Westfield Introduces $11.8M Bond Ordinance For Edison Turf Field Project

WESTFIELD, NJ — Increasing by almost $3 million, the Westfield Town Council passed an introduction of an ordinance to bond $11.8 million for the undertaking of the Edison turf field project.

Prior to the vote, some residents concerns over environmental impacts, traffic and the increased cost.

"The idea that there is any type of artificial turf and infill that is environmentally friendly is simply a myth and, I would say, a lie on the part of the artificial turf industry. It's greenwashing," said resident Jean Lehmberg.

Another resident questioned the rise in cost when CME report's cost estimate was initially $9 million.

Township Administrator Jim Gildea said the initial bid was strictly turf versus grass.

"What's included in this bond, some of the items in CME's report, such as design, survey work, technical work, permitting with DEP, and construction management was not included," said Gildea.

Additionally, the town added work for bathrooms and utilities and made changes in the turf selection and drainage installation which increased the cost.

"So CME's price wasn't wrong they just by nature did what we asked them to do. There were certain costs that weren't included in that," said Mayor Shelly Brindle.

During the May 9 meeting, the council voted to approve the introduction of the ordinance with an 8 to 1 vote. Councilman Mark LoGrippo was the lone no vote.

"I don’t think it's the right location for a facility of this magnitude," said LoGrippo at the meeting. "At the end of the day, I have to think of the children who have to go to school and the construction of this project, the volume of cars, the drop-off. I honestly just don't agree being a councilman a long time that there isn’t going to be a traffic impact, especially with the addition of One Westfield Place. In the end, I just can't vote for this bond."

Brindle responded to LoGrippo's comments about the students.

"I can tell you having the Board of Education representative and the principal of Edison, they are very, very excited about this project and they do not have those concerns. I mean they know it's going to be a problem but it will be a short-term problem. So I mean it would be very hard for us to move this forward without the enthusiasm and support of not only the school administration but the Edison school leadership," said Brindle.

Along with the bond, Brindle announced the town would be dedicating "the $300,000 Westfield Crossing developer contribution to the Park Improvement Fund for a grass field plan that will include the simultaneous assessment and implementation of designated grass playing fields, and all that it would require, to ensure they remain safe and well-maintained for our sports teams."

She thanked Councilman David Contract for his "insistence and persistence in advocating for grass playing fields."

Contract said that since the project's inception, he has not been in favor of it. However, the Mayor's promise of the grass field plan swayed his vote.

"I decided to support this because I do believe the commitments that the mayor announced will actually move the town forward in a very productive way. This project was going to happen so now at least we have a commitment this town will develop and implement because grass fields have to go along with turf. It could never be one or the other. Of course, honestly, I would prefer it to be more grass than turf but it wasn’t possible. And that's what democratically elected government is all about," said Contract.

Ward 4 Councilwoman Dawn McKay said she looked at the bond and project in a "slightly different way."

"I look at it as a stormwater management project and we are getting a bonus — getting the fields out of it. But I see this as a really intrinsic benefit for the people who are suffering from flooding," said McKay.

The second and final reading of the ordinance is set for May 23. There will also be a chance for the public to comment prior to a vote.

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