Westfield Mayor Addresses Future Of Lord & Taylor Site

WESTFIELD, NJ — In her nightly coronavirus update on Tuesday, Mayor Shelley Brindle addressed the future of the 7-acre Lord & Taylor property in Westfield, now that Reuters reported Tuesday afternoon that the company plans to liquidate its 38 clothing stores after they reopen.

Brindle had already been involved in discussions about the future of the North Avenue property last year, when Le Tote, a San Francisco-based clothing subscription service, bought the company from Hudson's Bay. At the time, Brindle had said the new owners would operate under the Lord & Taylor brand for at least two years, and keep Westfield as part of the conversation about the future of the site, including two parking lots.

Tuesday night, Brindle wrote, "While highly disappointing to think about losing such an iconic part of Westfield, the reality is that we’ve been anticipating this outcome for quite some time."

She added, "My outreach to the owners of the property, Hudson’s Bay Company, began shortly after I was sworn in two years ago. The outcome of those conversations has resulted in the process currently underway to designate the local Lord & Taylor properties, which includes their retail location and the two parking lots across North Avenue, as an 'area in need of redevelopment.' ”

She noted, "I feel very optimistic about the opportunity for collaboration between Hudson's Bay and the town to reimagine the possibilities for the site. I have found them to be willing collaborators and interested in hearing the community’s input as we discuss what’s possible to provide an outcome that works for both of us. It’s important to remember, however, that those almost seven acres are their private property, so it will be imperative that we work towards an outcome that benefits our community while yielding an economic benefit for them."

Otherwise, Brindle warned, "They could move forward with an 'as of right' development and/or tenant that may not be in the community’s best interests. So I ask that you stay informed, engaged, and open minded as the redevelopment process moves forward."

Brindle also said that the town will hold a Virtual Town Hall at 1 p.m. Wednesday. She will be joined by Town Administrator Jim Gildea, Police Chief Chris Battiloro, and Regional Health Officer Megan Avallone to address questions from the community about coronavirus and related town operations. To join and ask questions via Zoom, visit https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83412588581.

See more of the mayor's nightly message via this link.

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