Westfield Gets $660K Grant To Buy Longtime Vacant 'Eyesore', Former Good Lube

WESTFIELD, NJ — The Town is one step closer to purchasing the longtime vacant Mr. Good Lube property at the corner of South Avenue and Central Avenue.

Recently the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board awarded Westfield a grant of up to $660,050 to acquire the vacant property at 200 South Avenue West to create a pedestrian plaza/pocket park as part of its Local Property Acquisition Grant Program.

"This is probably the largest single grant the Town has received in 10, 15 years. It's a really big deal," said Mayor Shelley Brindle at the Tuesday Council meeting.

"This is such an opportunity," said Councilwoman Linda Habgood.

The grant from the NJEDA reflects 80 percent of the property's appraised value.

"As many of you know that Good Lube property has been an eyesore for years and we’ve been trying to address it," said Brindle. "So it was very timely that the EDA announced this grant at the same time we were trying to figure out our options with that property."

• Related: Longtime Vacant 'Eyesore', Former Good Lube To Be Purchased By Westfield

In order to move forward with the purchase of the property, the Council passed a resolution to amend its capitol budget. They also introduced a bond ordinance for an amount not to exceed $915,000 which covers the entire purchase price of $899,000 plus related acquisition and closing costs.

The Town will then be reimbursed for the full grant amount of $616,050. This would leave Westfield to cover the difference of $255,000.

Plans for the property if the grant is approved include enhanced pedestrian safety features, an expanded right-turn radius, bench seating, public art, and streetscape improvements "that will create a beautiful gateway to Westfield," said Brindle.

The ordinance will go before a second reading and public hearing at the next Town Council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 17.

Brindle anticipates closing on the property in late January.

"It is a great opportunity and a rare opportunity for the Town to be able to purchase property at that price," said Brindle.

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