Westfield council advances seven first‑reading ordinances to meet fourth‑round affordable‑housing compliance, approves resolutions and contract

The Westfield Town Council voted on a package of zoning and regulatory changes on first reading designed to implement the town’s fourth‑round affordable‑housing plan and comply with Fair Housing Act requirements.

Councilmember Gilman moved a set of seven ordinances on first reading, beginning with general ordinance 20‑26‑04, an amendment to the Prospect & Ferris redevelopment plan that allows temporary use of 118 Ferris Place for construction staging and to store the historic Mills Ferris Pearsall House. The council carried that motion on a roll‑call vote. Subsequent first‑reading ordinances included code and zoning amendments to implement affordable‑housing regulations (20‑26‑05), an affordable‑housing development fee and trust‑fund ordinance, and new zone districts or overlays (ES‑AH, FRAHO, SAAH, SAWAHO) to modify the zoning map in line with the fourth‑round plan; each ordinance was approved on first reading by roll‑call vote.

Earlier in the meeting Councilman Venkatura moved approval of bills and claims totaling $540,417.45; the council carried the motion. The finance committee moved a package of five routine resolutions — authorizing warrants for a bulk mail permit, police refunds, recreation refunds, planning‑board escrow warrants and overpaid taxes — and the council approved the package.

On a separate Public Works committee item, Councilwoman Adwar moved a resolution awarding a contract for grinding brush materials. The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

Mayor Berman and council members noted the fourth‑round plan had been adopted by the prior council and approved by a program judge, and the mayor reminded the council the town faces a mid‑March compliance deadline for related filings. No final adoption votes were recorded tonight; the ordinances passed first reading and will proceed according to the town’s legislative schedule.