Longtime Vacant 'Eyesore', Former Good Lube To Be Purchased By Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ — The Town took the first steps in purchasing the longtime vacant Mr. Good Lube property at the corner of South Avenue and Central Avenue.

"As many of you know this property has been a visible eye-sore for at least a decade in spite of numerous property maintenance citations," said Mayor Shelley Brindle at the Tuesday night meeting.

Recently, New Jersey's Economic Development Authority(EDA) announced a grant allowing municipalities to purchase strategically located vacant properties. The grant will cover 80 percent of the property's appraised value.

"A perfect fit for this particular property," said Brindle. So at last night’s Town Council meeting, after having submitted an application for the grant, we introduced an ordinance authorizing the Town’s purchase of this property contingent on being awarded this EDA grant."

The ordinance states that the Town will cover the difference of no more than $250,000 toward the sale price.

The Town is expected to hear if they are awarded the grant in September. Brindle said they wanted to introduce the ordinance to allow the town time "to move expeditiously if we get the grant."

If they don't receive the grant, the purchase will not move forward.

Plans for the property if the grant is approved include:

• Enhanced pedestrian safety features
• An expanded right-turn radius
• Bench seating
• Public art
• Streetscape improvements

All of the plans "will create a beautiful gateway into Westfield," said Bringle.

The Council unanimously introduced the ordinance on Tuesday.

Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly identified the name of the former business at this location. The name of the former business has been corrected.

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