We, the neighbors of 849 Grant Ave. and inhabitants of Zone 6 and Zone 8, are petitioning the town of Westfield, the zoning department, and the town legal department to investigate and consider the future of the non-conforming multi-family dwelling at 849 Grant Ave. 

Due to the recent fire of this non-conforming property, on May 13, we the neighbors are concerned about the structural integrity of the building. The structure has exceeded partial damage thereby bringing up the questions of (a) whether this non-conforming property ought to be rehabilitated and (b) whether its status as a grandfathered multi-family dwelling in a single-family zone should continue. 

In line with our collective concerns, outlined below, we are asking the town to review the following aspects of the building located at 849 Grant Ave. prior to or in conjunction with considering any requests for construction and other permits relating to rebuild of the property: (a) the property’s egress to the street, (b) structural integrity, (c) usage, (d) community safety history, and (e) neighborhood planning guidelines and appearance requirements.

We believe that the existing usage of this non-conforming property is detrimental to our neighborhood as:

1) it reduces the property value of our existing properties as a result of being a non-conforming multi-family dwelling in our neighborhood;

2) it compromises the safety of our neighborhood as it has a long history of housing tenants with frequent issues of domestic violence, drug use, and police activity - so much so that neighborhood children are hesitant to play outside as a result of their proximity to the structure;

3) the structure’s appearance does not comply with current Westfield standards;

4) the volume of tenants and their vehicles substantially increases traffic directly adjacent to residential driveways with small children;  

5) current zoning for Zones RS-6 and RS-8 strictly states that it is a single resident zone and this is the only grandfathered non-conforming property in the entirety of Zone 8; and

6) due to the events of the recent electrical fire in the building, we are concerned about the structural integrity of this building and whether a rebuild would be done properly to meet current zoning standards.    

We appreciate the town considering our request to investigate this property and making sure that the property is redeveloped in a manner that is in line with town zoning rules and safe and advantageous for the neighborhood and its residents of all ages.