$11.8M Edison Field Project Bond Ordinance Passes In Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ — More sports field space is on the horizon after the Westfield Town Council finalized the passage of an ordinance to bond $11.8 million for the undertaking of the Edison turf field project.

The council voted to approve the second and final reading of the ordinance at the Tuesday, May 23, meeting with an 8 to 1 vote. Councilman Mark LoGrippo was the lone no vote.

LoGrippo pointed to neighboring Scotch Plains that went to voters on their $3.8 million field project.

"With a price tag of almost $12 million, it would’ve been nice to have this voted on by the citizens of Westfield," said LoGrippo, who previously shared his objection to the projection over location, traffic impacts and more.

The project is comprised of two high school regulation-size multipurpose lighted turf fields behind Edison Intermediate School.

"I am thrilled that this council is acting on the recommendations of our Recreation Commission to deliver an innovative solution that finally addresses the increasingly dire field shortage that has challenged our community for decades," said Mayor Shelley Brindle. "This project is a benefit to our student-athletes, a win for town sports leagues, and an opportunity to improve the neighborhood stormwater infrastructure that would otherwise not be possible."

Brindle noted the project was timed strategically to coincide with PILOT revenues the town will receive from the Westfield Crossing Project, which would mitigate "the burden on taxpayers." That project is expected to yield $20 million over the 30-year developer agreement.

The cost of $11.8 million is more than the initial $9 million in the CME report's cost estimate, which Brindle said is to "ensure maximum financial flexibility so that we can have the option to consider environmentally-friendly materials and adequately screening landscaping for the neighbors."

Brindle also said the town anticipates receiving grants and sponsorships to help lower the cost. Any unused funds will be repealed and not bonded so that they can be re-directed to the town's grass field initiative.

Last meeting, Brindle also announced that the town would be dedicating $300,000 from the Westfield Crossing developer contribution to the Park Improvement Fund for a grass field plan.

Several residents spoke during public comment sharing their concerns over the environmental impacts of having turf fields.

"No one is denying that well-intended grass fields is ideal. But I think our role up here is to provide a practical reality of delivering for our sports and students relative to other things. I think this bond ordinance does a good job of balancing both," said Brindle.

Next, the council plans to award a contract at an upcoming Council meeting to T&M Associates for the design and project management work. The firm was chosen by the project review committee after a public RFP.

Design and management work is anticipated to be completed in the fall, at which time the council will then seek to hire a construction firm.

Construction is expected to begin in late spring/early summer of next year, in coordination with the Board of Education.

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