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Residents urge Westfield to reject artificial turf at Tamaques Park and to curb school-zone idling
Summary
Two residents during public comment urged the council to ban artificial turf—citing PFAS, microplastics, heat and stormwater concerns—and asked the town to address excessive vehicle idling near schools; the council took the comments under advisement and provided materials and next-step contacts.
During the public-comment period, Jean Lindberg, who identified herself as a Westfield resident of 528 Grove Street, urged the council to ban artificial turf and invest in high-quality natural grass fields. Lindberg described artificial turf as “a plastic carpet” and warned that components used in some turf systems contain PFAS and other chemical additives that she said have been found in tested samples. She said worn turf produces microplastics that migrate into soil, storm drains and waterways and argued that synthetic fields become heat islands that can increase risks to athletes.
Another resident, Greg Lemberg (also at 528 Grove Street), thanked the council for the budget presentation and raised two related environmental concerns: excessive vehicle idling around schools and the ongoing pollution he attributes to existing artificial turf fields. Lemberg said parents sometimes idle for “as much as 40 minutes in advance of the end of the school day,” which he said exceeds the three-minute idling limit in state law; he asked the council to consider signage and other measures. He also said Sid Fay Houlihan and other local fields shed microplastics and that photos and documentation would be emailed to council members.
Council members thanked the commenters and noted the Tamaques Park design process will include public input. No formal action to ban turf was taken at this meeting; council members and staff noted the design work and permit/contract steps that would follow and encouraged residents to review posted budget and planning materials on the town website.
The record: residents’ statements and the town’s response are part of the public record for the pending Tamaques Park design process and any future decisions about field surfacing.
