In a recent Westfield council meeting, officials discussed the introduction of an ordinance aimed at amending an existing redevelopment plan, a move that could significantly impact the town's development landscape. Steve Malenek, representing Greenbembersmith and Davis, outlined the procedural steps involved, emphasizing that the introduction is merely the first step in a process that includes a public hearing scheduled for 21 days from now.

The proposed amendment is intended to address feedback from potential tenants and the public, with Malenek noting that the revised plan reflects a smaller yet financially more secure project. This adjustment comes in response to evolving market conditions and community concerns, particularly regarding traffic and parking.

Council members raised questions about the timeline and communication surrounding the proposed changes. Councilor Kiefer inquired about when Streetworks first indicated a desire to amend the redevelopment plan, highlighting a lack of formal written communication. Malenek confirmed that discussions began informally over the summer, driven by feedback from both the council and the public.

Concerns about traffic were a focal point of the discussion, with Councilwoman Hapgood questioning whether a traffic study had been conducted to assess the implications of the redevelopment. Malenek acknowledged that while a full updated traffic report was not available, preliminary assessments indicated a potential reduction in traffic due to a decrease in office space from 210,000 square feet to 120,000 square feet.

The council's dialogue underscored the importance of community input in shaping redevelopment efforts, with members expressing a desire for more proactive communication from developers. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue refining the redevelopment plan in alignment with both market demands and community needs, setting the stage for further discussions in the upcoming public hearing.