Diminished Services In 2011? Mayor Andy Says All Is Dandy!

     Have you taken notice of the downtown parking lots and the current condition of them as a result of the mediocre snow removal after the last major snowstorm that dumped nearly 30 inches of snow on Westfield?  Snow, ice, and now deteriorating pavement. 

The municipal parking lot behind The Gap, Staples, and other businesses that front E. Broad St. and Elm St., is in such a deplorable condition that it makes it dangerous to traverse it, especially around one of the pay stations.
 

     Today, you could park your car, lace up your ice skates, and grab the toboggan in an attempt to reach one of the pay stations.  When you get there, punch in your parking space number and voila, the pay station is broken.  So instead, you look for another pay station but not before you traverse the "mini Mt. Everests" piled up around the lot. 

     No need for supplemental oxygen when climbing these mounds to get a better view of the nearest pay station that works.  Hurry up and get to another pay station before one of the parking enforcement people checks your parking space to see if you have paid.  Its a race against the clock.  Pay for the time, or receive a parking summons for your crime. 

     I don't envy anyone parking in the "handicapped spot" in the picture above.  If you are not handicapped prior to parking in a downtown lot, you might be after.  Watch out for the snow, ice, and potholes.