'Great Downtown' Award Given to Westfield

The New Jersey Planning Association presented the Town of Westfield with an award for “Great Downtown” at the Oct. 22 council meeting.

The association launched their “Great Places” awards last year in order to recognize exemplary downtowns and public spaces throughout the state. Westfield was one of only three downtowns in the state awarded this year.

Jessica Giorgianni, representative of the American Planning Association, presented Mayor And Skibitsky and Executive Director of the Downtown Westfield Corporation, Sherry Cronin with the award.

She explained that Westfield is a prime example of how essential partnerships are the key to success for a thriving downtown and that the DWC works to strengthen the viability of downtown.

“Westfield continues to strive as other downtowns struggle,” she explained. “It’s having great downtowns like downtown Westfield that help communities retain their residents retain their businesses and compete for new employers.”

Giorgianni added that Westfield is at the centerpiece of everyday life in Westfield, but also expands beyond the town’s borders.

Mayor Skibitsky thanked both Cronin and the volunteers who help make downtown Westfield a success.

“Without volunteers, Westfield would not bet he town it is nor would downtown be the terrific downtown that is,” he said.

Councilman Frank Arena expressed his gratitude for the volunteers of the DWC and Cronin’s dedicated efforts.

He referenced Girls Night Out and how over 2,000 people attended the event. 

“Last Thursday was off the charts,” he said.

The APA-NJ recognizes unique and exemplary downtowns, streets, neighborhoods and public spaces, according to the organization, which they note as essential components of exceptional communities. 

“I am very proud of our downtown, with its charming layout, its storefront facades rich with architectural distinction, and its wide variety of shops and restaurants, as well as all of the hard-working merchants, professionals, restaurateurs, and proprietors who have chosen Westfield as their business home,” said Mayor Andy Skibitsky. 

For more on Great Places in New Jersey visit www.njplanning.org.