Politics & Government

Westfield Mayor Announces That Local Planner Has Passed Away

Mayor Brindle reported at the council meeting that resident Jeff Janota, who led Master Plan efforts, has passed away.

WESTFIELD, NJ — Westfield Mayor Shelley Brindle made a somber announcement among her remarks at Tuesday night's Town Council meeting.

"I’m sorry to end my remarks tonight on a very somber note," she said, "by reporting that Jeff Janota, who led our Master Plan Reexamination efforts on behalf of his firm H2M, passed away this morning after unexpected complications from recent surgery. You may recall Jeff from his many presentations at council and Planning Board meetings."

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She added, "Jeff was not just a planner; he was a long time Westfield resident, and it showed in his commitment and passion for protecting and advocating for our town’s interests in the Master Plan process. But more important than his professional contributions, Jeff will most be remembered as a friend and neighbor to many, a husband to his beloved Toni, and devoted dad to daughter Andy and son Cooper. I’d like to extend condolences on behalf of our community as we keep them in our prayers."

Janota joined H2M in 2013. His bio is here.

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Westfield's most recent master plan took years of work, culminating in late 2019.

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