Westfield Mayor Reflects On Proudest Accomplishments In 2022

WESTFIELD, NJ — From new businesses opening downtown to approving a $9 million turf field project, 2022 was a busy year in Westfield.

Mayor Shelley Brindle shared with Patch three things she is most proud of accomplishing on the Town Council this year.

Here's what she said:

1. "Prioritizing a welcoming, "get to yes," pro-business environment that resulted in 30+ new downtown businesses opening, with more to come next year."

Several new businesses and restaurants opened downtown in the past year. Here's a few recent ones:

• Japanese Restaurant Akai Lounge In Westfield Relocates, Expands Bar
• Kirshenbaum Baking Co.: From Online Cookie Biz To Westfield Bakery
• Israeli Restaurant Chutzpah Kitchen Makes Debut In Westfield
• Baby Boutique Opens In Downtown Westfield

And here's a few that are set to open in 2023:

• New Salad, Sandwich Shop Coming Soon To Westfield
• Iconic Millburn Deli Will Expand To Westfield
• Mexican Restaurant, Cocktail Bar Coming Soon To Westfield
• Rumble Boxing To Open Studio In Westfield

2. "Executing the first formal shared services agreement between the Town and the Board of Education for Edison Fields to help solve our long-unmet fields capacity issue."

After more than 16 months of discussion on the installation of turf fields at Edison Intermediate School, the Town Council voted 7-2 to approve a shared services agreement between the town and the Board of Education.

Read more: Crucial Decision On Turf Project Made At Westfield Council Meeting

Following the council's approval, the Board of Education followed suit on their end of the deal, passing the turf project in a 5-2 vote.

Read more: Turf Wins: Edison Field Project Gets Westfield School Board's Approval

3. "Introducing the One Westfield Place proposal in order to deliver a vibrant downtown, diversify our tax base, improve our infrastructure, and provide over $50M in public improvements."

The proposed development is a 731,000 square-foot complex that aims to revitalize the former Lord & Taylor property, as well as bring two new parking garages to the North and South Avenue train stations.

The project also includes at least 223 housing units, 100,000 square feet of office space, 27,000 square-feet of street-level retail and much more.

Check out recaps from the two most recent finance and traffic discussions on One Westfield Place:

3 Takeaways From The One Westfield Place Finance Discussion

4 Takeaways From The One Westfield Place Traffic Impact Study

Have a news tip? Email remy.samuels@patch.com.