Westfield Planning Board To Informally Review 'The Sophia' Project

WESTFIELD, NJ — Westfield's Planning Board is set to informally review a major site plan for "The Sophia" — a large redevelopment project that is contested by many residents.

The Planning Board will meet on Wednesday, July 6 to discuss a number of pending applications, including a mixed-use building with 60 apartment units and retail space, according to the agenda.

According to Planning Board Chairman Michael Ash, no official action will be taken by the Planning Board, but The Sofia plans will be reviewed, informally, by the Planning Board Site Plan Review Committee on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Ash said no public comment or questioning will be allowed during the informal committee meeting.

More than 1,000 residents have signed a petition that demands the Town Council and Planning Board reconsider its proposed plans for the building on Prospect Street and Ferris Place.

These residents argue that the building should be downsized to maintain the character of the neighborhood, prevent additional traffic and promote safety for drivers and pedestrians, among other reasons.

Read more: Westfield Residents Demand 'The Sophia' Is Downsized With Petition

Residents have also complained about an excess of parking spaces at the development. Developers have proposed that the building will provide 96 parking spaces built below the structure.

According to the Planning Board's agenda, the application for The Sophia was "deemed incomplete" on June 17. Resubmission for the proposal was received on June 24 and was deemed complete on June 27.

An 18-page FAQ on Westfield's website states that the reason for choosing Prospect Street & Ferris Place for the development is part of plan to encourage more investment in downtown Westfield.

It was found that this particular area was being underutilized and that it could be redeveloped in a way to further the town's goals and objectives.

Another major site plan has also been proposed for the area of 415-427 South Avenue West. According to the Planning Board, the applicant proposed to construct a new, mixed-use building and parking with retail on the first floor and a total of 20 apartments on the second and third floors.

Westfield also has plans to redevelop the now-vacant Lord & Taylor site.

Read more: Westfield Councilman Leaks Plans For Lord & Taylor Redevelopment

The formal Planning Board meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday in-person at Town Hall.

What do you think about the proposed development on Prospect Street and Ferris Place? Patch wants to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment down below!

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