westfield-state-university, daniel-knapik, jimmie-wiggs
WESTFIELD – Utility crews were busy Friday trying to restore electricity to an estimated 750 homes here still without power since Saturday’s snow storm.
Also, the city and Westfield State University officials were preparing to close an emergency shelter at Juniper Park School on Western Avenue that has served upwards of 500 people since it opened at 1 p.m. last Sunday tomorrow
More than 100 people sought overnight shelter at Juniper Park and Scanlon Hall each day during the emergency, officials said.
Mayor Daniel M. Knapik and Emergency Management Agency director Jimmie D. Wiggs said an alternative shelter will be established if necessary to accommodate residents in need after the closing of Juniper Park and Scanlon.
Gas and Electric Department spokesman Sean P. Fitzgerald said power was expected to be restored to all residents by Friday night. The utility has just over 19,000 customers.
“There may well be a few isolated cases where homeowners need additional work and the services of private electricians to allow final connection to the department power lines,” Fitzgerald said.