Still No Vote on 7-Eleven Project in Westfield

Westfield, NJ -- Droves of residents came out last night to voice their opposition to the proposed 7-Eleven convenience store slated for the corner of Central Avenue and W Grove Street.

“We don’t need a 7-Eleven,” Maria Brunetti told the planning board. “We need something to add to the charm of the area. Westfield is charming. We don’t need a 7-Eleven!”

“7-Eleven will have a dire impact on property values, I can guarantee you and it will not be positive,” said Carmen Imgrund, a realtor with Sothebys Realty. “Very honestly I am saddened because I know there will be a negative impact.”

The Westfield Planning Board met last night, Dec. 9 to continue hearing testimony from 7-Eleven Inc. on the proposed project to build a 3,044-square-foot building at 800 Central Avenue. This building would replace the former abandoned service station service bay facility on the site.

This was the second public hearing on the topic. The first hearing on Nov. 2, drew residents who raised concerns over traffic, buffering between the property and residential homes, and also the possibility to become a teenage hangout.

Residents continued to raise questions on safety of traffic and pedestrians, crime and aesthetics.

Cynthia Falls, the architect for the 7-Eleven building noted changes to the original plan including adding a environmentally-friendly brick synthetic, made of recycled fly ash and wood, to all three sides. She also changed the roof line and added cornice.

Residents were still not happy with the improvements, pointing to other businesses in the area that have a peaked roof and dormers.

“This is not much different than the original design,” said one resident. “Why not design it to fit in with the aesthetic of the neighborhood. This is a rectangle.”

Board President Vincent Wilt concurred with residents saying, “We don’t want to be shortchanged.”

Halfway through the meeting, a short break was taken and 7-Eleven agreed to add more traditional aspects to the building including the peaked roof and dormers.

In the end, the true concern of residents was really the type of establishment opening up.

“My impression of 7-Eleven is slurpees and drunken people,” said Amanda Ayars. “If I saw a 7-Eleven, I never would’ve moved here.”

“We are all invested in the character of Westfield,” said Donna Pizzi. “A 24-hour convinence store absolutely does not fit in character.”

7-Eleven Inc. was hoping for the board to vote on preliminary site plan approval so that the project could progress. However, public comments and questions took up the majority of the meeting that lasted three and a half hours, until after 11 p.m.

The board agreed to continue the meeting on Jan. 6. No more public comments will be heard at the January meeting. Instead, the board will deliberate and vote on preliminary and final major site plan approval.

(Photos by Alexis Tarrazi. Photo 1: A resident talking to architect Cynthia Falls about the new design. Photo 2: A rendering of the new design without a peaked roof or dormers.)