In a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the amended redevelopment plan for the Lord and Taylor train station site, known as the 1 Westfield Place project. Critics, including representatives from Westfield Advocates, argued that the plan fails to align with the town's master plan and does not adequately address the potential negative impacts on the community.

Key points of contention included the plan's reliance on existing parking spaces, which critics claim should not be counted towards the new development's requirements. They highlighted that the plan is short by 90 parking spaces and criticized the town's planning attorney for misrepresenting the relationship between the master plan and zoning regulations.

Carl Urbanacci, representing Westfield Advocates, emphasized that the amended plan introduces greater building massing and additional above-grade parking garages, which could exacerbate traffic issues and alter the neighborhood's character. He argued that the council advanced the vote on the redevelopment plan without sufficient community input or a thorough review of its implications.

Urbanacci also expressed concerns about the scale of the development, questioning who in the community had requested such a large project on public property. He urged the council to consider the infrastructure needs and aesthetic quality of developments that would better fit Westfield's residential character, citing examples from neighboring towns that have successfully preserved their downtowns.

The meeting underscored a growing tension between development ambitions and community preservation, with Westfield Advocates indicating their intent to pursue legal action against the redevelopment plans, asserting that they do not meet the legal requirements set forth by New Jersey statutes.