Compiled by Sadie Hunter
The Westfield City Council met in regular session at 7 p.m. Sept. 14. Their next meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 28 at City Hall, 130 Penn St., Westfield.
What happened: The council unanimously approved an amendment to the Spring Mill Station Northeast Quadrant PUD for Kroger at 161st Street and Spring Mill Road.
Why it matters: The amendment to the PUD allows the newly-expanded and updated Kroger store to have curb-side pickup for their new online ordering feature. The pickup canopy construction adds approximately 1/2 acre to the site.
What happened: The council approved (6-1, Cindy Spoljaric) an amendment to the Grand Park Indoor Sports and Recreation Facility PUD.
Why it matters: The amendment to the PUD incorporates approximately five additional acres for a potential hotel development adjacent to the indoor soccer and basketball facility.
What happened: Todd Burtron, the mayor’s chief of staff, introduced the 2016 budget to the council.
Why it matters: The budget proposes an approximately $1.4 million increase in the 2015 approved budget, at $34,100,588. Burtron said increases are projected in utilities, property insurance, fire and economic and community development costs. A public hearing for the budget will be held at the Sept. 28 meeting, and the council will vote on the budget on Oct. 12.
What happened: The council unanimously approved a resolution to establish an economic revitalization area for the west side of South Park Drive.
Why it matters: The establishment of an economic revitalization area is the first step the city must take in order to, in the future, procedurally approve tax abatements for new developments. Matt Skelton, the city’s economic and community development director, said the city has looked at these areas as they are expected to draw strong development interest in the future.
What happened: An amendment to the Chatham Hills PUD was introduced to the council.
Why it matters: The amendment would incorporate four small areas south of 206th Street and east of the Monon Trail into the PUD. The Westfield Advisory Plan Commission will hold a public hearing for the amendment at their Oct. 5 meeting. The city council will vote on the item at their Nov. 9 meeting.
What happened: An amendment to the Bridgewater PUD was introduced to the council.
Why it matters: The amendment would incorporate 12 acres on the southwest corner of 151st Street and Gray Road, allowing apartment use on all floors of development for a total of 66 luxury units in six, two-story buildings. The Westfield Advisory Plan Commission will hold a public hearing for the amendment at their Oct. 5 meeting. The city council will vote on the item at their Nov. 9 meeting.\
What happened: The council unanimously approved a 10-year, real property tax abatement at 17001 Oak Ridge Road.
Why it matters: A tax abatement on the property is hoped to entice tenants to move or start their business in Westfield at the future mid-size distribution building that could house one to six tenants on the property. Tax deductions for the property will begin at 100 percent in the first year, decreasing 10 percent each year for 10 years.
