Mayor Donald F. Humason, Jr. (THE WESTFIELD NEWS FILE PHOTO)
WESTFIELD – Mayor Donald F. Humason Jr. Dec. 15 reported to the Franklin Avenue School Building Committee about progress made on potentially enlarging the footprint for the new school.
Humason said the owner of an abutting property at 127 Franklin St. that is for sale has agreed to sell to the City of Westfield. He said this property, which is a large L-shaped parcel, is the one they were most interested in, and would allow them more room for building and the option of an entrance to the school on Franklin Street.
“It’s a good piece for us to be able to purchase because it creates a much bigger frontage and more area to build the school, as well as to build a driveway if that’s what we decide to do, accessing the school off of Franklin Street, Route 20,” Humason said.
He said while the sale is not final, it looks very good. A neighboring house to that property that is also for sale is currently under contract with another buyer.
The committee also tracked down the owners of a small triangular parcel in the field behind the Franklin Avenue School, which they learned is owned by the state and is under the control of the Armory. Humason said he is talking to Adjutant General Gary Keefe about purchasing that parcel as well.
“We’re really looking to clean up that piece so it’s entirely ready for the school project,” Humason said.
