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Westfield’s Gale Street manufacturing district re-zoned

WESTFIELD — The town of Westfield has adopted Local Law No. 1 of 2017, which re-zones the commercial manufacturing district near the New York State Thruway.

The law calls for the creation of a new light industrial zoning district;it also re-designates the residential area to an R-12 residential district while the remaining agricultural acreage is absorbed into the adjacent residential/agricultural zone.

The town commissioned the planning board to take a look at the zone in its current state. The zone was created in the 1960s assuming more commercial activity would develop, while instead, over the years, it has developed into residential, agricultural and limited business activity. Additionally, many residents expressed concern about new undesirable business activity coming into their neighborhood.

The planning board recently completed its review and recommended that the Gale Street district be re-zoned, creating the new light industrial zoning district with a unique set of rules. There was a moratorium on business activity in the district for nine months during the review process.

Prior to a recent town board meeting, at the public hearing, the proposed law was discussed in detail with community members. During the meeting, board members were asked to vote on the resolution to enact the law. After discussion, the board passed the resolution to adopt the law.

Because the zone was previously commercial and manufacturing, the now designated R-12 zone has two businesses. During the town board meeting, Supervisor Martha Bills pointed out to community members at the meeting that the new zoning means existing organization, one being the Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue, may remain as is, but cannot change or grow. She further stated, “I want you all to be aware this residential zone is the most strict zoning the town has.”

In other news at the board meeting, Bills responded to residents concerning the westside water issue. Bills announced a public hearing will be held to discuss the potential West Main water line project. The public hearing is set to clarify the intent of the potential project, as well as the status of the project. A date and time is to be announced before the June board meeting.

Bills also reported that she asked the engineer to speed up the process as much as possible on the East Lake Road water project. Currently, archaeological and environmental studies are in process.

Historian Marybelle Beigh announced she has an office at 42 English St.

It was reported that the weather has continued to hold up the completion of the breakwall repair, but the work that has been done is secure.

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