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Commission extends use variance for Yellow Key Collaborative at 223 Jersey St.
Summary
The commission approved an indefinite extension of a 2020 variance allowing Yellow Key Collaborative to operate a counseling and therapy office at 223 Jersey Street, removing the five-year sunset requirement that had applied to the earlier approval.
The Westfield Advisory Plan Commission voted Aug. 4 to extend and effectively make permanent a 2020 variance of use for Yellow Key Collaborative, a counseling and therapy office at 223 Jersey Street.
Lauren Gillingham of the Community Development Department described the request: the property is in an area still largely zoned multifamily, which does not permit office uses by right. She said city administration and staff support removing the five-year timer placed on the original 2020 variance and extending the use indefinitely as Jersey Street develops a more village commercial character.
Owners and operators of the practice addressed the commission. "I would just really love to continue to be a part of the community, with our business," said Kate Knifle, who spoke with co-presenter Josh Knifel about the practice’s ties to nearby businesses and public amenities and its community programming, including workshops and walking therapy.
Staff reported the petition had been properly noticed and that no public comments had been received before the hearing. Commissioners asked no substantive follow-up questions that changed staff’s recommendation. A motion to approve the variance with the conditions noted in the variance application carried on a roll-call vote; the commission also approved the findings of fact.
The approval allows Yellow Key Collaborative to continue operating at 223 Jersey Street without the previously imposed five-year expiration, aligning the use with the city’s current development vision for the Jersey Street area. No changes to building form, parking or other physical conditions were noted during the hearing.
