Town of Westfield approves special-use permit and negative declaration for Switzers’ storage shed

The Town of Westfield Board unanimously adopted a State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) negative declaration and issued a Special Use Permit for Scott and Sally Switzer on May 7, 2025, clearing the way for a 10-by-20-foot (200 sq. ft.) storage shed at 8265 Second Street.

Councilmember William Northrop moved the resolution finding no significant environmental impact; Councilmember David Brown seconded. The board voted aye: Supervisor Martha Bills, Councilmember David Brown, Councilmember David Spann and Councilmember William Northrop.

Councilmember David Spann then moved to issue the Special Use Permit under Section 185-19(D)(10) of the Town of Westfield Zoning Code, with standard conditions: the applicants must build in accordance with the submitted plans, may not assign or transfer the permit without written Town consent, and the permit will expire if construction does not begin by May 7, 2026. Councilmember Northrop seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.

Code Officer Kenneth Shearer gave the board an overview of the application, noting the structure exceeds 144 square feet and will be used for storage only. The Planning Board reviewed the application on April 9, 2025, and recommended approval with no concerns, Shearer told the board. The town clerk reported no public calls or letters were received; Shearer said a few neighbors had contacted his office with positive feedback.

Supervisor Martha Bills opened the public hearing at 7:25 p.m. and closed it at 7:26 p.m. after no public comments were offered. The town’s legal notice for the hearing ran in the Dunkirk Observer, and the application materials are available for public review in the Town Clerk’s office.

The permit becomes effective after the applicants accept and agree to the permit’s terms.