Search for The Westfield News
WEATHER TONIGHT A few Clouds. Low of 40.
The Westfield News Serving Westfield, Southwick, and the surrounding Hilltowns
www.thewestfieldnews.com VOL. 85 NO. 247
The Westfield News will run its masthead in pink, in recognition of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
75 cents
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2016
Man arrested for OUI after allegedly backing into police vehicle By DAN DESROCHERS Correspondent WESTFIELD—A Southampton man was arraigned at Westfield District Court yesterday on multiple charges, including operating under the influence of alcohol, after he backed into a police vehicle during a traffic stop over the weekend. Jacob K. Devine, 26, of Southampton, was arraigned on charges of failing to stop or yield, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, speeding and operating under the influence of liquor— second offense. He was released on his personal recognizance following his arraignment. Westfield Police reported that Devine was stopped after he was seen going at least 60 MPH on a thickly settled portion of Broad JACOB K. DEVINE Street in Westfield. The posted limit was 30 MPH, police said. According to the statement of facts provided by the officer in court, the speed was estimated as Devine traveled past the officer in his vehicle and there was no mention of radar or LIDAR being used. After police witnessed this, the statement of facts reports that police turned on their emergency lights and attempted to pull the vehicle Devine was operating over. A representative of the police said that Devine, who was operating a Grey Infiniti, was seen going through an intersection with a red light and turned left while police followed. Devine reportedly stopped for police a short distance later. According to the representative, after Devine stopped for police his vehicle backed into the police vehicle behind him, causing minor damage and no injuries. When police asked Devine what happened, the representative said Devine stated “I didn’t see you there.” The report of the accident was also on the statement of facts, but the comments from Devine were not in it. Police reported that once Devine exited his vehicle, he was allegedly unsteady on his feet and had glassy and bloodshot eyes, a slight slur to his words and an odor of alcohol emanating from him. Police had Devine reportedly perform field See Arrest, Page 3
(L-) Anthony Rix and Mina and Prob Reshamwala speak with Peter Miller, director of Community Development about the Restore Westfield Façade Improvement program on Tuesday. (Photo by Lynn F. Boscher)
Businesses show interest in Restore Downtown Façade improvement program By AMY PORTER Correspondent WESTFIELD – Before the Restore Westfield informational meeting on Tuesday for businesses interested in receiving Community Development Block Grant funds, Kailee Valliere of Vivid Hair Salon and Spa at 99 Elm Street said she was asked to come and pick up an application for the owner, Basia Belz. “She wants to restore the outside and update the doors and windows,” Valliere said, adding this was the business’ third time applying for a grant. The Restore Downtown Façade Improvement program is targeted to storefront businesses in the Gaslight District on portions of Elm Street, Main Street, Franklin Street and parts of some adjoining streets. The program will provide technical and financial assistance to property owners and/or business tenants seeking to renovate their exterior lighting, signage or commercial facades. The CDBG program is funded by the federal Department of Housing and Community Development (HUD). Peter J. Miller, Director of Development, told the six or so businesses represented at the meeting that this time around the city is looking to fund projects to complete in a fairly quick manner, as they are on a deadline to spend down a surplus in CDBG funds by May 1. “Our goal will be to do the most impactful projects that we can,” Miller said. He mentioned signage, paint, things that would improve the exterior of the businesses. Flipping through a Powerpoint presentation, Miller said
Peter J. Miller, Westfield Director of Community Development, explains the Restore Westfield Façade Improvement program to businesses at an informational meeting on Tuesday. (Photo by Lynn F. Boscher) there is a total of $80,000 earmarked for the program, with a maximum grant of $20,000. A 65/35 matching grant is required from the businesses that participate. For example, if a total project costs $10,000, the grant would cover $6,500, and the business would match $3,500. See Downtown, Page 3
Cycle-A-Thon puts in motion opportunities to help others By LORI SZEPELAK Correspondent WESTFIELD-For several hearty souls on Monday night, just as the sun was setting and the trees were backlit with the colors of fall, stationary cycling bikes were lined up outside of the YMCA of Greater Westfield as part of a weekly class offered on Monday nights. The riders were also eager to talk about their participation in the upcoming fourth annual Cycle For A Cause cycle-a-thon slated Nov. 5 from 8 a.m. to noon at the YMCA on Court Street. For four hours, the event will have more Alexa Richter, Nicole Antico-Richter, Diana DelMonte, Kathy Wallis-McCann and Jean than 20 teams, comprised of over 100 riders Rosenblum were cycling Monday night in preparation for the YMCA’s Nov. 5 fundraiser.
By GREG FITZPATRICK Correspondent SOUTHWICK – On Thursday Oct. 6, Southwick DPW Director Randy Brown announced that the outdoor water use restriction has been lifted. The Mass DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) gives towns the option on Oct. 1 whether that town would like to lift their restriction or not. “Based on the language of our permit, we were able to lift the restrictions,” said Brown. “We followed up on the opportunity.” The Mass DEP permit has certain water withdrawal limitations that measure if a community is able to lift their restriction or not. The Mass DEP reported to the Southwick DPW that for the
month of October, the town’s outdoor water use was anywhere from 700,000 to 800,000 gallons per day. The number of gallons was a clear drop off as on Sept. 21 Brown reported that the town was averaging anywhere from one million to 1.4 million gallons per day. With outdoor water use involving irrigation, it was a fair determination for Brown to make that eliminating the restriction wouldn’t cause another rise in the outdoor water use. “The growing season is just about over,” said Brown. “There’s really not a huge need to go on with irrigation practices at this point.” While winter will be approaching in the next coming months, there won’t be a necessity for a water restriction to be See Water Use, Page 3
See Cycle-A-Thon, Page 7
The Westfield News Radio Show Thursday Line-Up 6am-8am
This Thursday... Thursday... This 6am-8am: 6am-8am: BOB McKEAN Karen Fanion Executive Director Stanley Park
Mark Boardman & City JenniferClerk Gruzska Westfield Westfield Rotary Club
Download WSKB from your Tune In Radio App or watch on Comcast Cable CH. 15
RADIO FOR THE WESTFIELD MASSES
Southwick DPW lifts outdoor water use restriction
on stationary bikes, cycling to make a difference in the lives of others, according to Andrea Allard, CEO. “In 2015 more than $23,000 was raised,” said Allard. “Funds raised from this event support the YMCA’s Annual Campaign. By supporting this campaign, you help guarantee that everyone – regardless of their circumstances or ability to pay – can benefit from the YMCA’s programs.” The theme, “We’re More Than A Gym, We’re A Cause,” ensures that funds raised through the event benefits a host of programs