Westwood Planning Board Members Examine Census Data

Members of the Westwood Planning Board reviewed the most recent census data available Thursday night as part of their reexamination of the Master Plan to see the changes in population and development. They said they are on track to complete the process by the end of the year.

Borough Planner Ed Snieckus presented the data about the borough to the Planning Board Thursday. He first explained that the total population in 2010 was 10,908, 91 fewer residents than in 2000. Snieckus said that Westwood's population is aging, which could account for the decrease. He said children grow up and leave the home and older residents may lose a spouse.

The median age of Westwood residents in 2010 was 41.8, an increase over the past 20 years. The median age was 38.6 in 2000 and 37.6 in 1990. The majority of residents in 2010 fell in the 45-54 age range. In 2000, most were between 35 and 44 years old and in 1990, the majority fell in the 25-34 year range.

Snieckus said the aging population is "a strong component" of why the application to open a new hospital in Westwood should be approved.

There was a slight increase in the number of housing units in Westwood from 2000 to 2010, which Snieckus said was 32. He said the data indicates that the borough is at its "build out condition" and more dwellings are being renovated rather than new homes added.

Owned homes outnumbered rented dwellings in Westwood in 2010. According to the data, 59.2 percent of residences are owned while 36.5 percent are rented. The data showed that 4.3 percent of units are vacant, which is up from 2.7 percent in 2000.

Board member William Martin asked if this data supports the possibility of mixed use development, which members have been investigating.

"I would say there's some room for additional potential rental units," Snieckus said.

The majority of the structures in Westwood were built in 1939 or earlier and most are single family, detached homes.

Board members also looked at some data gathered from the U.S. Census American Survey, which provides data estimates from 2005-2009. According to that data, household income in the borough has increased with most households, 21 percent, receiving $100,000 to $149,000 annually. The second highest category is $150,000 plus, with 17.6 percent. The estimated median household income for Westwood from 2005-2009 is $76,891, up from $59,868 in 1999.

The majority of residents work in management, professional and related occupations, 46.1 percent. The second highest occupation category was sales and office, with 29 percent.

The unemployment rate in Westwood for 2005-2009 is estimated at 4.8 percent, an increase from 1.4 percent in 2000.

Councilwoman Cynthia Waneck said she found data about residents working from home to be interesting. From 2000 to 2009, the percentage rose from 2.9 to 5.6. Fewer residents reported driving alone in there commute, though that still made up the highest percentage at 73.5. Commuters using public transportation rose from 8.8 percent in 2000 to 10.3 percent in 2005-2009.

The most up to date data will be considered in the reexamination of the borough's Master Plan. Snieckus said he plans to have a final draft ready for board members at the Nov. 3 meeting. Members hope to hold the public hearing on the recommendations at the Nov. 17 meeting.