Background
The Public Open House is an opportunity for residents, business owners, city officials, and others passionate about Westfield's growth and development to help shape the City's future. During this event, attendees can review elements of the Comprehensive Plan developed so far and provide feedback on the Plan's direction.
Two in-person Public Open Houses will be held at the Westfield Washington Public Library (17400 Westfield Blvd, Westfield, IN 46074):
- Monday, April 14, 2025 | 4:30–7:00 PM
- Thursday, April 17, 2025 | 5:30–8:00 PM
This online workshop mirrors the in-person experience, allowing you to weigh in on topics from anywhere.
You'll be able to explore and comment on:
- Community Character - Favorite places and areas of concern
- Land Uses & Amenities - What uses and amenities are missing in Westfield?
- Transportation - Areas that need roadway or intersection improvements
- Bicycle & Pedestrian Connectivity - Where are the gaps? What's needed to improve safety?
- Community Vision & Values - Help define what Westfield should stand for
- Data Boards - Review key trends in population, housing, commuting, education, income, and land use
Your input will help shape a long-term vision and strategy for the City of Westfield and Westfield Washington Township.
Thank you for your participation!
Document Library
Community Character
Context: What Is Community Character?
Community character refers to Westfield's physical attributes. It may encompass building design, street layout, parks, community spaces, walking and biking trails, streetlights, open seating, public art, or other features that contribute to the area's feel. Community character is established by the elements that makes an area feel like a wonderful place to live, work, or play.
Activity
For this activity, please add locations to the map that you believe are important or meaningful destinations in Westfield. You can also add locations you think are areas of concern or in need of investment, redevelopment, or enhancement.
How to Participate:
1. Explore the Map: Navigate the interactive map to view different areas of Westfield. Zoom in and out using your mouse scroll wheel on a desktop or pinch gesture on a touchscreen phone or tablet.
2. Leave a Comment: Click on a location to provide feedback. Upvote comments and locations that you agree with.
3. Submit Your Input: Once you’ve added your comments, review them and submit your feedback.
To view comment categories, please press the circle icon with an "i" at the top left-hand corner of the map. For instructions on adding comments to the map, click the circle icon with a question mark.
Land Use & Amenities
Context: What Is Land Use?
Land use refers to how and where land can be developed within a community. It determines where homes, businesses, parks, schools, and other buildings or spaces can be located.
Land uses can include a primary use, or the main purpose of a property, such as housing or retail. There may also be secondary uses that support the area’s function. For example, a residential neighborhood may include schools, parks, or small businesses to serve residents.
Land use planning helps shape how a community grows. It ensures that development happens in a safe, cohesive, and functional way for residents and businesses.
Context: What Are Amenities?
Amenities are the places, features, and services that add to Westfield's quality of life. These can include things like parks and trails, public seating and trash receptacles, restaurants and shops, community centers, libraries, entertainment options, public gathering spaces, and recreational facilities.
Amenities help make a city more livable, enjoyable, and attractive for residents, workers, and visitors.
Activity
How to Participate:
- Consider what land uses or amenities you would like to see more of in Westfield.
- Write one idea per submission and select an applicable category.
- Submit your response. If your idea is already posted, upvote the comment.
Need ideas? Check out some examples below:
Housing Options
- Single-family housing
- Duplexes
- Triplexes
- Fourplexes
- Townhomes
- Courtyard housing
- Multi-family housing (apartments and condos)
- Diversified housing types
- Senior housing
- Short-term rentals
- Neighborhoods
Community & Public Spaces
- Public gathering space
- Plaza and public spaces
- Community center
- Civic buildings
- Play spaces
- Houses of worship
- Community gardens
- Public art
- Performing arts space
- Sidewalk cafes
- Higher education
- Training facilities
- Makerspaces
Green & Open Space
- Open space
- Greenspace
- Natural Environment
- Playgrounds
Retail & Commercial Amenities
- Small businesses
- Sit-down restaurants
- Supermarket
- Retail
- Breweries, distilleries, and wineries
- Hotels
- Co-working spaces
- Professional office
- Medical
Transportation & Connectivity
- Walkability / connectivity
- Sidewalks
- Bike paths
- Parking garage
Other
- Mixed-use development
- Modern manufacturing
- Educational facilities
12 May, 2025
SidewalksNotGolfcart says:
Why was Grand Park allowed to develop w/o putting in necessary infrastucture? There should have been roundabouts ALL along Grand Park Blvd!
12 May, 2025
SidewalksNotGolfcart says:
Westfield needs to retrofit the entire city to have sidewalks/walking paths! Forget golf carts - walking and bicycling is healthier!
9 May, 2025
Scott Shortenhaus says:
Please maintain the "rural residential" designation for all of Shelborne Rd (east side and west side). Do not increase density of east side.
8 May, 2025
Slow Down on Housing says:
Slow down on housing since this is increasing the number of residents, vehicles, and students in the schools. Too crowded!
7 May, 2025
BarnesZoo says:
Would love to see more establishments like Birdies! Family friendly activities!!!
7 May, 2025
BarnesZoo says:
NO MORE FAST FOOD RESTAURANTS!!! We have enough! 32 is turning into the same old boring stretch of road that every other city has.
7 May, 2025
BarnesZoo says:
I would love to see a community pool! My family was very disappointed that the YMCA did not add an outdoor pool.
7 May, 2025
Ben says:
Zoning should encourage and set aside business areas. Light industrial, small warehouse, small business office space, etc. to create jobs
6 May, 2025
amy says:
Sidewalk cafes, community gardens, greenspaces/nature inspired natural playgrounds
5 May, 2025
Jerry Burgette says:
Tremendous need for medium to upscale sit down restaurants. We need a Costco here. We need higher end businesses to move here to help our
5 May, 2025
Erin says:
Small, unique businesses. Let's show those Grand Park athletes that were not just another off-the-highway, box box community.
5 May, 2025
Erin says:
If the city is going to continue to build housing, I'd like to see more diversified housing rather than focusing on high-income housing.
5 May, 2025
Erin says:
Downtown (esp. Union and Park St) could benefit from outdoor seating and pleasant views -trees and flower beds along the sidewalks.
5 May, 2025
Lynn says:
Maintain mature trees in and around developments and plant more trees along Wheeler from 191 down to 32.
5 May, 2025
Lynn says:
Providing connectivity and walkability through Westfield to link different parts of the main corridors through the center of town
5 May, 2025
w says:
It would be great if there were additional small business flex spaces with office/warehouse in the 2000-8000 sqft range.
4 May, 2025
Public says:
Connecting sidewalks thru existing/old properties with new subdivisions, schools.
4 May, 2025
Erica says:
Bike/walking path that connects northpoint to monon trail. East street is dangerous for families biking due to speeding between 191 and 196
3 May, 2025
Julesb122 says:
New neighborhood
1 May, 2025
Ryan says:
Focus on maintaining existing green spaces and low density areas - rural charm not just another cookie cutter.
28 April, 2025
Dylan says:
A rock climbing gym in Grand Park. Climbing is a growing olympic sport that is great for families. Indy gyms are too short for a speed wall.
25 April, 2025
Mitchell E. says:
Grocery store needed around 191st/31, connected to local neighborhoods and attractions via bike path/trail/future golf carts.
25 April, 2025
Pete D. says:
Need more housing options. Do all apartment complexes need to be "luxury"? Should for purchase housing be denser?
25 April, 2025
Mitchell E. says:
I would like to voice support for making Westfield a golf-cart community, and also considering some sort of monorail/tram system.
Visioning & Values
Context: What Is a Community Vision & Core Values?
A Community Vision is a big-picture statement that defines what we want Westfield to be in the future. It describes what kind of place we strive to become over the next 20 years and reflects our community's hopes and priorities.
Core Values are the beliefs and guiding principles that matter most to those who live and work in Westfield. These values help shape the Community Vision and influence how decisions are made. While values may grow and adapt over time, they are generally long-lasting and help guide future growth, investment, and development.
Together, the Community Vision and Core Values provide a foundation for the Comprehensive Plan. They help ensure that the Plan reflects what's important to Westfield today and where we want to go in the future.
Activity #1
How to Participate:
Think about the values that have shaped Westfield over the past 25 years (2000-2025). Who have we been as a community? What qualities or beliefs have been central to our identity?
- Write one word or short phrase that describes a core community value from the past 25 years (e.g., family-friendly, traditional, safe, hardworking, innovative, neighborly, welcoming, growth, education).
- Select a category that best fits your idea.
- Submit your response.
- If someone has already shared your idea, upvote it instead of posting a duplicate answer.
Help us recognize the values that have defined Westfield!
7 May, 2025
JF says:
Inclusive -ALL people!
Large artwork/signs to promote love and STOP hate! Make it known that Westfield promotes diversity!
6 May, 2025
amy says:
Homegrown
25 April, 2025
Mitchell E. says:
Please please please enact city wide rental limits, restrictions on corporation-owned single-family housing, and AirBnB/VRBO limits.
22 April, 2025
hw says:
Exponential growth
21 April, 2025
MS says:
Vehicle dependent suburban sprawl.
21 April, 2025
l.craver says:
Welcoming
Activity #2
How to Participate:
Now, let's look ahead. What values should guide Westfield over the next 20 years?
- Write one word or short phrase that describes a value you want to see shape Westfield's future (e.g., vibrant, welcoming, connected, inclusive, safe, resilient, balanced, sustainable, unified, walkable, family-oriented).
- Submit your response.
- If someone has already shared your idea, upvote it instead of submitting a duplicate answer.
These forward-looking values will help shape a shared vision for Westfield's future. Let us know what kind of community you want to build!
7 May, 2025
JF says:
Please extend trails down 32 past Ditch Road
5 May, 2025
Erin says:
Strong city identity, present everywhere
22 April, 2025
Ashley B says:
Sustainable and eco friendly
22 April, 2025
hw says:
Active, diverse, & welcoming to all ages, not just families.
21 April, 2025
MS says:
Vehicle friendly, but not dependent.
21 April, 2025
AG says:
well planned, unique, and sustainable community.
21 April, 2025
l.craver says:
Sustainability, Equity, Neighborly Care
Transportation
Context
Safe, efficient, and accessible transportation is essential for a thriving community. The following interactive maps allow you to share your insights and ideas for improving Westfield's sidewalks, bike lanes, trails, and streets.
Explore the activities below to provide feedback on and intersection improvements, as well as bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
Activity #1
How to Participate:
- Explore the Map: Navigate the interactive map to view different areas of Westfield. Zoom in and out using your mouse scroll wheel on a desktop or pinch gesture on a touchscreen device.
- Leave a Comment: Click on a location to suggest improvements for intersections and roads, such as enhancing drivability, parking, or traffic calming measures.
- Submit Your Input: Review your comments, make any final adjustments, and submit your feedback.
- Upvote any locations or comments that you agree with.
To view comment categories, please press the circle icon with an "i" at the top left-hand corner of the map. For instructions on adding comments to the map, click the circle icon with a question mark.
Activity #2
How to Participate:
- Explore the Map: Navigate the interactive map to view different areas of Westfield. Zoom in and out using your mouse scroll wheel on a desktop or pinch gesture on a touchscreen device.
- Leave a Comment: Click on a location to suggest improvements for sidewalks, crossings, bike lanes, golf carts, and other pedestrian infrastructure.
- Submit Your Input: Review your comments, make any final adjustments, and submit your feedback.
- Upvote any locations or comments that you agree with.
To view comment categories, please press the circle icon with an "i" at the top left-hand corner of the map. For instructions on adding comments to the map, click the circle icon with a question mark.
Additional Feedback
Please provide any additional feedback, comments, or ideas for the Westfield Comprehensive Plan.