Parking Problem Pushes Business Out Of Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ - After five decades at the corner of Rahway and South Avenue, international law firm Lerner David is moving their business to nearby Cranford. The global intellectual property law firm, is relocating 20 Commerce Drive in Cranford, leasing space directly off exit 136 of the Garden State Parkway.

Westfield Mayor Shelley Brindle said she was disappointed to confirm the company's exodus when their lease is up in November.

"I met with their managing partner last summer, I learned they wanted to stay in Westfield but needed more modern office space with parking to accommodate 150 employees and that a search process has been underway for quite some time," Brindle said. "Unfortunately we have no existing space to accommodate one of our largest taxpayers."

Brindle said she remains committed to solving the commercial and parking shortage in order to attract tenants like Lerner David.

"These businesses come with employees that not only increase our tax base, making us less reliant on property taxes, but also provide desperately needed daytime foot traffic to maintain a vibrant downtown," she said.

Brindle said that solving Westfield's parking shortage is an economic development imperative and part of the long-term solution to the vacant storefronts downtown.

"I am deeply frustrated, but not discouraged, by this announcement. We have already begun the process of course correcting by establishing a new master plan that should result in a town center where retail, commercial and parking work together to support an economic vision," Brindle said.

Brindle asked that the community partner with her in this master plan process.

"If you commit to being an active participant in the process to ensure your voice is heard, I will commit to doing everything I can to make sure Lerner David is the last employer to leave Westfield," she said.

(Photo courtesy of Newman Knight Frank)

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