Welcome New Westfield Businesses!

We are pleased to welcome you to downtown Westfield. You have joined more than 190 shops, dining establishments, and services who shape our vibrant downtown area. The merchants, along with the best in entertainment, food, art and culture, are why Westfield is ranked #5 in Best Places to Live in Union County.*

Westfield is committed to building upon its reputation as the location of choice for both national and local renowned retailers. This guide is designed to help you get started on your new venture and make the most of the opportunities provided by Westfield.

Inside this resource guide you will find a wealth of information: parameters surrounding the operation of your premises, maintenance matters, free resources, marketing and promotions and valuable contact information.

If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please contact Samantha Horning, Executive Director or Beth Brenner, Assistant Executive Director, at 908.789.9444 or by e-mail at info@westfieldtoday.com. We look forward to ensuring that you are equipped for success.

Thank you! Downtown Westfield Corporation

*Source: Places to Live Report Card, niche.com

PHOTO CREDITS: Front cover, Mark DeHanes Photography. Inside front cover, Paul Mecca. Table of Contents, Mark DeHanes Photography. Page 4-5, Paul Mecca. Pages 8-9 (sidewalk sale), Mark DeHanes Photography; all other photos Downtown Westfield Corporation. Page 15, Joe Epstein. Pages 16-17 (snowy streetscape), Paul Mecca. Page 17, Downtown Westfield Corporation.

DID YOU KNOW?

• We are committed to being a #1 NJ town to conduct business

• We are known as a vibrant, engaged and educated community

• Westfield’s median household income is $185K and median home value is $810K*

• We offer a convenient commute to NYC

• We rank #5 in Best Places to Live in Union County*

• Our renowned public schools are second best in the county and #17 in the state*

• 190+ businesses adorn downtown, from beloved mom-and-pop bakeries to fan-favorite national retailers

• We’re making a name for ourselves in the health & wellness industry

• 460,000 square footage of commercial rental space fills downtown (with 52% occupied by retail, restaurant, and hotel tenants, and 48% occupied by office/professional and residential tenants)**

• Visits to downtown are central to Westfield family life and of our over 31K residents

• Thousands live in walking distance to town, generating frequent foot traffic

• 250K potential customers from our adjoining towns are invited to take part in our bustling events schedule

• Parking is available on-street and in six parking lots within downtown

*Source: niche.com

Best

OF BOTH WORLDS

Noted for its beautiful downtown, lovely and diverse housing, excellent school system, and varied commuting options to New York City, Westfield offers its residents the best of friendly small-town living influenced by the sophistication of New York City. By virtue of transit service to Newark and New York City, and with easy access to regional and interstate highways, its location is ideal for commuters.

DOWNTOWN MIX

Westfield’s historic downtown is a real jewel with a mix of locally-owned specialty stores and well-known national retailers. Downtown is the scene for popular year-round events, attracting visitors of all ages.

HOUSING MEETS VARYING NEEDS

Westfield has attractive tree-lined neighborhoods. While single family homes are the norm, there are many apartments and condominiums to add to the mix—especially near the downtown. Westfield accommodates everyone from young couples embarking on starting a family, to the age 55+ community looking to downsize.

Engaged COMMUNITY

Among Westfield residents are writers, corporate executives, artists, musicians, government officials and sports figures. Numerous cultural, civic, artistic, sports and educational clubs and organizations keep the community active and engaged. It is no surprise that we have a deep-rooted volunteer community. When you drive through town, you will get a sense of Blue Devil pride, as families display flags of their children’s activities.

DOWNTOWN WESTFIELD CORPORATION is Here to Help

Downtown Westfield Corporation (DWC), a New Street Community since 1993, is dedicated to promoting destination. The DWC is committed to strengthening District as the center of community life and preserving downtown area. The DWC utilizes the Main Street (Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, Organization) protect historic buildings.

ECONOMIC VITALITY Strengthening the Economic Base

The Economic Vitality Committee engages with brokers, property owners, Town administration, existing and prospective merchants, and residents to facilitate a thriving downtown and collaboration among stakeholders. Businesses are supported with helpful literature, market and demographic data and the administration of surveys and studies on key issues such as tenant mix, shopper preferences and parking needs.

DESIGN enhancing with Design

The Design Committee, with aid from the Façade Renovation Incentive Grant program, has improved over 150 façades to-date. Through partnerships with building owners and tenants, improvements can be made to signage and awnings, and storefronts can even undergo historic restorations. The inviting look and feel of downtown is paramount in attracting new customers and staying invested in current clientele.

CORPORATION

New Jersey and nationally designated Main promoting downtown Westfield as a preferred strengthening the downtown Special Improvement preserving the rich architectural legacy of the Street Four-Point Approach® methodology Organization) to strengthen the local economy and

PROMOTION Staging Popular Events

The Promotions Committee plans and implements popular events that draw thousands of people to shop, dine and enjoy downtown. Professionally branded marketing materials are created to promote these events. The DWC also communicates regularly— from updating our WestfieldToday.com website and social media channels, to distributing seasonal e-gift guides to over 20,000 email addresses.

ORGANIZATION

sharing a Vision

The DWC is dedicated to promoting Westfield as a preferred destination, and oversees the above listed supporting committees. The DWC is led by Samantha Horning, Executive Director, and Beth Brenner, Assistant Executive Director. A volunteer Board of Directors includes residents (4), property owners (3), downtown business owners (3), the Mayor, Town Council Designee and Town Administrator.

COMMUNITY BUSINESS RESOURCES

GREATER WESTFIELD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce (GWACC) is a networking organization, established over 70 years ago, serving businesses and non-profit organizations and supporting local economies in Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Garwood, Clark, Mountainside, and Westfield. GWACC strives to make a difference by making connections that build successful relationships.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Westfield NJ, settled in 1720, has an active Historic Preservation Commission and active Historical Society who advocate for historic preservation.

RETAIL ADVISORY BOARD

The Retail Advisory Board serves in an advisory capacity to leverage the talent and experience of Westfield residents who can provide a collectively valuable resource to the Town’s retailers. This volunteer group serves as consultants for all existing and new retailers in Westfield (not just Downtown). The Board’s goal is to help the retailers tackle specific business challenges to attract customers, run more efficiently, and enhance the Westfield experience.

TOWN events

The essential goals of Town events are to bring in shoppers, promote the town and the businesses, offer sponsorship opportunities, and promote local products and services. Downtown Westfield events change from year to year. Once a business provides their email address it is entered onto the DWC email list and they will get emails to participate in events and online promotions.

The DWC advertises downtown events through local media both print and online as well as social media marketing.

Sponsorship opportunities in Westfield will become available from time to time. You may be approached from various school departments and local organizations.

For the most updated list of Community Events please visit

www.westfieldnj.gov

Favorites include the weekly summer Sweet Sounds Downtown Music Festival, AddamsFest, Girls’ Night Out, March Menu with Les Trent, art exhibits, Shakespeare in the Park, nationally acclaimed NJ Festival Orchestra, spring and fall street fairs, and holiday entertainment.

There is no shortage of diverse food offerings from gelato on a hot summer day to a multi-course dinner served under the stars, this range of flavors make Westfield a coveted dining destination. A combination of great food, shopping and services offers residents and visitors a unique and worthwhile downtown experience.

OPENING Your Business

ZONING

All properties in Westfield are zoned. Zoning determines whether the proposed use at a specific location is permitted. It is highly recommended that businesses check with zoning first. When new businesses or potential new businesses contact zoning, they will walk them through the zoning to see if the use they propose is permitted, parking regulations, also help them with sign regulations, and describe what they need to see for any zoning approval application. If the zoning is not appropriate, the property may require prior approval by either the Planning Board and/or Board of Adjustment. These boards meet on the first and second Monday of each month, respectively.

Prospective businesses are strongly encouraged to contact both Zoning and Building Departments prior to signing any leases.

For more information on Zone District Regulations please visit: www.ecode360.com/33926340

TOWN ORDINANCE CONTACTS

CONSTRUCTION PERMITS AND SIGN/AWNING PERMITS

Depending upon the type of work being proposed on a property, a land use board approval and/or construction permit may be required. Construction permits and applications are available at www.nj.gov/dca/ divisions/codes/resources/constructionpermitforms. html or at the Building Department offices. An architectural plan prepared by a NJ Registered Architect is required along with the building permit application for most interior or exterior modifications to a building.

All permanent exterior signs, except street number and public convenience signs, require a zoning review and construction permit from the Building Department before the sign is installed. For information on land use board applications and allowable sign/awning types and mounting and dimensional requirements, please contact the Planning and Zoning Department.

SPECIAL USES AND LICENSES

Any proposed restaurant or retail food establishment must apply for a food service license to the Board of Health. Hair salons and spas, nail salons and massage therapy businesses must satisfy NJ Division of Consumer Affairs requirements to open a business. Sidewalk café and liquor licenses are available on a limited basis. Contact the Town Clerk for more information.

SIGN, AWNING & FAÇADE IMPROVEMENTS

Those interested in façade improvements, which include signage and awnings, may be eligible to participate in the Downtown Westfield Corporation’s (DWC) Façade Renovation Incentive Grant program. The DWC strongly encourages downtown businesses to take advantage of this program. We know from experience that this is one of the most important ways to bring in new customers and show your current clientele that you are innovative.

SIGN & AWNING GRANT INFORMATION: www.bit.ly/dwcsignawninggrant

FAÇADE GRANT INFORMATION: www.//bit.ly/dwcfacadegrant

CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY

When a construction permit is required, a Certificate is issued by the Building Department upon completion of the work. There are three types of certificates:

1. Certificate of Occupancy: Certifies that the work authorized by the construction permit has been completed and approved in accordance to the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code Act/Regulations and the space or building is approved for occupancy.

2. Certificate of Continued Occupancy: Certifies that the visible parts of a building has no violations or unsafe conditions and that the existing use of the building has lawfully existed and may continue. 3. Certificate of Approval: Certifies completion of work that requires a construction permit but does not necessitate the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. Upon written request for a Certificate the Building Department will approve or deny it within 10 business days. All applicants are encouraged to plan accordingly to manage expectations.

PARKING Map

PARKING SERVICES and Public Transportation

The Parking Division of the Westfield Police Department requests in the Town of Westfield. Parking questions Director of Parking Services, at parking@wpdnj.org website at www.westfieldnj.gov/Parking for the latest

PARKING ENFORCEMENT

Parking meter enforcement is from 10 am to 6 pm, Monday through Saturday with the exception of 12-hour Lot 3 and 6. The parking enforcement hours of Lot 3 and Watterson Street (Lot 6) are from 6 am to 6 pm. Please be advised that meter feeding exceeding the maximum posted limit is prohibited at all meters and pay stations and can result in being ticketed.

LOADING ZONES

Westfield has six loading zones in town that allow for 15 minutes of loading and unloading of commercially marked vehicles only. Those locations include Prospect St at E Broad St, Elm St at E Broad St, Elm St at North Ave W, Quimby St at Elm St, E Broad St by Cosimo’s and Central Ave at E Broad St.

METERED PARKING

There is 15-minutes of free parking with the push of a button at all on-street meters. Metered parking is available for up to two-hours on street. Pay station parking is available in four-hours and eight-hours in parking lots. Every numbered space is uniquely numbered allowing customers to pay for parking from any pay station in town.

METERED ON-STREET PARKING

Payment options: coin, credit card, mPay2Park app and Smart Card.

NJ TRANSIT BUS

(x113) to NY Port Authority

North Ave & Elm St

(x59) to Newark

Elm St & E Broad St

NJ TRANSIT RAIL

Raritan Valley Line

NY Penn Station to Raritan

Department is ready to assist you with parking questions should be directed to Scott Mersereau, parking@wpdnj.org or 908.789.4044. Visit the Parking Services latest downtown Westfield parking information.

PAY STATION PUBLIC PARKING LOTS

Payment options include: Bill, coin, credit card, debit card, mPay2Park app, Smart Card. The machines have electronic, easy-to-read displays, and instructions.

FREE PARKING

• Free parking in permit spaces after 10 am in Lot 3 (South Avenue Train lot).

• Free parking on Saturdays in Lot 6, 8, and 3 at non-numbered, non-metered permit spots, and at orange bagged employee permit spaces on Orchard St, Elm St, and Ferris Pl.

• Downtown Westfield always offers free parking in all spaces on Sundays.

• Employees are encouraged to use Lot Number 3 and Lot 8 on Saturdays and Sundays.

EMPLOYEE PERMIT PARKING

These permits allow them to park in multiple locations throughout the downtown including the following:

• Lot 8, at the North Ave Train Station

• Elm St by Stop and Shop;

• Orchard St by the Soccer Field; and

• Ferris Pl between Prospect St and Clark St. Permits cost $600 a year, $300 1/2 year and $150 quarterly. This amounts to only $2.40 a day assuming a 5-day work week. That is less than the $4 a day at a pay station. Visit westfieldnj.gov/Parking for the latest parking information.

MAINTAINING Your Business

WASTE/RECYCLING

Businesses are required to have their own trash receptacles designated for their location and to provide proof of a private trash hauler. Private property owners and businesses may contract with any private trash hauler and curbside recycling provider they choose. For businesses interested in free drop-off of their recycling items at the Westfield Conservation Center.

Westfield Conservation Center 908.789.4100 www.westfieldnj.gov/conservation

SNOW REMOVAL

Downtown Westfield sidewalks must be cleaned within 24 hours of a snowfall. The sidewalks are the responsibility of the abutting property owner.

For updates that include plowing alerts, public safety information, and implementation of no on-street parking rules, be sure to check the website, Facebook, and Twitter pages. In addition, sign up for the Town’s Nixle alerts by texting “07090” to 888777.

DOWNTOWN CLEANLINESS

Westfield DPW walks the downtown district daily to clean up loose debris but we ask your help to keep Westfield clean by sweeping and hosing off your storefront sidewalks daily.

SMOKING (New Jersey State Law)

New Jersey’s Smoke-Free Air Act of 2006, N.J.S.A. § 26:3D-55, et. seq., ensures that workers and the public have a safe, smoke-free indoor public space or workplace.