The enhancement of Park Square Green will begin next spring
WESTFIELD – “This is something the city needs to feel pride in,” Cynthia P. Gaylord said minutes after the City Council gave final approval Thursday night to a $1.9 million bond to enhance Park Square Green.
“The heart of Westfield stopped beating for awhile. This is a betterment of the city for its businesses and people,” added Tania M. Vancini.
The project, proposed by Mayor Daniel M. Knapik has occupied City Council discussion since funding was requested in late October.
The plan is designed to make the city’s downtown, subject of road reconstruction distractions since April, a focus place of the city and destination for residents as well as non-residents.
Leah Cressotti, sister of City Engineer Mark S. Cressotti, attended the meeting carrying a sign that read “Don’t Cheapen the Green.”
But, the project has also drawn controversy by some residents like Mary Ann Babinski who said following the vote she had hoped the issue would have been referred back to committee for additional review.
Opposition to the plan focused on a $350,000 estimate to construct an all-season gazebo/pavilion in the center of the green. At the Nov. 18 City Council when councilors gave initial approval to the bond, resident Rene Lavoilette questioned “if the city can spend this (on a gazebo), why can it not lower (property) taxes?”
And, Councilors David A. Flaherty, John J. Beltrandi III and Nicholas J. Morganelli Jr. remained firm since October in their opposition to the structure. They were joined Dec. 2 by Ward 5 Councilor Richard E. Onofrey Jr.. Onofrey had supported the bond Nov. 18 but voted against it at a Dec. 1 meeting.
Thursday’s vote, a reconsideration of Dec. 1, was 9 - 4 with Flaherty, Beltrandi, Morganelli and Onofrey opposed. Nine votes were needed for passage.
The plan presented to the council is the result of a June public forum which drew support for enhancements to the downtown area.
Work on the green will coincide with completion of an on-going $14 million reconstruction of Main, Broad and Elm streets. In addition to the pavilion, the project will bring granite seat walls, improved landscaping including new trees to replace the nearly 100 removed as part of the road reconstruction project.
The building is designed for year-round use for municipal activity and by various organizations and groups.