Westfield 7-Eleven To Cease 24-Hour Operation

WESTFIELD, NJ - Those jonesing for a 3 a.m. taquito and slurpee have until June 1 to get their fix as the 7-Eleven on Central Avenue is set to cease 24-hour operation.

According to Councilwoman Dawn Mackey, the move is coming on the heels of the growing concerns expressed by those living nearby after a series of incidents culminating in an armed robbery in January.

A slew of concerned citizens approached the Mayor and Council with safety concerns and there was an immediate response. Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro said that patrols would be increased in the area and Councilwoman Dawn Mackey, who serves as chair of the Westfield Code Review and Town Property Committee, asked to speak with representatives of the store.

Those talks proved fruitful.

"In response to growing concerns from the neighborhood, I initiated meetings with 7-Eleven’s corporate offices to express concern over crimes that occurred during the overnight hours," Mackey posted to social media. "In these meetings, we advocated for additional security, and I felt strongly that the additional measures should require 7-Eleven to close between the hours of 1 a.m. and ‪5 a.m.‬"

As Chairperson of the Westfield Code Review and Town Property Committee, I have an update regarding the ‪Central Avenue‬ 7-Eleven.

Mackey said that "in the interest of being good neighbors" 7-Eleven voluntarily agreed to comply with the requirements.

"We thank them for partnering with us for the safety of the neighborhood, and we especially thank the residents who spoke up and asked for the changes they needed to restore a sense of security," Mackey said.

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