By Anna Skinner
The city council met for the first time in 2016 at 7 p.m. Jan. 11 at Westfield City Hall, 130 Penn St. The two new council members – Mark Keen and Joe Edwards – had their first meeting with the council. All councilors and the mayor and clerk treasurer were sworn in before the meeting.
What happened: The Bridgewater PUD Parcel J – an amendment to allow for detached townhomes to be constructed – was approved by the council.
Why it matters: After hearing concerns from the neighbors and the public at the advisory plan commission public hearing, the developer made changes to allow for more guest parking options and a landscape buffer between the separate neighborhoods of Bridgewater and the townhomes. “I wasn’t fully sold on the product itself, but realizing the unique situation this product is in given townhomes and the lack of development in the townhome industry, I see this as almost a need to get this product in here, but I don’t know if this product would be good in other parts of our community,” Councilor Cindy Spoljaric said before the council approved the townhomes with a unanimous vote.
What happened: An introduction on The Conservancy was presented to the council members. No action was taken.
Why it matters: The Conservancy, led by Kristin Burkman, is an addendum to the 2007 comprehensive plan of the area bordered by Ind. 32, Ditch Road, Shelbourne Road and 146th Street. The addendum would be to preserve rural character and promote rural lifestyles of the land.
What happened: An introduction to Wilshire, a part of the Centennial North PUD, was presented to the council. No action was taken.
Why it matters: The Wilshire proposal is approximately 39 acres with 86 single-family homes. A public hearing will take place at the advisory plan commission meeting Feb. 1.
