I am writing today to express my support for the Westfield Business Improvement District (BID) and to applaud BID Executive Director Maureen Belliveau and the BID Board of Directors for the extraordinary work done to support Downtown businesses. United Bank has been a fixture in the heart of Westfield for many years. We have always felt at home in Westfield, and we are proud to be among those who have great hope for the City’s future. We are also proud to support the BID.
We believe that the BID Three Year Plan holds exceptional promise for the revitalization of the Downtown area. BID members are committed to the plan’s success, and the results of initial efforts are already becoming apparent.
Downtown Westfield is beginning to come alive again. There is no question that it is truly becoming a great place to live, work, and connect. The BID’s efforts play a huge role in this revitalization effort.
Through strategic partnerships with private, public and nonprofit groups, significant strides are being made as the BID focuses on three areas: regional promotion, downtown beautification, and special event coordination. We all benefit from these partnerships.
We know that events such as the Annual Run Westfield and MusicFest draw audiences from beyond our boundaries. An expanded season of special attractions is in the planning stages, with the goal of attracting greater numbers of visitors to the Downtown area. These events are fun, family-friendly and good for our City.
Progress in areas such as road and sidewalk improvements, the work to eliminate graffiti and debris, and seasonal planting programs are putting a new face on the Downtown district. Additionally, the BID continues to help bridge the gap between general city services and the efforts of property owners trying to create a cleaner and more attractive Downtown district.
Enhanced focus on activities like Dickens Days, Pub Tours, Holiday lighting and other city events promise to bring new vitality to the area, building Downtown’s reputation as an appealing entertainment venue. These and other improvements and advances are on track to make Downtown Westfield a desirable destination and an attractive business address. And, they are driving new traffic and visitors to our City.
United Bank is happy to endorse the efforts of the Westfield Business Improvement District, and proud to play a role in the Downtown revitalization. The BID is an initiative that is right in line with our own longstanding commitment to help strengthen the economic and social fabric of the communities we serve.
Downtown would certainly look very different without the efforts of the BID. Maureen Belliveau and her team do things every day for the benefit of our Downtown that business owners may not and did not do prior to the BID being established in our City. We believe in the BID and its efforts and are happy to pay our dues each year to support this good and necessary work.
Sincerely,
Dena M. Hall
Senior Vice President –
Marketing & Community Relations
United Bank
