[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6368430,"mediaKeyId","2157055-f6436cc7c5c38cd9f80e27909713e3e0","parentId",2157055,"title","Westfield council hears update on 20-year comprehensive plan and housing trends","audioSeconds",2022,"startMs",501000,"endMs",2523000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2157055-f6436cc7c5c38cd9f80e27909713e3e0&start=501&end=2523","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2157055-f6436cc7c5c38cd9f80e27909713e3e0/thumbnail_501000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6368430/Westfield/Hamilton-County/Indiana/Westfield-council-hears-update-on-20-year-comprehensive-plan-and-housing-trends","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6368430-24b0811c15f7ea1c852ff8abcc798618/orig.mp4?Expires=1775189155&Signature=YOvA3xTVs1LIUYllGaHJ3SYHfh5mM4S5FBVzPvoe0OcfElp7bKx-gzlIcVAam9tCN8iNz7-fZboUzVo6ZyPxMh5SPeXZ21gsAJW1smb7LdHgUBdOCa-gyO-PRt6K6TMzl~txdepeFnfmaQE1dGYc~TOSlMqoGEk7UwVJQzlGsSZ5tgJ28eWjNRg4jJ6S9r8u~u2mNsp9pHEat34i1dIq3d72ffWGieMdkx4xJfPXnD2979OBj6MR55vTmvhi9C0I0oD6wLg1tgTbUSrzlDXCE5H6SKtjuCtB91537ofPQ-q4YvlEohzGJXDacDR5uDAtB~PMA~65GPN4J0C2ZIKFWw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Westfield IN","date","2025-01-28T13:44:24Z","article","The City of Westfield Common Council received a presentation on the city’s comprehensive plan update and baseline analysis from Cynthia Bowen, a partner at Rundell, Ernstberger & Associates (REA).

Bowen told the council REA’s comprehensive-plan process will span seven phases over roughly 18 months and will pair a baseline data assessment with public engagement, steering committees and targeted focus groups. She said the plan’s purpose is to provide a 20-year framework for the type, location and timing of future development and the implementation steps city officials and partners must take.

Bowen said Westfield has experienced sustained, above‑regional growth in recent decades and that the city’s housing stock is dominated by single‑family and townhouse development. She described the city’s housing mix as roughly 85% single‑family/townhouse, 13% “missing middle” product (duplexes, triplexes, small multifamily) and 2% apartment units or mobile homes, using 2023 snapshot data. Bowen said 65% of housing units were built in the last 25 years and only about 7% are more than 50 years old.

The consultant also presented home‑price indicators. She said the 2024 average sales price was presented as $463,000 and that the 2023 median home value was reported as $365,700; Bowen noted a sizeable share of owner households pay more than 30% of gross income on housing. She said about one‑third of renters were cost burdened (paying more than 30% of income) but that metric has improved since 2010.

Councilors pressed for more detail on the plan’s next steps and on specific policy tradeoffs. Councilor Dyer asked whether housing-unit counts shown on the presentation reflected built units (Bowen replied they were built, through 2023). Several members asked whether the consultant will quantify public‑service costs by housing type; Bowen said REA will evaluate the impacts of residential and nonresidential development on services (police, fire, schools) and will return with those findings. Bowen said missing‑middle product (cottage courts, duplexes, small apartments) is one lever to increase attainability for young professionals.

Council discussion broadened into regional comparisons, school‑age population trends and short‑term rental pressure. Bowen said REA will include implementation frameworks (transportation, economic development, housing, future land use) and noted the project’s first public engagement event at the Winners Farmers Market on Feb. 8.

Why it matters: the comprehensive plan will guide zoning, infrastructure investment and development review and inform whether the city targets more multifamily or missing‑middle housing to improve housing attainability and service efficiency.

The planning team said staff and the consultant will return to the council as study milestones are reached and when draft policies and implementation timelines are available.

Ending: The council did not take formal action on the plan during the meeting; REA will continue the baseline analysis, convene the steering committee and carry out scheduled public engagement events.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting 01/27/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The City of Westfield Common Council received a presentation on the city’s comprehensive plan update and baseline analysis from Cynthia Bowen, a partner at Rundell, Ernstberger & Associates (REA).","taxTitle","Westfield, Hamilton County, Indiana","taxId",54406,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6368419,"Council roundup: minutes, claims, fund creation, PSTA resolution, library interlocal and Korea trip appropriation pass",3137,81000,3218000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2157055-f6436cc7c5c38cd9f80e27909713e3e0&start=81&end=3218","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2157055-f6436cc7c5c38cd9f80e27909713e3e0/thumbnail_81000.jpg","/articles/6368419/Westfield/Hamilton-County/Indiana/Council-roundup-minutes-claims-fund-creation-PSTA-resolution-library-interlocal-and-Korea-trip-appropriation-pass","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6368419-aacb87a90d493d7f82ff74d012af8c17/orig.mp4?Expires=1775189155&Signature=S~G~gMbX~chvuyAx2JnWTKAjTDpVcl-q3ubK9cVzl46cZPxP5C3CjrFTYH0tErmgVWOh0sdw4Iladtv9WlwIN-OVVQXprqEFu7bZEGPpHopNikMVyON7YH4UPQhHlZ4zAD6zKrmjTKNUfTWX9-B4lmde-zZUoIuAqQic2~R3xh2qI9h4XjkPm39WAQjbZhQjVe-ElPR5o815nzajz06dKDPVrMkwwQEgJcnc-dqVidGq8nGxLxEKMYWHZWcKBMN0lHGDs0RfuRP6RMvTmoPJP6LHmFLYnicurG139ERj04xNZUZQ4nmV4sNT~DKAe5B~laso~OeqF7QKr42X0R7mCQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Westfield Common Council took a series of votes on routine and policy items during the meeting. Highlights:

- Minutes: The council approved the Jan. 13 meeting minutes. Motion made by Councilor Dart, seconded by Councilor McCarty; roll call recorded seven yes votes.

- Claims docket: Council approved the presented claims. Motion made by Councilor Wanninger, seconded by Councilor Dart; roll call recorded seven yes votes.

- Fund 266 (capital projects fund): The council approved Ordinance 25‑1 to create Fund 266, a capital projects fund that will centralize and track several project funding sources. Deputy Mayor Danielle Kerry Tolan reported that the fund will consolidate three inputs for the current cycle: approximately $18,000,000 from general funds, $6,000,000 from the food and beverage tax and about $3,000,000 from GPSC payments for an approximate total of $27,000,000 for the budget season. Motion to adopt Ordinance 25‑1 carried on roll call (7‑0).

- PSTA resolution: The council adopted Resolution 205‑12 expressing support for state‑level authorization to allow multiple Professional Sports and Convention Development Areas (PSTAs) within a county. Mayor Willis explained that under current statute only one PSTA is generally allowed per county and that the city is seeking state action to permit additional PSTAs to capture new sales‑tax‑based revenue generated by new development. Motion carried (7‑0).

- Interlocal landscaping agreement (library): The council adopted a resolution authorizing an interlocal cooperation agreement with the Westfield‑Washington Township Library and trustee owners association for city parks staff or contractors to provide landscape services at the new library and township building. Parks Director Chris McConnell said the annual cost to the city is about $22,000 a year. Motion carried (7‑0).

- Korea trip appropriation (ordinance 25‑06): The council approved an additional appropriation of $37,000 to support a short trip to South Korea by a small city delegation (Mayor, economic development director and others) to cultivate economic development relationships. The council first suspended the rules to consider the appropriation on final reading; a roll call recorded seven yes votes and the ordinance was adopted.

Why it matters: the council approved both routine financial items and several actions with near‑term fiscal and economic implications — creating a capital projects fund to centralize major capital financing, signaling state‑level support for a PSTA to capture new sales tax revenue, agreeing to a small recurring landscaping expense for the new library and authorizing a city delegation trip to South Korea to pursue investment relationships.

Ending: Several first‑reading items and public hearings remain on the agenda (including Grand Park appropriations and the mayor’s gala funding). Councilors and staff said they will return with additional details on budget line items and implementation tasks as those items progress.","The Westfield Common Council approved routine minutes and claims, created a new capital projects fund (Fund 266), adopted a resolution supporting changes to state law to allow multiple PSTAs in a county, approved an interlocal landscaping agreement for the new library and passed a $37,000 appropriation for an economic‑development trip to South Korea.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6368420,"Lantern Commons PUD amendment introduced for five‑story L7 hotel and restaurant",478,3800000,4278000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2157055-f6436cc7c5c38cd9f80e27909713e3e0&start=3800&end=4278","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2157055-f6436cc7c5c38cd9f80e27909713e3e0/thumbnail_3800000.jpg","/articles/6368420/Westfield/Hamilton-County/Indiana/Lantern-Commons-PUD-amendment-introduced-for-fivestory-L7-hotel-and-restaurant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6368420-e2cabc3e0a78c55186d75ae8e4eafc6d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775189155&Signature=ZCMeaI2pnTz7JEzRlk48qEeSZwlL0uVwsQgTzn6MM7vav7gxojQXkCNAzoEyuCIsATJHNeiHoXRK-JplsUmvagHMsf-lkYPvqzYJuXjO2pUmXV~4aCa9cwJZN-UjM6nJPxbAZa8qZ2h9ab1r5WeEcw5VWT476lYW1ohbsuSJVAXdxTYEqNZbDnPqo1aMuckcyYrq0RPQh4SSnxE0ttL-uuZni9bJdfn0C52zqMA9BqiDMNWHnMkziJQ8BuR6Bcp0P7r5EnXjn6uZ0aWvYMZkCNRbkxbOKQwAy1xl~bxl17JITsQm2kDPMuMaTZG4DcT3wxjdawwascgfDppGULiGlw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The council received an introduction of an amendment to the Lantern Commons PUD that would accommodate a five‑story L7 (Lotte) hotel and a standalone restaurant at the Lantern Commons site near 31 and 160 First Street.

Lauren Gillingham Teague introduced the petition as an amendment specific to Area D. Matt Skelton (attorney representing the owner) said the owner (Cardium Hotel 1 LLC as stated) seeks to develop a full‑service hotel and restaurant campus. Skelton described the L7 brand as a higher‑end, full‑service hotel (the applicant characterized the brand as a major Korean hotel operator) and estimated the project as a roughly $50,000,000‑plus investment.

Skelton and staff acknowledged architectural and parking details still require refinement. He said the applicant will work with planning staff and the APC (Advisory Plan Commission) to respond to initial architectural comments and finalize the parking analysis. The PUD amendment would waive certain overlay architectural standards in favor of the submitted elevations and renderings; the item will be scheduled for a Planning Commission public hearing on Feb. 3.

Councilors asked about the brand, parking interplay with adjacent Lantern Commons uses, screening and trash handling; the applicant said many details will be addressed in the APC process. The applicant said site construction could begin as early as this fall and estimated a 12‑ to 18‑month build window if approved.

Why it matters: the amendment could bring a nationally recognized hotel brand, meeting space and restaurants to Lantern Commons, with potential economic development and tourism benefits and local service‑level implications for parking and public infrastructure.

Ending: This item was introduced as a first reading; it will proceed through the APC public hearing and additional staff review before returning to council for formal action.","Council heard an introduction for a PUD amendment to allow a five‑story L7 (Lotte) hotel and associated restaurant at Lantern Commons; project team described brand, estimated $50 million-plus investment and noted planning and parking issues will be worked through with staff and APC.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6368425,"Council adopts Ambrose on Main PUD amendment to allow four‑story mixed‑use building",537,2519000,3056000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2157055-f6436cc7c5c38cd9f80e27909713e3e0&start=2519&end=3056","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2157055-f6436cc7c5c38cd9f80e27909713e3e0/thumbnail_2519000.jpg","/articles/6368425/Westfield/Hamilton-County/Indiana/Council-adopts-Ambrose-on-Main-PUD-amendment-to-allow-fourstory-mixeduse-building","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6368425-1f4142378772d9a2678f024d1299eb22/orig.mp4?Expires=1775189155&Signature=DW0ZucX8XMXphQ0JyRcvh9k2Oh0LTMqisGAzC7DeFvZh0DJPV4JkVqEAaEMAY13Et0pqQdtHPgBQyo0UEhUyv7GTZql9Fi1A-6iBwGTynaQbKks3ZdoMej-Ag01ecbKjysBucld6iwFtBDyfTjAWaNThvv4Zoq146ZZs3P0QvhWGAhmzXp-VDKyjGsYHvWNOwsQ-7AMiQVLQSR8ky1if9Nc25sCc8C-f6yIFzaqV304KQfz6jePVLv9XxcdoHLRW2f9Fs~pzDNEUWriMs34qcAqxypxDQCnIZDbesa9eYhz0dARSUEo7WS~-FCTgtDf81p1iQMGQOlbLXgv0K3uoMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Westfield Common Council voted to adopt Ordinance 2464, amending the Unified Development Ordinance to create the Ambrose on Main Planned Unit Development (PUD) at the northeast corner of State Road 32 and Penn Street.

Lauren Gillingham Teague of the Community Development Department outlined the proposal: a four‑story mixed‑use building with commercial storefronts facing State Road 32 and multifamily units above and to the side. The PUD approval ties development to the site plan, landscape plan and architectural elevations submitted with the petition; the petitioner revised the site plan to add parking and perimeter landscaping north of the Penn Street extension and supplied additional parking analysis for the residential mix.

Janelle Fairman, the city’s economic development director, presented an investment summary provided by the applicant. She said the packet estimated assessed‑value increases and identified developer‑backed bond financing for incentives; the presentation included figures for current assessed value and a future assessed value but the exact numbers in the meeting packet were presented in a format that requires confirmation.

Shelby (city staff) and the applicant’s representative discussed the planned Penn Street extension. City staff said the city will pay for the design and construction of the Penn Street extension (the extension is shown to connect to City Hall and improve downtown continuity) and the developer expects to coordinate construction to realize cost efficiencies. The cost of the Penn Street extension was not yet estimated in the meeting.

Councilors and staff also discussed downtown parking. Staff and the applicant noted the development is self‑parked as proposed but the site provides an opportunity for a future parking garage if demand requires additional capacity; temporary parking solutions would be necessary if a garage is built later.

After the presentation and brief discussion the council took a final vote. The motion to approve Ordinance 2464 was made and seconded; roll call recorded seven votes in favor and the ordinance was adopted.

Why it matters: the PUD amendment allows a multi‑story, mixed‑use project intended to add commercial activity along State Road 32 while increasing downtown housing options; the city is planning related right‑of‑way work (Penn Street) to support the development.

Ending: Staff said design details and remaining technical items will be addressed as the applicant advances site work and building design. No specific construction start date was committed beyond the applicant’s statement that construction could begin as early as this fall.","The Westfield Common Council approved Ordinance 2464 to adopt the Ambrose on Main Planned Unit Development amendment, advancing a four‑story mixed‑use building with ground‑floor storefronts and residential units above; council and staff discussed parking, streetscape and shared infrastructure costs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Westfield council hears update on 20-year comprehensive plan and housing trends

Council roundup: minutes, claims, fund creation, PSTA resolution, library interlocal and Korea trip appropriation pass

Lantern Commons PUD amendment introduced for five‑story L7 hotel and restaurant

Council adopts Ambrose on Main PUD amendment to allow four‑story mixed‑use building