WESTFIELD—The city’s planning board is now one member smaller following the resignation of Peter Fiordalice.
The planning board addressed Fiordalice’s resignation yesterday, during their first meeting since his leaving the board. With Fiordalice’s resignation, the board had three positions to fill that he was in, including vice chairperson of the planning board. Also discussed at the meeting were plans for additional signage at 99 Springfield Road and the development of the Boise Cascade property at Union Street and Fowler Street extension.
According to city planner Jay Vinskey, Fiordalice’s resignation came at some point between the board’s last two meetings. Vinskey said that Fiordalice had been on the board for over five years. With the resignation the board now has two vacant positions according to the city website, which also reflected the lack of Fiordalice on the board.
Rob Levesque of Levesque and Associates talks with the planning board, alongside an abutter to the business whose property has noise and light pollution issues
In addition to the position of vice chairperson being vacated by Fiordalice leaving, the board also had the positions of alternate to the Community Preservation Committee and the second member allowed to sign plans and bills both without a member. The latter two positions were filled by Peter Carellas but the position of vice chairperson is still vacant.
Regarding 99 Springfield Road, the board OKed an installation of a lit-up sign on an already existing signpost at the location. The sign would be for Whip City Fiber, advertising the use of the technology at the property that also houses Shortstop Bar and Grill and Expert Fitness.
Lisa Stowe, marketing and communications specialist for Westfield Gas and Electric (G and E), the company that oversees Whip City Fiber, said that the sign is tentatively set to be a permanent one. Additionally, she was unsure if additional signs would show up in the city.
“I wouldn’t say that’s out of the question,” she said.
A printout of the sign that will be hung by Whip City Fiber at 99 Springfield Road, provided by G and E utility engineer Greg Freeman
The sign would be 3 feet by 3 feet, with LED lighting behind a fiberglass sign, according to Greg Freeman, utility engineer for G and E.
Also discussed was the development of the Boise Cascade location at Union Street and Fowler Street extension. The site had previously seen an expansion and according to Rob Levesque of Levesque and Associates, the site has several issues that need to be addressed before more plans can move forward.
Issues that were brought forth to the board by Levesque and then discussed by the board include handicap parking issues, noise and light pollution to an abutting property, multiple parking spots being removed and signage issues, among other concerns.
“We are trying to go through city council to be open 24 hours, but we need to address these issues before that’s considered,” Levesque said.
The board opted to continue the discussion of the property, moving to address it at their next meeting April 4.
Those interested in joining the city’s planning board can inquire through the Westfield Mayor’s office.
