The Westfield proposal is being brought before voters once again as Article 20 which asks voters to allow the Board of Selectmen to enter into an agreement with a developer to construct rental, affordable housing for seniors on a portion of the Westfield site.

Westfield project proponents cite the town's need for affordable senior housing, the work gone into the project, and the fact that the town already owns the land. Opponents argue that the land was acquired for recreational purposes, that it is located far from services, and that the type of development proposed does not ensure that all of the units will be affordable.

The proposal was enthusiastically promoted by the former Board of Selectmen but was defeated at Town Meeting last year. It was twice sent back for more study in previous years. The Finance Committee voted to recommend that Town Meeting reject the article again this year.

A non-binding referendum on the April 6 ballot sought approval to move the project forward.  The result was a 54-to-46% "yes" vote.

The question contains three pieces, but a "yes" or "no" vote will apply to all.  First, Town Meeting must authorize the Selectmen to use the property for affordable senior rental housing.  Secondly, Town Meeting must give the Board of Selectmen permission to lease the site, if they vote to do so, to a third-party developer to construct the housing.  Third, in the event that the Selectmen lease the site for a maximum of 99 years, they will be required to stipulate that all dwelling units remain affordable in perpetuity.