Major Redevelopment Project Will Not Move Forward As Planned, Westfield Mayor Says

WESTFIELD, NJ — One Westfield Place, the long-discussed redevelopment plan for the former Lord & Taylor property in downtown Westfield, will not move forward in its current form, Mayor Jeremy Berman announced Tuesday.

The announcement marks a significant turning point for a project that has remained in limbo for months as Saks Global worked its way through bankruptcy proceedings.

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Speaking during the opening remarks at Tuesday night's Town Council meeting, Berman said the owners of the former Lord & Taylor properties now intend to sell the site, prompting the township to shift its approach to the redevelopment.

"Given the new realities of the bankruptcy proceedings and the upcoming sale of the properties, One Westfield Place will not be moving forward in its current form," Berman said.

The properties expected to be sold include the former Lord & Taylor building and two additional parcels across North Avenue. According to Berman, the properties could be marketed as early as this week, and the township understands there is already "significant interest from several local, experienced developers."

The announcement comes just weeks after township officials said they were waiting for Saks Global to emerge from bankruptcy before determining what would happen next with the redevelopment proposal.

At the time, Berman described the project as being essentially on hold while the legal process played out.

Now that Saks Global has officially emerged from bankruptcy as a newly formed company, officials say the focus has shifted from the original redevelopment proposal to preparing for new ownership of the property.

While the developer may change, Berman said the township's priorities will not.

"I have indicated to the current property owners, and I will reinforce with any buyer, that the only acceptable path forward for this administration is the redevelopment of the privately owned Lord & Taylor properties and the related public improvements to that corridor," Berman said.

Those improvements include reimagining the north side plaza and making safety and traffic improvements at the intersections of North Avenue with Elm, Broad and Clark streets.

Berman also sought to reassure residents that the town has no plans to sell or redevelop its municipal parking lots as part of any future project.

"The North and South Ave municipal parking lots have, and will remain, under Town ownership," he said. "There is no interest from this Town Council in pursuing the sale or development of this land."

Although the Lord & Taylor property is privately owned, Berman said Westfield will continue to play a key role in shaping whatever redevelopment proposal comes next.

"It is also important to reiterate that although the Lord & Taylor property is privately owned, the existing redevelopment plan gives the Town an important role in shaping what ultimately moves forward as a site zoned for commercial and residential use," Berman said.

He added that the township intends to closely review any future proposal to ensure it reflects current market conditions while serving Westfield's long-term interests.

"As a new private partner emerges from the sales process, we will maintain rigorous oversight and ensure that any future proposal reflects current market conditions while delivering a project that serves Westfield's long-term interests," Berman said.

Town officials said they will continue providing updates as the sale process moves forward and additional information becomes available.