Westfield, New Jersey


Westfield is a town in Union County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey, located southwest of Manhattan. As of the 2020 United States census, the town's population was 31,032, an increase of 716 from the 2010 census count of 30,316, which in turn reflected an increase of 672 from the 29,644 counted in the 2000 census.
In March 2018, Bloomberg ranked Westfield as the 99th highest-income place in the United States, and the 18th highest-income location in New Jersey. According to a 2014 nationwide survey, Westfield was ranked as the 30th-safest city to live in the United States.
The town has been one of the state's highest-income communities. Based on data from the American Community Survey for 2013–2017, Westfield residents had a median household income of $159,923, ranked 8th in the state among municipalities with more than 10,000 residents, more than double the statewide median of $76,475.
WWW westfieldnj.gov

History

History says that Westfield took its name from the rich "fields west of Elizabeth Town, and hence for over one hundred years went by the name of West Fields." Town records say that "the settlement of Westfield dates back to the last year of the seventeenth century. It was the result of the 'Clinker Lot Division.' Almost immediately after the division emigration from the older parts of the town of Elizabeth began to set towards the interior,—especially to the territory lying between the Rahway river, on the east, and the mountains, on the west. It was not, however, until 1720 that the settlers became numerous enough to constitute a distinct community."
The old village area, now the downtown district, was settled in 1720 as part of the Elizabethtown Tract.
Westfield was originally formed as a township on January 27, 1794, from portions of Elizabeth Township, while the area was still part of Essex County, and was incorporated on February 21, 1798, as one of New Jersey's initial group of 104 townships by an act of the New Jersey Legislature. It became part of the newly formed Union County on March 19, 1857. Portions of the township have been taken to form Rahway Township, Plainfield Township, Cranford Township, Fanwood Township and Mountainside. The Town of Westfield was incorporated on March 4, 1903, replacing Westfield Township. The name of the town is derived from its location in the western, undeveloped fields of the Elizabethtown tract.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town had a total area of 6.74 square miles, including 6.72 square miles of land and 0.02 square miles of water.
Unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the township include Germantown and Tamaques Reservation Mill.
Six municipalities border the town of Westfield: Mountainside to the north, Springfield Township to the northeast, Garwood and Cranford to the east, Clark to the southeast, and Scotch Plains to the west and southwest.
The upper reaches of the Rahway River Parkway run through the township along tributaries of the Rahway River.
The Robinson's Branch of the Rahway River additionally flows through the southern portion of Westfield en route to the Robinson's Branch Reservoir, also known as the Clark Reservoir.
It is located about one hour from Manhattan.

Community

Downtown

Westfield's downtown features many local and national stores and several landmarks that were shown and used in the NBC network television show Ed such as the Rialto Theater. There are over 40 restaurants and casual dining establishments throughout the downtown. Downtown is located mostly north of the Westfield train station. The downtown area has a mix of independent stores and boutiques as well as national stores. Over one-third of the retailers and restaurants have existed for 25 years or more.
Downtown Westfield, with over 200 retail establishments and 400 commercial enterprises, is a regional destination in New Jersey. The Downtown Westfield Corporation manages the Special Improvement District area's growth and enhancement. The DWC participates in the National Main Street program associated with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It is funded by a SID assessment on downtown properties and operates as the district's management agency. The DWC sponsors marketing efforts and promotions, special event planning, urban design and building improvement projects. The DWC works closely with the town government and volunteer groups to improve the downtown area. In 2004, Westfield won the Great American Main Street Award from the National Trust. In 2010, Westfield was the winner of the America in Bloom contest for communities with a population of 25,001–50,000 against the other two towns entered in their category. Shopping and dining in Westfield attracts citizens from other communities across the state.
Several war memorials are located in a plaza near the downtown. The plaza is also home to the September 11 Memorial Park, which pays special tribute to the residents of Westfield who died in the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Downtown Westfield hosts events and festivals throughout the year. Throughout the summer, jazz groups perform live, outdoors, every Tuesday night. October 2018 saw the first annual AddamsFest, honoring Westfield resident Charles Addams. The festival featured exhibits, lectures, film screenings, and a masquerade ball, among other things. Other festivals include the Spring Fling and FestiFall.
In August 2020, Le Tote announced that Lord & Taylor, the town's only department store and the chain's only freestanding location in New Jersey, would close as part of a plan to shut down 38 Lord & Taylor store nationwide. Efforts are being made to redevelop the site.

Library

The Westfield Memorial Library was founded in 1873 as the "Every Saturday Book Club" and has evolved over the past century into the Westfield Memorial Library of today. The Library is located in a large, modern, Williamsburg-style building at 550 East Broad Street. The library's collection consists of over 250,000 books, two dozen public computers, a wide array of multimedia options, a large youth services area with a vivid mural depicting Westfield history, and multiple tables and carrels for studying. The library offers classes for adults and children, storytimes for children, and computer instruction.

Parks and recreation

Parks in the town include:

Demographics

2020 census

The 2020 United States census counted 31,032 people and 10,426 households in the town. The population density was. There were 11,095 housing units at an average density of. The racial makeup was 78.23% White, 2.62% Black or African American, 0.14% Native American, 8.85% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.80% from other races, and 8.36% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.24% of the population.
Of the 10,426 households, 42.5% had children under the age of 18; 71.7% were married couples living together; 17.5% had a female householder with no spouse present and 7.8% had a male householder with no spouse present. Of all households, 18.5% were made up of individuals and 9.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.93 and the average family size was 3.37.
28.3% of the population were under the age of 18, 4.6% from 18 to 24, 19.5% from 25 to 44, 32.9% from 45 to 64, and 14.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.4 years. For every 100 females, the population had 94.3 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 97.3 males.

2010 census

The 2010 United States census counted 30,316 people, 10,566 households, and 8,199 families in the town. The population density was. There were 10,950 housing units at an average density of. The racial makeup was 88.17% White, 3.25% Black or African American, 0.12% Native American, 5.67% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.79% from other races, and 1.97% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.92% of the population.
Of the 10,566 households, 43.1% had children under the age of 18; 68.0% were married couples living together; 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present and 22.4% were non-families. Of all households, 19.2% were made up of individuals and 9.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.85 and the average family size was 3.31.
30.0% of the population were under the age of 18, 4.7% from 18 to 24, 22.5% from 25 to 44, 29.7% from 45 to 64, and 13.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.0 years. For every 100 females, the population had 92.7 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 87.2 males.
The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that median household income was $127,799 and the median family income was $150,797. Males had a median income of $111,762 versus $71,217 for females. The per capita income for the town was $63,498. About 0.9% of families and 2.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.4% of those under age 18 and 2.0% of those age 65 or over.

2000 census

As of the 2000 United States census there were 29,644 people, 10,622 households, and 8,178 families residing in the town. The population density was. There were 10,819 housing units at an average density of. The racial makeup of the town was 89.98% White, 3.88% African American, 0.09% Native American, 4.08% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.62% from other races, and 1.33% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.82% of the population.
There were 10,622 households, out of which 40.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.0% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.0% were non-families. Of all households, 19.3% were made up of individuals, and 9.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.77 and the average family size was 3.20.
In the town, the population was spread out, with 28.4% under the age of 18, 4.0% from 18 to 24, 29.6% from 25 to 44, 24.5% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.4 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $98,390, and the median income for a family was $112,145. Males had a median income of $82,420 versus $45,305 for females. The per capita income for the town was $47,187. About 1.7% of families and 2.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.3% of those under age 18 and 3.1% of those age 65 or over.

Government

Local government

Westfield is governed under a special charter granted by an act of the New Jersey Legislature. The town is one of 11 municipalities statewide that operate under special charters. The governing body is comprised of a mayor and an eight-member Town Council, with all positions filled in partisan elections. The mayor is elected directly by the voters at-large to a four-year term of office. The Town Council consists of eight members, with two members elected from each of four wards. Town Council members are elected to serve four-year terms on a staggered basis, with one seat in each ward coming up for election every other year. The Town Council holds meetings every two weeks where it discusses legislation under consideration, and which are open to the public.
, the mayor of Westfield is Democrat Jeremy Berman, whose term of office ends on December 31, 2029. Members of the Westfield Town Council are Reshma Adwar, Todd B. Saunders, Michael Armento, Vik Venkataraman, Michal D. Domogala, Jennifer Gilman, David Kiefer and Drew Pecker.

Emergency services

Police
The Westfield Police Department has provided police protection to the town since 1903. The chief of police is Christopher Battiloro, who was appointed to the position in December 2018, after serving for four months on an interim basis. The department operates a Patrol Division, Traffic Safety Bureau, Records Bureau, Detective Bureau and its own Emergency Services Unit. Westfield's Parking Services also falls under the jurisdiction of the WPD, and is responsible for monitoring parking and traffic safety within Westfield's Central Business District and near schools. The WPD also has a Law Enforcement Explorers Post, Post #90. Each division of the WPD operates different vehicles, most with a black-and-white paint scheme.
Fire
The Westfield Fire Department was formed in 1875 following a fire that destroyed a city block on East Broad Street. The WFD is a combination department with 36 paid/career firefighters and 15 volunteer firefighters. There are four platoons of eight working a 24-/72-hour work schedule out of two fire stations. Administrative members include the Chief of Department, the Deputy Chief of Operations, and the Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention. The Fire Safety Inspector position in the Fire Prevention Bureau was eliminated in January 2009 due to budget cuts. The Chief of Department is Anthony Tiller.
Westfield Fire Headquarters, located at 405 North Avenue West, is staffed 24 hours a day by a Battalion Chief, a lieutenant and three firefighters. These personnel make up the engine company, first due on the north side of town, and the ladder company. A reserve engine company and a utility pick-up are also housed at fire headquarters. The office of the Chief of Department and the Deputy Chief of Operations are located here as well.
Station 2, located at 1029 Central Avenue, is staffed 24 hours a day by a lieutenant and two firefighters. These personnel make up the engine company, first due on the south side of town. A reserve engine company, a utility pick-up, and a spare SUV are also housed at Station 2. The Fire Prevention Bureau is located at Station 2 and houses the office of the Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention.
The WFD in operates a fleet of four E-One Engines and 1 Pierce Arrow XT 100' Rearmount Ladder, one support SUV, and three staff 4x4 vehicles. The paint scheme for the older apparatus is yellow, with the newer apparatus being red bodies with white cabs. The support vehicles, a Ford Pick-Up, a Chevy Pick-Up, and a Jeep Cherokee are red with white striping and the remaining staff vehicles, for Chief Officers, are unmarked Dodge Durangos.
The WFD responds annually to approximately 2,000 calls for service. The WFD serves as a backup EMS agency for the town if the Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad is not readily available. All members are CPR-Defib certified with 27 members currently New Jersey certified EMTs with the remaining members trained to the first responder level. Both stations are staffed with FF/EMTs 24 hours a day.
The WFD is also a partner in the Union County Fire Mutual Aid agreement, responding to numerous requests for aid to any of the other 20 municipalities in Union County.
The career firefighters are members of New Jersey Firefighter's Mutual Benevolent Association Local 30.
Rescue squad
The Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad is staffed around the clock by volunteer certified EMTs. Shifts range from 5 hours in the morning and afternoon to 14 hours overnight. The Squad has three ambulances with a crew every shift. Members are paged in the event that another emergency arises and the original crew is answering a medical call. Dispatchers are also volunteers, answering phones directly from the police line.

Federal, state and county representation

Westfield is located in the 7th Congressional District and is part of New Jersey's 21st state legislative district.

Politics

As of March 2011, there were a total of 20,684 registered voters in Westfield, of which 6,485 were registered as Democrats, 5,244 were registered as Republicans and 8,942 were registered as Unaffiliated. There were 13 voters registered as either Libertarians or Greens. Among the town's 2010 Census population, 68.2% were registered to vote, including 97.5% of those ages 18 and over.

Education

Public school students in pre-kindergarten through twelfth grades attend the Westfield Public Schools. As of the 2023–24 school year, the district, comprised of 10 schools, had an enrollment of 5,979 students and 498.1 classroom teachers, for a student–teacher ratio of 12.0:1. The district has a central kindergarten, six neighborhood elementary schools, two middle schools divided by a "North Side / South Side" boundary, and one high school. The schools in the district are
Lincoln Early Childhood Center,
Franklin Elementary School,
Jefferson Elementary School,
McKinley Elementary School,
Tamaques Elementary School,
Washington Elementary School,
Wilson Elementary School,
Thomas Alva Edison Intermediate School,
Roosevelt Intermediate School and
Westfield High School.
For high school, public school students from Westfield and all of Union County are eligible to apply to attend the Union County Vocational Technical Schools, which include Union County Magnet High School, Union County Academy for Information Technology, Union County Academy for Allied Health Sciences, Union County Vocational Technical High School and Union County Academy for Performing Arts.
Holy Trinity School is a Middle States-accredited Catholic school run by the three parishes of Holy Trinity and St. Helen's in Westfield along with Our Lady of Lourdes in Mountainside, which offers education from pre-kindergarten to 8th grade and operates under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark.

Transportation

Roads and highways

, the town had a total of of roadways, of which were maintained by the municipality, by Union County and by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
The main road serving Westfield is Route 28, which runs for about two miles alongside the commuter railroad that marks the boundary between the town's North and South Sides. Westfield can also be accessed by Exits 135 and 137 of the nearby Garden State Parkway, or by the Lawrence, Mountain, or Springfield Avenue exits of U.S. Route 22.

Public transportation

NJ Transit provides passenger rail service from the Westfield train station. Commuter rail service is offered on the Raritan Valley Line to Newark Penn Station with connecting service to New York Penn Station. Westfield riders are able to make a one-seat ride into NY Penn Station during weekday off-peak hours, which was made possible by upgrades of the NJT train equipment to operate into New York City. Westfield's position and schedule on the Raritan Valley Line make it desirable for commuters, as several times in the morning and evening rush hours a non-stop service operates to/from Newark Penn Station. On these non-stop services, the one-way journey time to/from NY Penn Station is 50 minutes, or 20 minutes to/from Newark Penn Station.
The NJ Transit 113 bus route provides one-seat service to New York City's Port Authority Bus Terminal seven days per week from the town center, taking approximately one hour to NYC, with additional service available along Route 22 on the northern edge of the town, taking approximately 45 minutes. The 59 route provides local bus service between Plainfield and Newark.
Newark Liberty International Airport is approximately 20 minutes away, most conveniently reached via Route 22 or NJT trains. Linden Airport, a general aviation facility, is in nearby Linden, New Jersey.

Services

Residential telephone service is provided by Verizon Communications. Westfield cable television is supplied by Comcast, which also delivers Westfield Community Television, News 12 New Jersey, and Scotch Plains Local Access Channel Verizon FiOS is also offered in Westfield, which gives the option of digital cable, high-speed internet and telephone service. Power is supplied through the Public Service Electric and Gas Company. Gas is supplied by Elizabethtown Gas and water by American Water of New Jersey. Recycling is collected curbside by private haulers contracted by the Department of Public Works on a biweekly basis, while trash is collected by private haulers hired by residents.

Media

Westfield is served by the locally published weekly newspaper, The Westfield Leader. The Record-Press had served the community until it ended publication in 2008. Westfield is also served by multi-community newspapers including the Courier News, a daily newspaper based in Bridgewater Township, and The Star-Ledger based in Newark. Westfield Patch is an online news source dedicated strictly to local Westfield news that is updated around the clock by a small staff of paid editors and volunteer contributors. Likewise, TAPInto Westfield is an online news source dedicated to local Westfield news.
Westfield + Cranford Local is a monthly magazine covering the two towns that launched in the early 2020s.

Westfield Community Television (WCT)

The local community access channel 36 operates out of the Municipal Building on Broad Street in Westfield on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and half of every Sunday. WCT provides limited community-related programming, coverage of town council meetings, and operates the WCT Bulletin Board. WCT shares time on channel 36 with Blue Devil Television, which originates from Westfield High School and produces nearly 200 original productions each academic year.

Culture

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Metropolis of New Jersey is headquartered in Westfield.

Notable people

People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Westfield include:

Trivia

As recently as 2017, the Broaddus family living in Westfield received letters from a supposed stalker who referred to himself as "The Watcher," causing a national sensation. The Broaddus family's experience, along with the 1971 John List family murders that also occurred in Westfield, were later adapted into the 2022 Netflix series The Watcher.