logo
Google Play App Store
Log In subscribe and/or renew Eeditions
  • Home
  • E-Edition
    • This Week Newspaper
    • Archives
    • Local Shops
    • This is Westfield
    • Search the Archives
  • News
  • Opinions
  • Sports
  • Community
    • Life Events
    • Community Calendar
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Obituaries
    • Submit an Obituary
  • Classified
  • Legals
  • Advertise
    • Advertorial
    • Paid Political
    • Sponsored Content
  • subscribe and/or renew
  • Contact
    • Home
    • E-Edition
      • This Week Newspaper
      • Archives
      • Local Shops
      • This is Westfield
      • Search the Archives
    • News
    • Opinions
    • Sports
    • Community
      • Life Events
      • Community Calendar
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Obituaries
      • Submit an Obituary
    • Classified
    • Legals
    • Advertise
      • Advertorial
      • Paid Political
      • Sponsored Content
    • subscribe and/or renew
    • Contact
  • Home
  • E-Edition
    • This Week Newspaper
    • Archives
    • Local Shops
    • This is Westfield
    • Search the Archives
  • News
  • Opinions
  • Sports
  • Community
    • Life Events
    • Community Calendar
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Obituaries
    • Submit an Obituary
  • Classified
  • Legals
  • Advertise
    • Advertorial
    • Paid Political
    • Sponsored Content
  • subscribe and/or renew
  • Contact
    • Home
    • E-Edition
      • This Week Newspaper
      • Archives
      • Local Shops
      • This is Westfield
      • Search the Archives
    • News
    • Opinions
    • Sports
    • Community
      • Life Events
      • Community Calendar
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Obituaries
      • Submit an Obituary
    • Classified
    • Legals
    • Advertise
      • Advertorial
      • Paid Political
      • Sponsored Content
    • subscribe and/or renew
    • Contact
Westfield OKs Multi-Family Building on South Avenue
News
LAURA KREISER on
August 9, 2023
Westfield OKs Multi-Family Building on South Avenue

WESTFIELD — Monday evening, the Westfield Planning Board approved an application for a three-unit, multi-family home that included parking and “related improvements” at 211 South Avenue East. Joseph Paparo, lawyer for the applicant, introduced the project, which will sit on on a narrow lot near the intersection of South Avenue and South Elmer Street, as well as three expert witnesses.

Joseph Bachi, civil engineer for the project, outlined the existing conditions on the lot. These include the building being on 6,600 square feet of property, when the town usually requires buildings like this on 10,000 square feet. He explained that with the site itself being narrow and runoff potentially ending up on the adjacent property, there is a need to add a retaining wall to even the site out. While Mr. Bachi said the applicant would need relief from the 10,000-square-foot requirement since it is a “narrow lot” and a “unique shape,” he noted the applicant wanted to put in a rain garden that would handle most of the roof runoff, as well as changing the grading of the parking lot.

Paulo Dantas, architect for the project, was the next to speak. He said the building would include a one-bedroom apartment on the first floor as well as a “mail area” and access to stairs to all apartments. The plans also include making the one-bedroom apartment an affordable unit, Mr. Dantas said. The second and third stories would house two-bedroom apartments that include an open floor plan for the living, dining and kitchen areas and two bathrooms, versus the single bathroom in the one-bedroom apartment. Mr. Dantas also explained that there would be a “hatch door” that would lead to an attic space and that there would be access to the roof from the attic, where the HVAC system would be accessible.

Fire Chief Michael Duelks asked for more details regarding the building’s sprinkler system. Mr. Dantas explained that the system would be compliant with a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13R system, which is usually used for residential homes but does not include areas such as closets and attics. Chief Duelks requested that the applicant use the NFPA 13 system, which goes in areas such as closets and attics, versus the NFPA 13R system, to which the applicant agreed.

Further, John McDonough, professional planner, said he felt the previous testimony from the experts helped show why the planning board should approve the project. He added, “[The] public benefits are numerous.” While he also noted it was important not to “overdevelop” the area, he felt this “boutique development” would be good for the area and that it was a “net positive” for the town.

Mayor Shelley Brindle said she “loved” the opportunity for Westfield to have more affordable housing. “Don’t love the site but love the mission,” she added.

The planning board members voted unanimously to approve the application.

ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Most Read
Advocates Lose Appeal of OWP Lawsuit
Main, News
Advocates Lose Appeal of OWP Lawsuit
By LAUREN S. BARR 
Friday, June 27, 2025
WESTFIELD — The New Jersey Appellate Court upheld the Lower Court’s ruling dismissing The Westfield Advocates for Responsible Development’s (WARD) law...
this is a test
Immigration Advocates Criticize ICE, Decry Plans to Sell Jail
Main, News
Immigration Advocates Criticize ICE, Decry Plans to Sell Jail
By FRED T. ROSSI 
Thursday, June 19, 2025
COUNTY — More than two dozen immigration activists and advocates last week continued to criticize Union County’s plans to sell a vacant jail complex i...
this is a test
Christopher F. Vogel
Obituaries
Christopher F. Vogel
Thursday, June 26, 2025
In Memory of Christopher Frederick Vogel It is with great sadness that we announce the unimaginable passing of Christopher Frederick Vogel, a loving h...
this is a test
E-Bikes Banned from Park Trails and Paths in Westfield
Main, News
E-Bikes Banned from Park Trails and Paths in Westfield
By MADOLYN LAURINE 
Thursday, June 26, 2025
WESTFIELD — Visitors to town parks will now have to park their electric bicycles and scooters after the town council during its Tuesday meeting passed...
this is a test
Cranford Zoning Bd. Delays Two Project Hearings
News
Cranford Zoning Bd. Delays Two Project Hearings
By MADOLYN LAURINE 
Thursday, June 26, 2025
CRANFORD — Two applicants for major projects in Cranford presented early-stage plans to redevelop an existing rehabilitation facility and gas station,...
this is a test
This site complies with ADA requirements

© Copyright The The Westfield Leader

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy
This site complies with ADA requirements

© Copyright The The Westfield Leader