By Noah Alatza
The Westfield City Council met Nov. 13. The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 27 at City Hall, 130 Penn St. For more, visit westfield.in.gov.
What happened: The Westfield City Council unanimously approved land for a new Bastian Solutions 90,000-square-foot facility, along with a real property abatement. A public hearing was held but nobody spoke on the matter.
What it means: On Oct. 16, Bastian Solutions announced a new manufacturing center to be built near 196th Street and U.S. 31 in Westfield. The council approved a measure establishing land at 1821 Bastian Court, inside the new 314-acre Aurora Project. The council also approved the company’s tax abatement.
What happened: City Council member Cindy Spoljaric doubts certain aspects of the Road Impact Fee Zone Improvement Plan, saying certain numbers were off. Despite those concerns, it passed, 6-0.
What it means: Spoljaric raised doubt about the current stature of the road impact fee, and the city’s response. “One of the things that was confusing is we have not had this as part of our comprehensive plan,” she said. “The impact fee and some of those numbers do not match up.” Spoljaric added that if it would be translated later on for future rezones, there may be some confusion.
What happened: Council heard two additional items and sent them with favorable recommendations to a public hearing at the Advisory Plan Commission Dec. 4 meeting. If approved at the APC, the council could approve the proposals as early as their Jan. 8 meeting.
What it means: Hilte at Thirtyone will add additional commercial property south of 191st Street along U.S 31. The 12 acres is predominantly zoned for general business. Hotels, retail and restaurants are poised to occupy the land, with construction set for the Spring. Westchester is 309 acres, with additional acreage south of 156th Street to the East of Towne Road. More than 360 single family homes could be developed. It would add more real estate in the already highly sought after Wood Wind Golf Course area. The original PUD failed passage in the council last summer. Spoljaric said if it was up to her she would pull the project because of her ‘grave concerns.’ She went on to say that major changes would need to be made for her vote.
