Westfield Certifies Petition, Edison Fields Bond Will Go To Public Vote

WESTFIELD, NJ — It's official. A petition calling for the $11.8 million bond ordinance for the undertaking of the Edison turf field project will now go before a public vote.

"I hereby certify that said petition contains sufficient signatures to require the placement on the ballot at the next General Election," wrote Westfield Municipal Clerk Maureen Lawshe in a letter to Jenn Lehmberg and members of the Citizens for Responsible Athletic Field Development (CRAFD).

CRAFD submitted the petition on June 12 to the town. After it was submitted, the Clerk's Office was required to verify whether a sufficient valid number of signatures were submitted with the petition within 10 days.

The Westfield Town Clerk's Office completed its review of the petition on Thursday and determined that the submitted petition contains at least the minimum number of qualified voter signatures required, according to Lawshe's letter.

New Jersey State Law 40:49-27b requires that Lawshe submit the petition to the Westfield governing body to take the necessary steps to schedule an election on the ordinance.

"Such election shall be scheduled, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40:49-10, at the next general election (which, in this case, is November 7, 2023), unless the governing body directs a special election on the matter," wrote Lawshe.

The petition was filed by CRAFD due to concerns over 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 WestfieldCRAFD@gmail.com.

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