Petition Wants Westfield Voters To Weigh In On Edison Fields Project

WESTFIELD, NJ — Members of the Citizens for Responsible Athletic Field Development (CRAFD) submitted a petition with more than 2,800 signatures to the Office of the Town Clerk of Westfield.

The petition, signed by 2,822 registered Westfield voters, calls for Special Ordinance No. 2023-03 to be added to the upcoming election ballot as a referendum to allow Westfield voters to weigh in on the controversial Edison Fields project.

The ordinance bonding $11.8 million for the undertaking of the Edison turf field project was passed and finalized by the Council on May 23 with an 8 to 1 vote. Councilman Mark LoGrippo was the lone no vote. Read More: $11.8M Edison Field Project Bond Ordinance Passes In Westfield

Westfield Town Attorney Tom Jardim said last week it takes 20 days after publication (on May 25) for bond ordinances to take effect.

"So otherwise it would become operative and take effect on June 13. However, as indicated we did receive a protest petition on June 12," said Jardim at the June 13 Council meeting.

Jardim said the Town's Clerk's Office is working to verify whether a sufficient valid number of signatures were submitted with the petition.

"The clerk is obligated by law to take this step to validate the signatures and to certify that this petition qualifies for placement on the ballot," said Jardim.

The clerk has 10 days or until June 22 to verify those signatures.

"If it is determined that there are a sufficient number of valid signatures the next step is the Mayor and Council would direct the town clerk to schedule the referendum question either in a special election for that purpose or the next general election on Nov. 7, 2023," said Jardim.

Concerns prompting the petition included the loss of natural grass, the cost, and health concerns.

"There was overwhelming support for the petition in all four wards. Residents simply want a voice in how their town is being developed and how their tax dollars are being spent," said CRAFD member Jennifer Crawford.

"It's important for residents to understand that the upfront cost of $11.8 million is only to construct the fields. Interest on the bonds over 15 years and the need to replace the plastic carpet at least once during that timeframe will add millions more in cost to taxpayers," said Gregg Lehmberg, a member of CRAFD.

"There is a growing awareness that artificial turf and the toxic chemicals contained in the plastic grass carpet and infill are harming people and our shared planet,” said Jean Lehmberg, who has spoken frequently at Town Council and Board of Education meetings on this subject.

For more information visit the CRAFD website, WestfieldCRAFD.org or contact us at WestfieldCRAFD@gmail.com.

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