Recently, a 24-hour Truck Terminal project was “Withdrawn without Prejudice” by its’ sponsor, Old Dominion. Their reason for withdrawing was not publicized but I believe it was due to requirements proposed by the Westfield City Council’s Zoning, Planning & Development (ZPD) subcommittee. These requirements made City Council approval of the required special permit contingent on OD’s acceptance of restrictions such as a daily limit on the number of trucks using the terminal and prohibiting right turns toward Root Rd to prevent more truck traffic on North-end side streets.
I believe ZPD was right to recommend these restrictions as they fulfilled the Council’s promise to protect Westfield’s North-end from additional truck traffic. Furthermore, in their application for the special permit, Old Dominion said their proposed usage was limited, so it should have conformed easily with these requirements. As they balked, I suspect their long-term plans were significantly more extensive.
Old Dominion’s “Withdrawal without Prejudice” allows them to reapply for the same project. This is important due to proposed amendments to the current special permit Zoning ordinance recommended by a special Ad Hoc Business Development subcommittee of the Council. If approved, Old Dominion could reapply for the special permit again and avoid a vote by the City Council thus eliminating restrictions protecting residents.
This Zoning ordinance change is a terrible idea! It empowers the Planning Board to potentially approve projects disregarding input from impacted residents. It removes City Council approval for many special permit projects such as construction yards, fuel storage facilities, school bus yards, and truck terminals proposed anywhere besides areas zoned strictly residential. This includes Rural Residential and Agricultural lands and much of the downtown plus adjacent residential areas.
The Planning Board, whose purpose is fast-tracking commercial development, is staffed by appointees of the Mayor. Residents can’t approve/disapprove of their actions through the electoral process. This change prevents our City Council from doing their job of representing us and gives the Planning Board authority to make decisions that could disregard impacts on our quality of life, water and natural resources.
It’s important that as many Westfield citizens as possible contact their ward’s City Councilor and all Councilors-at-Large to make your opposition known. Here is the link to the website https://www.cityofwestfield.org/122/City-Council/ for emails and phone numbers. Even better, come to the Public Hearing at 7:00 pm Dec. 4 of the Planning Board in Room 207, City Hall and the full City Council Meeting at 7:00 pm Dec. 6 in the City Council chambers. Public opposition to changes in the special permit ordnance is the only way to prevent it.
Thanks for your attention.
Constance Adams
354 Root Road, Westfield
