Politics & Government

Council Changes Mind, Moves Ahead With 2-Day DWC Car Show

Kimmins has reiterated opposition to 200-vehicle new car show, saying "it's tacky."

The Town Council reversed itself Tuesday night on the issue of a new car show downtown, setting the stage for a two-day auto show on October 10 and 11 in the South Avenue parking lot with close to 200 dealer cars on display.

The decision, made by consensus, followed an appeal from Downtown Westfield Corporation Promotions Chairman Saul Drittel, who explained the DWC's rationale behind a two-day show and in showcasing new cars instead of classic cars. Last week the Council decided, by consensus, to prefer a one-day car show and expressed opposition to a new car show, saying they'd prefer classic cars only.

Drittel said the downtown agency wanted to have a two-day show, instead of the already scheduled one-day show, because local dealers have expressed more of an interest in bringing cars for two days instead of just Sunday. He said the show will feature between 30 and 40 dealers from around the region, each showcasing four to six cars, for a total of between 160 and 200 cars. He said the concept is not done by other suburban communities in the area.

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"We went to the New York auto show and came back with enthusiasm to do an auto show different than anyone else," Drittel said.

Drittel said the DWC will be a way to bring more people into the downtown on a weekend, including showcasing the South Avenue corridor and the streetscape project. He said no food will be served during the event, in order to allow attendees to eat at local restaurants. The DWC plans to work with New Jersey Transit on promotional material and trying to get people to come in by train to see the show.

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Drittel said the DWC will provide around-the-clock security for the cars during the two-day show and will be working to make sure parking is moved to other parts of the lot and that the farmers market area is not taken over by the auto show.

"I ask you to reconsider about the two days," Drittel said. "We need to be able to go out there and do our job."

Council members responded to Drittel's appeal, agreeing to go ahead with the two-day show, noting that it will bring people in the downtown. They noted Drittel's discussion of the 2,600 runners, who participated in the Pizza Race this year, as an example of how an event can bring people into the downtown. Drittel noted that the first race brought in 500 runners and the event grew as a tradition, which he said the auto show can do.

Councilwoman Vicki Kimmins continued her opposition to the two-day new car show idea. Last week, she noted she would be fine with a classic car show, which has been done in other communities and compared the new car show to a used car lot. This week, she said she is concerned that many of the people, who come into the show, will not be spending time downtown and having a chance to see Westfield. She said she would prefer the plan not go forward.

"I don't like it. I think there is a reason we don't have car lots in the center of town, it's tacky," Kimmins said. "With the 5K run, they see all of Westfield. Here they will not. I'm all for new ideas, but I don't like this one."

Kimmins' colleagues disagreed with her and found the DWC plan a good way to help the downtown and help the American automotive industry. Last week, Councilman Frank Arena, a member of the DWC board, said the downtown agency wanted to do the auto show to help the industry. Tuesday evening, Council members mentioned the theme again.

"I have friends, who are car dealers, and they are taking a beating," Councilman Tom Bigosinski said to Drittel. "I was leary on a two-day idea but you explained it well."


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