RALPH FIGY
Wow, where has 2016 gone! I am having a hard time realizing that 2016 is almost completed. I do want to say that I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving. I would also like to wish everyone a Happy Holiday season. It does not matter what holiday that you celebrate. I hope that you can do it with family and friends.
Two weeks ago our annual food drive was held at the Westfield Technical Academy to benefit the families in need within the Westfield Public Schools. The greater Westfield community responded like never before and I want to thank everyone that made this such a huge success. Eighty-two families were provided with turkeys and everything for a complete Thanksgiving dinner. Special thanks go out to my wife Susan Figy whose organization and energy was irreplaceable in making this a success. Special thanks to Ray’s farm for the donation of potatoes, The Westfield Food Pantry for turkeys and fixing, WSKB radio for the live broadcast, The Senior Center, Big Y and to my fellow realtors at the Westfield Coldwell Banker Office for gift cards and canned goods. A special thanks needs to go out to the citizens of the greater Westfield area that brought in turkeys, potatoes, and cans of vegetables. The response from the community continues to increase every year. Thanks again to everyone who helped out.
2016 Has been a very busy year for Westfield. We have seen some of the construction projects come to completion. The gas light district looks great. The North Elm Street project has been completed and makes entering the city from the north easier and much more attractive. The face lift to the Prolamina and to North Elm Butcher Block is welcomed as well. The Gazebo on the green was also completed after many years. The students at the Technical Academy are to be commended for sticking with the project as the adults made things difficult. The gazebo is a great place for Santa to greet the children and their parents. New sidewalks and curbing has been installed on both sides of Avery Street making a remarkable improvement in this neighborhood. Our House has opened on Broad Street. Domus Inc has restored the historic Red Cross Building.
Other projects that have been started and will be completed next year include the conversion of Mosley School into moderate and low income housing. Domus Inc. is gathering the finances for this project that will definitely improve the neighborhood. The Franklin Street Project will be completed next years as well. The sidewalks are almost done. All that is left to do is to mill the street and repave it in the spring. Another phase of the Rail Trail will continue next spring as well. This project is still several years away from completion. We are at the mercy of the State for the necessary funds to complete this project.
Changes have also come to City Government. We have a new Mayor and a new Superintendent of Schools. Both have dived right in and are instituting change. Both the City and the Schools have new Personnel Directors. The City Council has approved the combination of the City Treasurer and the City Collector into one position. Both leaders are looking to streamline and down size government where it makes sense. I also encourage you to shop our small businesses downtown. There are wonderful restaurants and stores to see.
