MAYOR'S UPDATE:
FEBRUARY 11

Thanks to everyone who joined us for Tuesday night’s Town Council meeting, where we had some productive discussions on a range of topics – including both support for and concerns with Edison Fields, as well as ordinances on road openings and public comment, and a resolution to keep this year’s sewer fees unchanged. I also discussed my ongoing plans to advocate for changes to current bail reform laws – which included attendance at Tuesday’s press conference hosted by Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh supporting legislation that would require bail for criminals who have used an illegal gun to commit a crime, as well as organizing a suburban mayors’ coalition alongside Summit Mayor Nora Radest to address the criminal activity in our area. Simply put, we must do more at a policy level to ensure that emboldened repeat criminals are off the streets.

In case you missed it, I shared a Letter to the Editor this week that takes a much more detailed look at some common misconceptions about adding apartments to our town – addressing the background and affordable housing requirements, as well as the potential impact on our schools, Town services, and small town charm. You can expect to hear more from the newly formed Mayors Mobility Coalition that I established in the coming weeks and months, as we work together to mitigate traffic and circulation challenges that new development may bring to the North and South Avenue corridors in Westfield and our surrounding communities.

Wishing you a wonderful Super Bowl weekend!

Bail Reform Press Conference -- Paterson, NJ

COVID-19

According to the New Jersey Department of Health, four of the six regions in the state (including our Central East region) have dropped from high to moderate levels of activity, down from all six categorized as high activity last week. For the first time since late November, the statewide activity level has also dropped to moderate.

The state’s seven-day average for confirmed positive tests is down 36% from a week ago and 93% from a month ago – the lowest average since November 30. Hospitalizations statewide are at their lowest number since December 11.

Statewide, vaccination rates have decreased by 8% from last week’s rate, with an average of 26.4K doses administered per day. More than 6.6 million New Jersey residents are fully vaccinated, and more than 2.8 million have received third doses or boosters.

Additional breakdowns of vaccination statistics by location and age group can be found on the NJ COVID-19 Dashboard.

The Health Department’s immunization outreach continues with all three brands of vaccine. Free vaccination clinics for ages 5-11 will be held on February 17 at the Garwood Recreation Complex and on February 26 at the Westfield Memorial Library. The department is also offering vaccinations in home and in the office for those age five and above, and any resident interested in receiving the vaccine can call 908-789-4070. All residents over the age of 12 who are five months past their last dose of Pfizer or Moderna, or two months past their dose of J&J, are highly encouraged to get a booster dose, as recommended by the CDC.

COVID Pediatric Vaccination Clinic - February 17

COVID Pediatric Vaccination Clinic - February 26

POLICE UPDATE

Parking Enforcement
With the pandemic-related strain on our local businesses beginning to ease, coupled with higher staffing levels in the Police Department in recent weeks, our officers will be placing a renewed emphasis on parking enforcement throughout Town – with additional focus on vehicles impeding pedestrian safety downtown and around the schools. Tickets will be issued for violations.

Assistance from DPW Employee
As you know, our Police Department did an extraordinary job last week of apprehending five individuals trying to flee town after attempting to steal cars. Today, I’d also like to recognize Public Works employee Geoffrey Long, who was of tremendous assistance to our responding police officers. When Detective Robert Desiato captured one of the fleeing individuals, he was involved in a physical struggle with the suspect in the rear of a property on Lawrence Avenue, out of view from other officers. When Detective Desiato radioed for assistance, Geoff was able to hear the call on his public safety radio within his DPW vehicle, and quickly responded to the area to aid in the search for Detective Desiato. He subsequently located him and directed responding officers so that the suspect could be taken into custody without Detective Desiado sustaining serious injuries.

Chief Battiloro and DPW Director Greg O’Neil both issued letters of recognition to Geoff for his bravery and willingness to assist an officer in distress. The DPW plays an important role in the Town’s Office of Emergency Management operations, overseen by the Police Department, and Geoff’s actions demonstrate the commitment of Public Works employees to their counterparts in law enforcement.

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE

The parade is back this year! Once again, this beloved Westfield tradition will be led by The Martin Wallberg American Legion Post 3 to honor our heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. The Town is happy to assist the Legion with their coordination efforts by collecting registration information for any community organization interested in marching this year. To register, please visit westfieldnj.gov/memorial-day-parade.

SWEET SOUNDS DOWNTOWN MUSIC FESTIVAL

While we’re thinking about warmer weather, the DWC reminds us that the Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival is just around the corner! Do you have a great band or know of one? We are again having the Local Spotlight at Foundation Park -- a great spot for our local bands!

If you would like to apply to play at the summer festival, please forward your details to Downtown Westfield Corporation. Please include your name, contact number and samples of your work. Send YouTube links, the band’s website and/or Facebook page to info@westfieldtoday.com.

MAYOR'S UPDATE:FEBRUARY 11

COVID-19

POLICE UPDATE

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE

SWEET SOUNDS DOWNTOWN MUSIC FESTIVAL

MAYOR'S UPDATE:
FEBRUARY 11