Residents along Western Avenue and Laura Drive could see new traffic calming measures installed as part of a road reconstruction project. (Photo by chief photographer Frederick Gore)
WESTFIELD – Westfield State University neighbors are concerned with what proposed changes and road reconstruction will bring to their neighborhood. Following an informational presentation held at Highland Elementary School on November 14, neighbors raised doubts about Westfield State University and the City of Westfield’s combined plans to improve traffic flow between Western Avenue, at the beginning of Mill Street, to Bates Road. The preliminary designs include adding traffic signals and new crosswalks, making wider shoulders to accommodate bicyclists, improving sidewalks, utilities and drainage, and designating left-hand turn lanes into side streets, as well as entrances to Stanley Park and the Woodward Center.
During the public hearing, many residents spoke out on behalf of their neighbors. Their concerns involve maintaining the present character of the neighborhood, and having lanes accessible to bicyclists and pedestrians.
“Sidewalks are included the entire length of Western Avenue, both sides, reconstruction and new construction where missing,” according to City Engineer Mark Cressotti.
Don Podolski, owner of New Horizons Bikes in Westfield and member of the Friends of the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail group, says that with plans to enhance and construct sidewalks on both sides of the road, one sidewalk could be constructed into a “multi-use path that could be used by bicyclists, joggers, and walkers”, thus eliminating the need to expand the road farther than planned.
Others wondered where the rest of the money needed to completely fund this project would come from, in addition to federal grant dollars that were approved to help Westfield State finance the project.
Another concern is the number of trees that are projected to be cut down due to the road expansion, as well as the overall effect of the construction on the neighborhood.
Ward 4 Councilor Mary O’Connell stated that residents in the area are worried about the “two-year disruption that it’s going to cost to their lives” and that many believe that it is considered a “residential neighborhood, not a university neighborhood.”
Although many residents don’t fully agree with the proposed plan at this time and want continued input as to what they think the city should do, they do agree that something needs to be done to reduce traffic, especially in terms of speed.
For now, the plans include existing traffic signal improvements at Western Avenue and the commuter lot, Court Street at Mill Street, and Silver Street at Mill Street. In addition, a new traffic signal may be put in place at Laura Drive, but according to city engineer Mark Cressotti, “the new location is still being analyzed and may be omitted.”
Westfield Mayor Daniel M. Knapik stated that there will be “a long design period” with “many more meetings to come before we reach the bidding point.”
Knapik also added that this is a project “that will bring back the beauty of Western Avenue” and “we must be sensitive that it is a residential neighborhood” but that the city shouldn’t be short-sighted when it comes to the expansion of the college.
The next public hearing had not been announced at press time.
To see the plans for Western Avenue, Court Street, and Bates Road, click here.
