Councilman Vik Venkataraman

07/25/2026

A great downtown is about more than shops and restaurants. It’s about creating places where people gather, connect, and create.

Arts and culture are a big part of that, and I’m excited to see the Rialto Center for Creativity move one step closer to becoming a reality. Can’t wait to see it come to life.

We’re thrilled to share that the New Jersey Economic Development Authority has approved a $43,381,250 tax credit award through its Cultural Arts Facilities Expansion (CAFE) Program to help transform Westfield’s historic Rialto theater site into the new Rialto Center for Creativity.

This significant state investment launches the next phase of the project and a new $10 million fundraising campaign to support final construction and early operations. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with the new Rialto Center for Creativity planned to open in 2029.

When complete, the Rialto will feature a flexible performance and event space for up to 450 people, galleries, studios and classrooms, and spaces for community and private gatherings.

Now, we invite individuals, families, foundations, businesses, and community partners to help us cross the finish line and bring this vision to life.

Learn more and support the campaign at rialtowestfield.org/donate

07/05/2026

𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐌 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: 𝐉𝐔𝐋𝐘 𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
Thank you to our residents for your patience as the Town continues to address the damage from Friday night’s storm. Following are the most recent updates.

🔹Power Outages
Approximately 850 Westfield households remain without power. Restoration is complete at Memorial Pool (which is open today for normal operating hours), Fire House 2, and the Senior Housing complex. The Town remains in ongoing contact with PSE&G about the remaining restoration timeframes.

🔹Cooling Center
The Town Hall Community Room is open once again today to anyone in need of air conditioning, device charging, or restroom facilities, with an anticipated closing time of 8:00 PM.

🔹Road Closures
The following roads remain closed due to downed trees and utility wires:
-400 block of Wychwood Road
-East Broad Street near Woodland Avenue
-Wychwood Road / Bennett Place
-500 Springfield Avenue/ Northbound lane closed at East Broad Street
-N. Chestnut Street / Kimball Avenue
-Mountain Avenue / Walnut Avenue
-Kimball Avenue / Topping Hill Road
-Elm Street / Newton Place
-Birch Avenue / Standish Avenue
-Prospect Street / Madison Avenue
-Orchard from Elm to Lawrence
-Coleman Place near Eaglecroft Road
-Florida Street / Wyoming Street
-900 block of Carleton Road
-Lamberts Mill Road / Austin Street
-Dorian Road / Hazel Avenue
-Radley Road near Shackamaxon Drive
-Portion of 900 block of Tice Place

🔹Debris Pickup/Disposal
Public Works will begin town-wide curbside pickup of storm debris on Monday, July 6. They will follow the sequence of leaf collection zones, starting simultaneously in Zone 1 on the north side and Zone 6 on the south side. Street sweepers will also be deployed with the pickup crews. In addition, residents may drop off storm debris today at the Conservation Center (open until 3:00 PM) without a permit. Proof of residency is required.

🔹Response Efforts
Police, Fire, and Public Works crews continue working throughout town and, as mentioned yesterday, many response efforts depend on PSE&G first de-energizing downed wires before Town crews can safely begin cleanup. Cleanup in Town parks will begin once street-related emergencies have been addressed. In the interim, residents using the parks are asked to exercise caution around downed trees and limbs.

🔹 To Report Storm-Related Issues
🌳 Tree branches/limbs on Town property: Westfield Connect App
🌳 Downed trees: Westfield Police – 908-789-4000
⚠️ Downed power lines: Call 9-1-1 immediately
💡 Power outages: PSE&G – 800-436-7734 or text OUT to 4PSEG (47734)

Please do not report power outages to the Westfield Police Department.

Lastly, the weather forecast is anticipating another round of storms tonight with heavy rains and the potential for damaging winds. Please secure all outdoor items and always call 911 in an emergency.

Many thanks to our Town employees who have worked tirelessly this holiday weekend, and to the community at large for their patience and cooperation.

06/29/2026

See you you all there!! ⚽️ 🇺🇸

Attendance was so strong for the first Match Night on Quimby, and we heard your requests for another…so we’re bringing it back! ⚽️🇺🇸 Join us on Quimby St. next Wednesday, July 1, for another exciting watch party with the community. Festivities begin at 7 PM, and kickoff is at 8 PM. Don’t forget to bring your red, white, & blue attire, and your loudest chants as we cheer on Team USA!

🍻 Adults 21+ can enjoy beer, wine, and cocktails outdoors on Quimby Street during the event. Please note that alcoholic beverages will not be sold by or through the event. Attendees may bring their own beverages or obtain them through permitted establishments and retailers, in accordance with applicable Town of Westfield regulations. Please celebrate responsibly.

06/19/2026

Today, we join communities across the country in celebrating Juneteenth. As we commemorate freedom and emancipation, we honor the resilience and countless contributions of Black Americans and reaffirm our commitment to building a more equitable future for all.

All municipal offices and the Conservation Center are closed today in observance of the holiday.

06/01/2026

Hope you’ll join me in celebrating Pride Month.

Save the date to celebrate Pride Month on Monday, June 8! 🌈

05/21/2026

👏🏽👏🏽

05/21/2026

The community input period has been extended through June 15 for the proposed elements of the Tamaques Park Design Plan. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of one of our community’s most valued and beloved spaces.

Please visit the feedback site (bit.ly/tamaques) and share your thoughts to help guide the first phase of improvements, anticipated in 2027.

04/07/2026

he Westfield Green Team is planning several activities to honor Earth Month this April, including a free market, a native plant sale and park cleanups.

03/25/2026

We’re excited to sponsor the upcoming Tasting Tour, hosted by WestfieldMama, on April 26! 🍽️ This event will feature tastings from some of your favorite downtown spots, including Akai Lounge, Spice Bazaar, Isola Trattoria, Geamos Cafe, and Dr. Falafel.

Tickets are first-come, first-served for the following tour times:
⏰ 1:00 PM - SOLD OUT
⏰ 2:30 PM

For more details, visit WestfieldMama on Instagram. We hope to see you there!

03/25/2026

Last night we introduced the 2026 Westfield budget after months of rigorous review and consultations with our town administration, department heads, audit firm, CFO, and others.

As Chair of Finance Policy Committee, I’m proud to share our municipal budget built on fiscal prudence, delivering the strong services residents rely on while protecting ourselves from rising costs. Please review and feel free to reach out should you have questions.