Ward 4 councilor Mary O’Connell
Last Thursday the Westfield City Council voted on the tax shift or the percentage amount that commercial and residential tax payers will be taxed. The residential tax rate will be $19.56 (per thousand) and the Commercial rate will be $36.42 (per thousand). The rate, combined with the transfer of $2,372,378 of free cash to the City’s coffers assures taxpayers that there will be no major raise in taxes next year. Mayor Sullivan agreed with the City Council (originating with a Resolution filed by Councilor Flaherty on behalf of the Finance Committee) to make this transfer of free cash This will keep taxes flat with basically no tax increase next year (other than possible increased assessments for property owners) This is an excerpt I received from one constituent that sums up the appreciation of residents. “THANK YOU!!!!! Good job. Mr. Flaherty…., thank you for your diligent fight, your presentation of additional funds for tax relief at the last meeting and the perseverance it took to get to this point. My sincere thanks, job well done”.
One of the most important issues facing the City of Westfield is our drinking water. Wells 7 and 8 on the north side of the City have been shut down due to contaminants (PFOA and PFOS-fluorine based organic compounds) that have raised a level of concern by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) believed to originate from the national guard base (from firefighting foam used in trainings). The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has instructed the National Guard to step up and to take responsibility. This is certainly a nationwide epidemic and we can understand clearly from the situation on Cape Cod the long-term damage that aquifer pollution causes. The City Council recently voted to fund a water filtering system for these wells. That solution lies at least 12 months away. In addition, the water levels in the reservoir are very low due to severe drought conditions. Just to add to the challenges, in mid-November the water main on Northwest Road ruptured and the holding tank was drained. Areas of Westfield saw extremely low water pressure for almost a week as a result. The issue of low pressure has been resolved. If the drought does continue the City will bring in temporary trailer mounted water storage units this Spring
I received an update from Joe Rouse, our City’s Director of Public Health. The City continues towards the goal of Styrofoam recycling. A solution appears to be very close. It would be such a benefit to allow residents to bring their Styrofoam to our land fill to be recycled. Stay tune for future updates.
On December 6, the Planning Board reviewed the Roots Soccer field project. It is unfortunate that the applicant for this project did not follow through with their commitments on many aspects of their approved conditions to construct. For example, the applicant expressly stated that absolutely no lights would be installed on the soccer fields (despite questioning over and over by the Planning Board). Also, Roots was specifically instructed to gain approval from the Planning Board for all sub field cushioning material and construction to be used prior to installation. The proper installation and material used is critical to the groundwater and the aquifer because this site sits on our City’s water supply. The Water Resources protection legislation was enacted just a few years ago to protect all of us in Westfield and neighboring communities. The regulations and rules are enforced to protect us. They must be adhered to. It is such a shame that a potentially great project, and one that benefits so many, was tarnished by the failure of the proponents and their refusal to follow simple procedures. These folks have totally frustrated and alienated neighbors who originally greeted them warmly. In addition, the Traffic Commission voted this past week to restrict parking along Root Road to assure the safety of neighbors and visitors to the outdoor soccer facility. At the beginning stage of the planning for this project the applicants assured the Planning Board that there would be plenty of parking on site for visitors but this has proven to not be the case
Massachusetts Department of Transportation (Ma DOT) will hold a Design Public Hearing on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at the South Middle School at 7 PM on the Western Avenue construction project. City and State representatives will attend this hearing. According to Mass DOT, the purpose of this hearing is “to provide the public with the opportunity to become fully acquainted with the proposed Route 20 Access Improvement Project. All views and comments made at the hearing will be reviewed and considered to the maximum extent possible.”. Please attend this most important hearing if you have opinion, questions, or concerns on this project.
Best Wishes for a Very Safe and Happy Holiday Season,
Mary O’Connell
Ward Four City Council
