City Councilor and lifelong Westfield resident Joe Edwards was honored Monday at an event at the future Lantern Commons mixed-use development site at 161st Street and Westfield Boulevard.
Front Street Partners, the developer of the 60-acre project, have named the future park in Lantern Commons “Joe Edwards Plaza.”
Edwards expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m not sure I deserve this, but I am honored.” (Photo provided by City of Westfield)
In the surprise announcement that drew family, colleagues, and friends, Edwards expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m not sure I deserve this, but I am honored.”
Edwards continued, “My heart is in this city and this is where I will die. I will always think of Westfield with great fondness.”
Edward’s grandparents, who farmed the property, formerly owned the land. Joe Edwards Plaza will be a Pocket Park that encompasses up to 1.25 acres. Westfield Mayor-Elect Scott Willis, a city council member, along with Councilor Scott Frei, worked with developers to make the park a reality.
“This piece of land is more than just a public park,” City Council President Mike Johns said. “As I think about the park, I don’t think of it as a gift to Joe. I think of it as a gift from Joe to future residents.”
Edwards, a Republican, represents residents in District 3 and is not seeking re-election. He also served on the Westfield Town Council from 1980 until 1991.
Westfield City Council President Mike Johns (left) said he thinks of the future park as a gift from Joe Edwards to the city’s future residents. Joe Edwards and his wife Jo Ann are seen seated at right. (Photo provided by City of Westfield)
A crowd of Westfield residents gathered to thank Joe Edwards for his many years of service to the city. (Photo provided by City of Westfield)