At the heart of the meeting was the debate on the redevelopment plan, which proposes changes to the scale and design of the project. The plan now features a reduction in office space, trimming it from an original proposal of 210,000 square feet to 120,000 square feet. This reduction is expected to cut traffic on South Avenue during peak hours by 36 to 40%. Amendments also include the elimination of a large office building and adjustments to building heights.

The proposed development retains a commitment to creating 205 residential units, including 33 affordable housing units, meeting the town’s 15% affordability requirement.

Despite these changes, many residents and some council members expressed dissatisfaction with the process, citing a lack of transparency and insufficient time for public engagement. Residents voiced concerns about the perceived haste in decision-making, with some noting that they were given only three weeks to review the amendments before the vote. This timeline was criticized as inadequate for such a significant project, potentially impacting the town’s character and infrastructure.

Concerns were raised about the sale of public parking lots without exploring alternative proposals, the lack of a comprehensive traffic study, and the potential implications for public parking and infrastructure. Some residents accused the council of pushing the project forward with minimal regard for public input, while others questioned the financial transparency of the redevelopment plan.

In defense, council members highlighted the necessity of the proposed redevelopment to ensure the town’s economic vitality and compliance with zoning laws. They emphasized the financial safeguards built into the plan, including a pilot program to back principal and interest payments, and projected new revenue streams that could benefit the town. Moreover, the redevelopment is viewed as a strategic move to enhance downtown Westfield, attract new residents, and prevent uncontrolled development by external builders.

The council’s deliberations also touched on the financial implications of the redevelopment, with a noted decrease in anticipated town revenue from the project, dropping from an expected $214 million to $156 million. This adjustment reflects the scaled-back development plan and the removal of an office building, originally projected to contribute $39 million in revenue.