Residents participate in City Council meeting on Thursday. (Photo by Amy Porter)
WESTFIELD – In the first regular City Council meeting following the summer recess, councilors took their time deliberating and listening to comments from a score of residents who came to speak on various matters before the council.
Residents from the Paper Mill neighborhood spoke in support of the heavy truck exclusion on Paper Mill. “We would really appreciate your help and support,” said James Leahy.
Joann Barnes of 81 Paper Mill Road also asked for the support of the council. “I want to remind you of the efforts of my Ward Councilor and the Chief of Police,” Barnes said.
Barnes was referring to Ward 6 Councilor William Onyski and Police Chief John Camerota, who brought it to the Legislative & Ordinance Committee on Tuesday following a positive vote from the Traffic Commission. L&O recommended the exclusion in a 3-0 vote.
Onyski told the council they wouldn’t be approving the truck exclusion, but rather approving having the police chief make an application to the state. “I am looking for a unanimous vote from the City Council, so we can move forward,” Onyski said.
Following the motion, the council discussed alternate routes, with Council president Brent B. Bean, II expressing concern that the increased truck traffic would not just be moved onto Holyoke Road. Onyski said the Traffic Commission had mapped out alternate routes taking those concerns into consideration. He said the increased traffic on Holyoke Road from the Paper Mill exclusion would be offset by less traffic on Holyoke from the Turnpike exit.
At-large Councilor John J. Beltrandi, III asked who would determine the signage. “It’s been used for so long by local guys, it’s a habit. I want to make sure there’s enough clarity,” he said.
Ward 2 Councilor Ralph J. Figy said Camerota’s approach would be as an education-based enforcement opportunity. “They’re not going to start ticketing right away,” Figy said.
After a unanimous vote, Onyski said if the truck exclusion gets positive approval from the state, it would come back before the City Council to become an ordinance.
Residents also spoke up during a public hearing on an application for a zone change at 95 Main Street and 4 Taylor Avenue from Commercial A and Residence C to Business A for his client Sao Joao Realty LLC. The zoning change is for an intended Dunkin’ Donuts restaurant and drive through.
Virginia Murphy of State Street addresses City Council on Thursday. (Photo by Amy Porter)
Thomas Wilson of Taylor Street said he lives right next door to the location. He said although he was originally opposed to the change in zoning, he changed his mind after speaking to the petitioner. “We should at least give him the opportunity,” he said.
Ann Wilson said she attended a neighborhood meeting on the matter two days earlier. She said Councilor Figy attended the meeting, along with the petitioner. She said the location was ideal for people using the bike trail, and that Dunkin’ Donuts would help to clean up that block.
Virginia Murphy of 7 State Street said she was not totally opposed to the change. “My problem is with the drive through restaurant, which will bring an additional 180 cars. I would prefer to see Dunkin’ Donuts than a package store, but not a drive through,” Murphy said. “I would propose putting in a boutique Dunkin’ Donuts with drive up parking,” she added.
Levesque said the clients were asking for a zone change to Business A. “This isn’t a slam dunk that if Business A is granted, we’ll get a drive through,” he said on behalf of his clients, the Sardinha’s.
“I, too am a really good customer of Dunkin’ Donuts, and also very concerned about traffic. I commend what you did at North Road and E. Mountain Road,” said Flaherty to Levesque and his clients about their other restaurant location. “I am very sympathetic to the neighbors,” he added.
The public hearing was then closed, and the zone change referred to the Zoning, Planning and Development and Legislative & Ordinance committees.
