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

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…