Westfield $11.8M Bond Edison Field Referendum Breakdown

WESTFIELD, NJ — This coming Tuesday residents will be asked to vote on one question on the ballot on whether to repeal or ratify ordinance No. 2023-03 for a $11.8 million bond for the undertaking of the Edison turf field project.

The question was added to the ballot in August after a group called the Citizens for Responsible Athletic Field Development (CRAFD) submitted a petition on June 12 to the town with more than 2,800 signatures to allow Westfield voters to weigh in on the controversial Edison Fields project.

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

The ordinance bonding $11.8 million for the undertaking of the Edison turf field project was initally 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

The project consists of the installation of synthetic turf multipurpose athletic fields, the undertaking of drainage and site improvements, the installation of field lighting and field amenities, and the construction of a bathroom facility.

Mayor Shelley Brindle shared some insight on Why Edison? These are the four key reasons she shared:

• Increased Capacity: An initial investment in artificial turf and lights at Edison solves for the largest capacity increase in the shortest amount of time to benefit the largest number of user groups, including much-needed equity for girls sports programs. This increased capacity will then enable us to begin our plans to improve the Town grass fields.
• Exclusive Westfield Usage: Edison allows for exclusive use by Westfield teams as it’s not a Green Acres facility, unlike nearly every Town-owned park.
• Location: Edison is the only proposed project that will also benefit our student athletes, trainers, coaches, and marching band due to its proximity to locker rooms, training facilities, and equipment storage at Kehler.
• Tax Payer Efficiencies: This agreement delivers efficiencies and enhanced services for our taxpayers through a shared services agreement with the school district – in this case, fields that would equally benefit the Town sports leagues, WHS athletes, and students – an outcome that is only possible at Edison.

For more information about the Edison Fields project, including the background, timeline, analysis, and updated FAQs specific to the referendum (financing details, environmental approval requirements, and more) at westfieldnj.gov/edison-fields-project.