It looks like autumn is finally beginning to come to Westfield. The cold mornings, the leaves turning color, and the shorter days can only mean that the dreaded “W” word will only be a few short months away. Enjoy the beautiful weather while you can.
Hampton Ponds has been greatly improved over the past several years thanks in part to strong neighborhood involvement, city and police support, and the cooperation of Massachusetts Environmental Police. I took the opportunity to see how the Westfield Police helped keep Hampton Ponds safe over the summer. I spent part of a Saturday working with Westfield Police Officers Tracy Ploof and Matt Shultzeon the boat patrol and compliance checks. The goal of this program is to keep Hampton Ponds safe by making sure all boaters are following the MA boating regulations. The day I observed, there were very few violations, and all were minor. This is because the stage wasalready set at the beginning of the boating season when boaters are educated on the regulations. After that, boaters that knowingly violate the regulations won’t bother coming back to Hampton Ponds because they know there will be compliance checks every weekend.Along with the Westfield PD, two MA Environmental Police Officers were also on hand to deter any issues. Thanks to the professionalism and knowledge of Officers PloofandShultze, I saw firsthand why this program is a clear success.
Thanks to Officer John Blascak at the Westfield Police Department for allowing me to join him on duty on a recent night shift. This was truly an eye opening experience that I will never forget. Officer Blascak and the other officers on the shift welcomed me and demonstrated true professionalism while keeping the city safe. I saw how training and experience allowed these officers to be calm and effective even during one particularly tense arrest. A ten minute stop at a large superstore yielded $400.00 in handicap parking violations for the city. There were also several other different motor vehicle violations during the shift. The negative publicity that Police across the country are receiving is deplorable. The one-sided “news” certainly sells papers and keeps eyeballs on televisions, however,I can attest that Officer Blascak and the Westfield Police Department are highly trained individuals that perform their duties admirably for the entire City of Westfield.
On September 11, 2016, I was humbled while attending four 15th Anniversary Memorial Ceremonies recognizing a tragic day. We supported the families of the three hometown heroes –Tara Shea Creamer, Brian Murphy and Daniel Trant, and to all those who sacrificed their lives that tragic day. Thank you for your sacrifices. They will always be remembered.
In City Council News, The Health and Safety Committee began the discussion of the Stretch Code. The Stretch Code is effectively a building code that requires more stringent requirements for greater energy efficiency. Adopting the stretch code moves Westfield closer to becoming a Green Community and opening the possibility for additional state funding. We also continued to discuss the Complete Streets Policy which, for new construction, entails making the roadways more pedestrian and bicycle friendly in exchange for the possibility of receiving additional state aid.
Ward 6 is facing some very unique issues. The first is truck traffic and speeders on Paper Mill Road. As many know, Paper Mill Road is narrow with some hairpin turns. It is also home to Paper Mill Elementary School and a large playground. With the close proximity to two businesses that utilize large and small dump trucks and now the sudden addition of 18 wheelers, safety and quality of life become major issues for residents. I am working with my neighbors and the Traffic Commission to try to resolve the problems. I am thankful that the Radar Speed Indicator Sign is in place to remind drivers that they may be going a lot faster than they might think. This temporary sign was located on Paper Mill Road just a few days after the Traffic Commission meeting so we are definitely moving in a positive direction.
Another topic in the Paper Mill Road area is a proposal to install lights on the back baseball field at Paper Mill Playground. Details of the proposal with be forthcoming very soon. I’d like to hear from Paper Mill and Joseph Avenue residents with their concerns or questions regarding thelighting.
An application for a special permit for a Bed and Breakfast on Susan Drive is on the agenda for the City Council License Committee on Thursday, October 6, at 5:30 PM in the City Hall. Please check the City website at http://www.cityofwestfield.org/ under “Agendas and Minutes” a day ahead of time to confirm the date and room number of the meeting since meetings are officially posted at least 48 hours in advance. Details of the proposal will be discussed and the public will have the opportunity to comment.
I continue to work with Barnes Airport and the Airport Commission on the Noise Compatibility Program. Controlled largely by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), this will be a long process to help the neighbors receive what was promised to them. With FAA rules changing and priorities redefined, I’ll continue to help to do what is right for those affected.
Have a great autumn season!
Thank you for taking time to read this. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or 413-568-7747.
