|
Home > About Us
|
|
| City | | Westfield, Massachussetts 01085 |
| Location | | Nestled at the foot of the picturesque Berkshires in Western Massachusetts. Westfield is bordered by West Springfield on the east, Southwick on the south, Granville on the southwest, Russell and Montgomery on the west, Southampton on the north and Holyoke on the northeast. Westfield is 99 miles from Boston, 85 miles from Albany, N.Y. and 134 miles from New York City. |
| Land Area | | 46.85 square miles |
| Elevation | | "THE GREEN" 148 feet above sea level |
| Incorporated as a City | | November 2, 1920 |
| Type of Government | | Mayor - City Council |
| Historic Trends | | From the time of its founding in 1669 to 1725, Westfield was the most western town in the Massachusetts Colony. Town meetings were held in a church meeting house until 1839 when Town Hall was erected on Broad Street. This building served as a City Hall from 1920 to 1958. Due to its alluvial lands, the inhabitants of this area were entirely devoted to agricultural pursuits for about 150 years. Early in the 19th century the making of bricks, whips, and cigars became the principal occupations. Other firms engaged in the production of bicycles, paper products, boilers and radiators, textile machinery, abrasives, wood products and precision tools. The establishment of industry in the community changed its character from agricultural to a thriving industrial city during the latter part of the 19th century. |
| Present Economy | Westfield is a regional commercial and industrial center. Over the past 25 years, the city's economic and employment growth have outpaced the population growth which is indicative of excellent employment opportunities. Manufacturing, education, health & social services and retail trade are the largest source of employment.
Some agriculture is still carried on in Westfield. Because of its developable land, the Westfield area is expected to be a focal point for much of the region's growth. In 2000, Westfield’s employed civilian population was 19,843 persons.
|
| Income | | In 2000, the median household income was $45,482. |
| Transportation | | The Massachusetts Turnpike, Interstate 90, crosses Westfield just north of the central business district, providing excellent east-west access. Exit 3 is located a few minutes from downtown, Route 20 is the major east-west arterial of the city, routes 10 and 202 are the major north-south arterials. The city is presently served by two Pioneer Valley Transit Authority bus routes to Springfield and Holyoke. Bus and rail service to all points is available at Springfield. Barnes Municipal Airport in Westfield is the third largest commercial airport in New England. Commuter and charter passenger service as well as freight service is available at Barnes. Bradley International Airport at Windsor Locks, Connecticut with scheduled flights listed by most airlines, is within 40 minutes driving time. Rail freight service is provided by Pioneer Valley Railroad and Conrail. More than 35 motor freight carriers with nearby terminals provide competitive freight service locally and to all distant points. |
| Housing | | Westfield's housing stock, which was 15,699 dwelling units in 2000, has experienced a higher rate of growth over the past decade than any other comparable community in the area. Rental units make up over 31% of the city's total housing stock and vacancy rates are very low. About 40% of the city's housing was built before 1940. There are many outstanding examples of various early architecture that are preserved in their original form. The 2006 tax rate was $13.02 for residential properties, and $26.41 for commercial properties, per $1,000.00 assessed value. |
| Shopping and Services | Shopping areas are located mainly along Route 20 and include the city's central business district which is primarily along Elm Street, and includes a variety of special shops; Westgate Plaza, Westfield Shops and Little River Plaza.
Public school enrollment in 2000 was 7,119. The school systems enjoy a good reputation for excellent education in the area.
Westfield State College provides opportunities for higher education including post-graduate studies. A number of day care, nursery and parochial schools are also located in Westfield.
Numerous social service agencies are located in the city. Their programs deal with a wide range of needs within the community. The City's Department of Community Development is involved with downtown revitalization and the restoration and improvement of older and historical homes.
Electrical and gas service is provided by the municipally owned Gas & Electric Department. Public water service is supplied from ground and surface sources to nearly all developed areas of the city. Public sewers primarily serve the centrally developed sections of the city, while outlying areas rely on septic systems.
There are two hospitals in Westfield: Western Massachusetts Hospital provides special services and Noble Hospital provides general services including emergency room facilities. |
| Recreation | | Westfield has an outstanding array of natural resources including abundant rivers and streams, fertile farm lands and scenic rolling hills. These offer residents and visitors a wide variety of recreational activities. Stanley Park is one of New England's most outstanding attractions. Stanley Park offers a great deal of recreational activity, such as tennis, picnic areas, and children's play areas. It covers about 180 acres of painstakingly tended land containing many diverse features including a Carillon, arboretum, floral gardens, fountains, a dining pavilion and a newly developed area of Early American charm. Another park is the 35 acre Hampton Ponds State Park. Westfield has a Boys & Girls' Club, a Y.M.C.A. and for the summer it has the Kamp For Kids . Three golf courses are open to the public as are the Municipal Tennis Courts and the Veterans Memorial Pool. There are also a number of small parks and playgrounds within the city. |
| Summary | The economic climate is good in Westfield... a climate favorable to industrial expansion and to the development of new and diversified industries. Westfield has much to offer the industry that is interested in locating here. There are many sites to choose from, a good labor pool consisting of many skilled workers, good transportation services and proximity to major markets.
The present diversity of industry means that this is not a one-industry city, an important factor in maintaining sound economic levels in the city. The fact that Westfield is a trading center for an area of some 400 square miles is another factor that makes for economic stability. |
|
|
|
|
