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Residents press council on Westfield Avenue improvements, pedestrian crossings and senior parking; mayor to seek traffic bureau review
Summary
Residents asked where Westfield Avenue municipal-aid improvements will occur and pressed for pedestrian crossings and developer accountability; the mayor said redevelopment agreements typically include construction schedules and will request the police traffic bureau and county contacts to revisit pedestrian-controlled crossings.
Multiple residents raised questions on June 1 about Westfield Avenue projects, pedestrian safety and parking at municipal facilities as the council reviewed its agenda.
Resident Dileia Collins asked where the Westfield Avenue improvements would run and whether developer contributions or county grants would be pursued. She also urged installation of a pedestrian-controlled flashing crossing to help shoppers and students cross Westfield Avenue safely.
Mayor Albanese said redevelopment agreements typically include construction schedules but that timing is driven by market factors and developers’ project pipelines. Regarding the specific pedestrian crossing request, the mayor pledged to formally ask the police traffic bureau and county contacts to re-examine options for a flashing pedestrian crossing at candidate locations (Madison Hill Road, Joseph Street, or Brandt Avenue) ahead of further development.
Lorraine Wilson, speaking for senior users of the recreation center, asked the council to address parking shortages that have left some seniors unable to attend programs. Council members and the administration acknowledged competing demands from school and pickleball users and said designated parking and signage will be enforced and studied; officials suggested short-term scheduling adjustments and longer-term ordinance or parking-plan changes could follow.
On development timing, the mayor said large national developers manage multiple projects and timing is influenced by market conditions; local redevelopment projects may still take a year or more before construction begins. The administration also noted that traffic studies submitted by developers are reviewed by a municipal traffic consultant.
The mayor and staff asked residents to report specific locations and timing to DPW or the police traffic bureau so staff can evaluate potential crossings, parking changes and developer obligations.
