New road to accompany Walmart expansion

By Kevin Kane
Current in Westfield

The city of Westfield is planning to construct a new road near US 31 to help traffic flow in that area.

Public Relations Coordinator Carrie Cason confirmed last week that the Walmart at 151st Street is planning to expand. Traffic is already heavy in that area along US 31, so the city will build a road connecting 151st Street and Greyhound Pass which Cason said should ease traffic flow.

Currently the city is working on acquiring any necessary land for the project, and Cason said the speed at which this process is finalized will determine the timeline for the rest of the project. Cason said there is not yet an official projection for when work will be completed, but she estimated that the road should be ready for public use early next year.

Downtown Westfield merchants are keeping their doors open late July 9 for a Sidewalk Sale to promote downtown businesses. The Sidewalk Sale will be in conjunction with the Farmer’s Market beginning at 4pm and running though 8pm. 

Businesses participating in the Sidewalk Sale are Craze Boutique, Stitches and Scones, Queso Blanco, Kelties, Jan's Pizza, Schaaf CPA Group, Westfield Pharmacy, Union Street Flowers and Gifts, Mi’ Casita Columbian Restaurant, Martha and Me, M & I Bank and Natures Cottage.

The Downtown Westfield Neighborhood Association will be giving away gift cards during the Market for the local restaurants and shops participating in the sidewalk sale. 

At the Farmer’s Market, the community can expect a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods and flowers. Other items for sale include crafts and specialty items. The Farmer’s Market provides for a cultural and educational experience along with an opportunity for community unity.  

July 23 will be Iron Chef Cook-off Night at the Market so residents are encouraged to visit www.dwna.org for details. 

The Westfield’s Farmer’s Market will be kicking off its third year June 4 in the Farmer’s Market Lot just east of Main and Union Streets. The Farmer’s Market will run every Friday from 4p.m. to 8p.m. through August 6^. 

Members of the community and others can expect a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and ice cream. Other items for sale include crafts and specialty items.  The Farmer’s Market provides for a cultural and educational experience along with an opportunity for community unity. The first Farmer’s Market on June 4^th will be “Kickoff Kid’s Night.”  Listed below are the Farmer Market themes for the summer:

• June 4 - Kickoff Kid’s Night
• June 18 - Community Wellness Day
• July 9 - Downtown Westfield Sidewalk Sale
• July 23 - Church "Iron Chef" Cook-off
• August 6 - Pets Night

For additional information, visit www.dwna.org.   

The city of Westfield is partnering with Village Park Plaza to host Westfield’s second annual Family Fair at Village Park Plaza.  The fair will open on Wednesday, May 27 and close on Sunday, June 6. 

The fair will be a Burton Brothers production and include approximately 12 to 15 large children to adult rides, and 6 to 8 little children’s rides.  There will also be several food vendors, including salt water taffy, funnel cakes, hot dogs and hamburgers. 

Admission is free but tickets will be sold to ride the rides or purchase food from vendors.  Tickets are a dollar and rides are approximately 3 to 5 tickets per ride.  A wristband can be purchased for $18 and that includes unlimited rides for an entire day.