WESTFIELD – The City Council has been busy this past year accepting private ways as public streets. While it takes two votes of approval by the City Council for a private street to become a city street, the process behind it can take as long as 18 months, according to Legislative & Ordinance chair William Onyski.
Recently accepted were Breighly Way, Jeanne Marie Drive and Camelot Lane. In process are Janelle Drive, Caitlin Way, Pineridge Drive, Park River Circle, Park River Drive, Scenic Road and Pheasant Drive. Big Wood Drive just began the process of becoming a public street.
City Planner Jay Vinskey said the advantage of a private way becoming a city street is that the maintenance and repairs become the city’s responsibility. For the city, it means added state funds, as Chapter 90 awards are based on mileage and length of local roadways. He said city ordinances can also be applied and enforced on public streets.
