in the minutes.

• Adopted General Ordinance 2026-13 amending parking regulations (7-0, 2 absent)
• Approved bills and claims of $894,579.06 (unanimous)
• Authorized refunds for canceled recreation program fees (unanimous)
• Opened bids for Houlihan Field improvements (no award made)

Downtown Westfield Corporation

The Downtown Westfield Corporation board will consider and approve the March 2026 DWC budget. It will also approve the minutes from the March 2026 board meeting. Reports on ongoing projects, new business expansions, and marketing activities will be presented. The meeting includes committee updates, a mayoral report, and public comments.

• Approval of March 2026 DWC Board meeting minutes
• Approval of March 2026 DWC budget
• Updates to ongoing downtown projects
• New businesses expansions and ribbon cuttings
• Marketing report by Rachel Schwartz, The ZAP Group

Board of Adjustment

The Westfield Board of Adjustment will hold a regular meeting to adopt resolutions from March 9, 2026, and hear several variance appeals. A carried appeal seeks multiple variances to build a community residence for developmentally disabled at 901 Morris Avenue. New appeals include requests for a retaining wall, a rear porch addition, a second-story addition, and a two-story addition. The board will also consider a continued appeal for an outdoor kitchen and shed.

• Carried appeal ZBA 25-046: ARC of Union County seeks variances for a community residence for developmentally disabled at 901 Morris Avenue (front yard, side yard, coverage, garage space).
• New appeal ZBA 25-048: Retaining wall at 316 Orenda Circle exceeds height limit (6 ft vs. 4 ft).
• New appeal ZBA 25-061: Second-story addition at 526 Clark Street with side yard setback and building mass variances.
• New appeal ZBA 25-062: Two-story addition at 761 Belvidere Avenue exceeding building coverage and patio setback limits.
• Continued appeal ZBA 25-040: Outdoor kitchen, patio, and shed at 17 Sunnywood Drive with side yard and front yard violations.

The Board of Adjustment approved a variance for a previously installed retaining wall at 316 Orenda Circle (7-0). A proposed community residence for the developmentally disabled at 901 Morris Avenue was continued to June 8. The board also adopted minutes from March 9 and memorialized resolutions for four earlier applications.

• Adopted minutes of March 9, 2026, meeting (6-0, one abstention not counted)
• Approved resolution for ZBA 25-054 (258 Scotch Plains Ave) (6-0)
• Approved resolution for ZBA 25-055 (751 Harding St) (6-0)
• Approved resolution for ZBA 25-056 (1229 Prospect St) (6-0)
• Approved resolution for ZBA 25-045 (937 Harding St) (6-0)
• Adjourned ZBA 25-040 (17 Sunnywood Dr) to May 11 meeting
• Continued ZBA 25-046 (901 Morris Ave) to June 8 after board discussion
• Approved ZBA 25-048 (316 Orenda Circle) retaining wall variance (7-0)