Westfield council approves tax relief for manufacturers and land for police station

WESTFIELD – The City Council approved a tax increment financing agreement for ERD Metal at 323 Lockhouse Road and approved the purchase of land for a new police station at its June 20 meeting.

In submitting a favorable recommendation for the resolution from the Committee on Legislation and Regulations, Councilman Michael Burns said the agreement involves the city sharing the state loan for an expansion plan that would allow the aluminum extrusion company to manufacture solar panel frames, among other things, at the former Agway plant.

Burns said the agreement calls for a 10% cut of the additional tax revenue generated by the project, or $4,255 per year, over five years. He said the proposal represents a $52 million investment in Westfield, and after the buildout, the company will employ 92 full-time workers. The plan was approved by the Planning Board in January, he said.