A Public hearing was held for the Western Avenue construction project on Tuesday evening at the South Middle School. The presentation was extremely detailed and informative. The questions raised and the comments made by the audience were thoughtful. If folks were unable to attend due to the snow storm that evening they may submit opinions to the Department of Transportation at. You may send a letter to Patricia A. Leavenworth, PR, Chief Engineer, Mass DOT-Highway Division, 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116-3973.
The Public Notice indicated that this was a hearing for The Rte. 20 Access Road Construction Public Hearing and some may not have understood that this was, in fact, a hearing on the Western Avenue Construction project.
One of the cornerstones of our government is the strength of our Judicial System. This separates us from non-democraticnations and is crucial to our democracy. It isa pure perfection of Balance of Power.The Judicial branches of our Federal and State government exist to interpret the laws enacted by the legislative branch and to determine if laws are valid per the Constitution. The judicial branch also determines the legality of actions conducted by the executive branch based on current laws. We have seen this in action locally and nationally, and thank God for our system. The Courts are our safety for a free society.
The City Council held approval of a new speed limit on Honey Pot Road-(limit dropped from 35 MPH to 25 MPH). The reason for the tabling of this item was to review the addition of “safety zones” dropping the limit even lower in a few areas. In addition, the prohibition of truck brakes on both Western Avenue and Upper Western was approved on a first reading. Over on the north side of the City a ban was approved for a NO parking ordinance along Root Road from Medeiros Was to Wood Song Road again on a first reading. We also approved on first reading a no parking extension on Holland Avenue (western side).
Raises for City Councilors was on the agenda of this past week’s City council meeting. The arguments were made that City Council has not had a raise in 16 years and the $3,000 raise proposed is less than a 2% raise if broken out over this time (A formula used for all City employees raises).The first reading for this raise passed.
There has been much made of the agenda item before the School Committee regarding redistricting and I addressed that topic in my last article. Because it is such an important subject I’d like tore-cap the School Committee’s options.
School Redistricting Options
- Russell Elementary School remains open
- Move entire Russell Elementary School into South Middle-School within a School
- Distribute the 187 Russell Elementary Students into other elementary school
- Redistribute Franklin Ave and Highland to K-4 and make South Middle Grades 5-8
- Redistrict the City to six K-4 elementary Schools and make South Middle School a 5-8 school
- Redistrict the City to six K-4 elementary schools. one 5-6 school and one 7-8 middle school
- Redistrict to six K-4 elementary schools, two 5-7 middle schools, and two 8-12 high schools
In my opinion the choice MUST not result in the sacrifice of one group. Option Number 2 and 3 need to be taken off the table. This group of students and teachers havesacrificed enough. Their troubles began when the then School Committee met in an Executive Session meeting in 2011 and voted NOT to continue the lease with Westfield State University. This was a move to put pressure on the City and State to approve the proposed Cross Street School project. A very bad gamble that has affected the entire City for years.
It is interesting that summations provided in a study commissioned by the School Committee in 2010/2011by JCJ Architecture advise “The distribution of the elementary school reflects the current population distribution fairly well; however, the closing of the Juniper Park School will leave the southwest quarter of the City in need of elementary school capacity”. It was abundantly clear that the students in our southwestern corner of the City need a nearby school. The study commissioned by the School Department defined that need. That need continues to this day, and it is incumbent on the School Committee and the City to develop a realistic and lawful plan to meet that need.
This past City Council meeting saw the resignation of City Councilor Dan Knapik. Followers of local politics know that Dan and I have not always agreed on issues or procedures. While that is true, I would like to say that he was most gracious to me on the day that I took over his office on a Special Mayor of the Day event a few years back and I will always remember his kindness that day. I know that Dan has always done what he believes is best for our City and I wish him the very best as he continues his career on Cape Cod.
John Beltrandi was sworn in as the seventh At large City Councilor. I am very happy to have John rejoin our group and having served with him in the past, I know John to be a thoughtful and dedicated Councilor. Welcome John.
In closing, I’d like to mention that this month is “Love Your Library Month”. We have a true jewel in the Westfield Athenaeum– our free local library which receives over 180,000 visitors per year – but did you know that the Athenaeum is not a City Department? The Library was incorporated in 1846 and operates as a private non-profit 501 c (3) organization. The Athenaeum was formed and has been sustained by the contributions of a great many of Westfield’s generous citizens. The Library is currently engaged in a major building renovation Campaign which has a goal of improving access and safety throughout the building. The facility has not had a major renovation since 1966. Current building codes require removal of asbestos and installation of sprinklers throughout the building before the Campaign Committee can even begin improving access and building convenience features such as covered ramps, elevators, improved lighting and bathrooms. The project is projected to cost approximately 1.5 million dollars. The good news is that under the supervision of Jayne Mulligan and Linda Saltus the Campaign Committee has already received funding commitments of over 1.1 million! With almost $400,000 more to raise, be on the lookout for “Love Your Library” envelopes which are going to be distributed throughout the City this month. Please consider donating to this most worthy cause which serves every segment of our population. Donations can be sent to Westfield Athenaeum, Rise to Knowledge Campaign, 5 Elm Street, Westfield, MA 01085.
Mary O’Connell
Ward Four City Council
