RALPH FIGY
Greetings from Ward 2
It has been a busy month since my last article and a lot is happening in our ward. I am learning a lot about traditions and procedures within the council chambers.
Numerous citizens have expressed concerns regarding on-street parking in residential neighborhoods. This is not unique to Ward 2. The width of the streets in residential neighborhoods has shrunk this winter due to the large snow banks. As a result I have proposed to amend the on-street parking ordinance to limit parking to one side of the street from November 1 till April 15 each year. This proposed amendment was referred to the Legislative and Ordinance Committee and also to the Traffic Commission for further review.
The Fire Department has obtained a new ladder truck which is wider than the old one. This is another concern regarding narrow streets. We must insure that there is enough room for this new truck to proceed but we must also ensure enough room for safe operation of this truck. I have asked one of the fire commissioners to research this issue and report to both the L&O Committee and the Traffic Commission his findings. This may impact the on-street parking ordinance year round.
The Commission for Disabilities approached me to intercede on their behalf concerning parking on Elm Street. All handicap parking is now located in the off street lots. This makes it very difficult for citizens with disabilities to maneuver around our new downtown. This proposal was also referred to the L&O Committee and to the Traffic Commission for further review.
Great news on the gazebo! Progress is being made on this three-year-old project. The engineers involved have resolved all their issues. As a result, materials for the construction are out to bid or are on order. The projected date to see activity on the Green will be sometime in May.
Progress continues to be made on the new senior center. The design phase will end in early April when the project is formally put out to bid. This has been a dream of many seniors here in Westfield for a long time. The final hurdle will be when the Mayor brings to the City Council the final amount to be bonded. The city is only covering the construction costs. The Friends of the Senior Center are continuing to raise $500,000 to furnish the interior. Congratulations to the Friends group on a fun-filled event at Shaker Farms. Keep up the good work.
The Our House Project that is being coordinated by Domus is continuing to move forward. The old Red Cross building has been purchased. Domus is well into the design phase and is looking to break ground by the end of April or the first of May.
Upcoming events of interest: the annual sled hockey tournament at Amelia Park on May 2, 3, and 4.
That concludes this report to the citizens in Ward 2 and Greater Westfield. I can be reached at (413)568-9954 or at [email protected].
Ralph J. Figy
Ward 2 Councilor
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not the staff, editor, or publisher of this publication
