WESTFIELD- The Planning Board met Tuesday to discuss and vote on a zoning map amendment for 230 Southampton Rd. and a project closeout and compliance review for a building addition of 225 Root Rd. The discussion regarding Root Rd. was postponed until the next Planning Board meeting due to the property owner, Frank DeMarnis, being unable to make it.
The meeting opened up with a chance for public participation, however nobody in the room spoke up.
ROB LEVESQUE
Most of the meeting was spent on the subject of 230 Southampton Rd., which is owned by Trant Homestead, LLC. The property contains a lot designated as Business-A, and another one designated Residential-A. The proposal, which was argued for by Rob Levesque of R. Levesque Associates, would move the boundary of the Business-A lot further into the Residential-A lot, which contains a house. This would allow for a business to be built on the land.
Several residents of the Southampton Rd. and Sunset Rd. area voiced their concerns about the rezoning.
“Our biggest concern is how it effects the neighborhood and how it effects traffic,” says David Clark of 164 Barbara St., “Southampton Rd. traffic is already abysmal.”
“We don’t have the intention to create this business off of Sunset Rd.,” says Levesque, addressing concerns of where traffic could be directed to enter the property.
One resident, who did not identify himself, lamented the lack of a traffic light at the end of Sunset Rd. as it intersects with Southampton Rd. “The traffic is horrible, I’ve already been hit once,” he said, “why are they putting more into an already congested area?” Council Chair Bill Carellas reminded the chamber that the lot already contains a business.
“I can’t say strongly enough how much I think this can effect our neighborhood,” says Clark.
The Planning Board voted unanimously to move forward with the amendment following a positive recommendation by board member Robert Goyette. A full site plan would be the next step by the planning board.
The board then turned its’ attention to a question posed by board member Jane Magarian. The board discussed its’ own authority when an applicant comes forward with a new project when they have not yet completed a previously approved project. “What can we as a board do to prompt the completion of that project,” asked Carellas. No vote was held on the topic.
The meeting concluded with an announcement that on Thursday, October 18th at 6PM there will be a community outreach meeting regarding the possible opening of a recreational marijuana shop at 40 Westfield Industrial Park rd. The meeting will take place at the Shortstop Bar and Grill on 99 Springfield Rd.
