🌱 Patch AM: New Designated Bicycle Parking Requirements Approved In Westfield

Hi Westfield! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☕️️

Before we get to what's happening, a big thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Westfield PatchAM possible. Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

• Somerset Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery — 908-222-0070
  A patient-centered plastic surgery practice
• Dogtopia of Union — (475) 338-3501
  Dogtopia – Dog Daycare, Boarding, Spa & Wellness

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In today's newsletter:

• New rules will reshape bike parking at future Westfield developments
• How Westfield’s newly beefed-up fire department is gearing up for 2026
• How new hearing loops are changing access at a Westfield church

Also on today's calendar: Christmas Eve Family Service with Glowsticks at First Presbyterian and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What did one magnet say to the other magnet? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Tuesday: Snow and rain in the morning, with a high of 38 and low of 35 degrees.
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny and windy, temps: high: 45, low: 29.
• Thursday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 42 and low of 35 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. New Designated Bicycle Parking Requirements Approved In Westfield (patch.com) — Westfield has adopted a new ordinance requiring bicycle parking at most new or significantly changed non-residential and multifamily developments, aiming to make cycling a more practical option. The rules spell out how many short- and long-term bike spaces are needed by use and size, and require secure, sheltered long-term storage. Detached single- and two-family homes are exempt, but many future projects around town will now need dedicated bicycle facilities.
   

2. Westfield Fire Department Welcomes New Members, Celebrates Promotions (tapinto.net) — Westfield’s fire department has boosted its ranks with seven new hires and four promotions, reaching its highest staffing levels as the town plans for a modern new firehouse. Leaders also highlighted a new Level 2 ISO rating, upgraded breathing equipment, and ongoing investments in training and fire prevention that aim to strengthen emergency response for residents.
   

3. Union County Courthouse Gets Technology to Help Hearing-Impaired (tapinto.net) — Westfield residents who are deaf or hard of hearing now have better access to public proceedings and worship, with hearing loop systems in the Union County Courthouse and at First Congregational Church of Westfield. These systems send clearer sound directly to compatible hearing aids, funded through state grants. Similar upgrades have also been installed in several Morris County public buildings.
   

4. Search for 3 suspects after police chase in Hillside, New Jersey (abc7ny.com) — Westfield police were among several departments involved in an early-morning Route 22 chase after a car fled officers in Hillside and Union before suspects ran off on foot. No injuries were reported, and authorities have not yet said why the vehicle was being pursued. The search for three suspects was still underway as of Monday morning.
   

📸 Around Westfield

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Westfield

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★ Featured events ★

Wednesday December 24

• Christmas Eve Family Service with Glowsticks at First Presbyterian
  First Presbyterian Church of Cranford, NJ, 11 Springfield Ave, Cranford
  4:00 pm
• Christmas Eve services
  First United Methodist Church Westfield, 1 E Broad St, Westfield
  5:00 pm

Wednesday December 31

• Broadway Through the Ages
  Westfield High School, 550 Dorian Rd, Westfield
  5:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Wednesday December 24

• Closed for Christmas Eve
  Westfield Memorial Library , 550 East Broad Street , Westfield

Thursday December 25

• Closed for Christmas Day
  Westfield Memorial Library , 550 East Broad Street , Westfield

Friday December 26

• Basketball: Boys Varsity vs. Matawan Regional (Home)
  Westfield High School , 550 Dorian Road , Westfield
  4:30 pm

Sunday December 28

• SHOULDA 12:00-6:00
  Cranford Dramatic Club Theatre , 78 Winans Ave , Cranford
• Basketball: Boys Varsity vs. Rumson (Away)
  Westfield High School , 550 Dorian Road , Westfield
  4:00 pm

Monday December 29

• SHOULDA 7:00
  Cranford Dramatic Club Theatre , 78 Winans Ave , Cranford
• American Red Cross Lifeguard Training at the Westfield Area YMCA
  220 Clark St , Westfield
  8:00 am

Thursday January 1

• Swim 2026 Yards for the New Year at the Cranford YMCA
  401 Centennial Ave , Cranford
  10:15 am

Monday January 5

• Adult Improv!
  439 South Ave W , Westfield
  9:00 am

📣 Westfield Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• McDonald's posted a job opening for Garwood Night Shift Team Member in Garwood. Apply here.
• Kenilworth Public Schools posted a job opening for Elementary Education Teacher - Grade K Anticipated Leave Replacement in Kenilworth. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Westfield here.

Ok Westfield! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I find you very attractive!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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