Westfield's Stop & Shop May Not Become Apartments, Mayor Suggests

The Stop & Shop supermarket at 219 Elm Street in downtown Westfield will close this fall. The announcement prompted Mayor Jeremy Berman to address community concerns about what comes next for the site.

On July 25, 2026, in his weekly update, Berman clarified that the property's future is not yet determined, despite earlier discussions about residential development at the location.

"This store has been an important part of our community for many years, and we recognize that this announcement is concerning for both its employees and the residents who rely on it," Berman said.

The property is privately owned. Westfield does not control what the new owners will do with it. However, Berman said he has had productive conversations with the new owners since the property changed hands in the first quarter of 2026.

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Berman noted that the new owners have historically focused on acquiring, repositioning, and re-tenanting commercial properties rather than developing residential buildings. "We expect they will pursue a similar approach with this property," he said.

In March 2026, when Westfield was developing its affordable housing plan, the town discussed residential development at the Elm Street site. According to the zoning framework discussed then, residential development would be permitted provided that retail remained on the ground floor. Any apartment building could reach four stories with a maximum density of 25 units per acre, and would be required to include affordable housing units.

But Berman's July statement suggests the new owners may not pursue that residential path. Instead, they may seek to bring new retail or commercial tenants to the location.

"We will continue to stay in close communication with the property owners and share updates with the community as additional information becomes available," Berman said.

Residents and employees concerned about the store's closure should monitor Westfield's official communications for updates on the property's next phase and any impact on downtown services.

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FAQ

Q: When is the Stop & Shop at 219 Elm Street in Westfield closing?
A: The Stop & Shop will close this fall 2026. The exact close date has not been announced. Stop & Shop or Westfield government should provide more specific information closer to the closure date.

Q: Will the Stop & Shop building become apartments?
A: Mayor Jeremy Berman stated on July 25, 2026 that the property may not become apartments. The new owners, who purchased the property in the first quarter of 2026, have historically focused on acquiring and re-tenanting commercial properties rather than developing residential buildings. The town expects them to pursue a similar approach with the Elm Street site.

Q: What happened to the stop and shop? Why is it closing?
A: Stop & Shop announced the closure but has not provided a public reason. The store has been an important part of downtown Westfield for many years. Residents and employees affected by the closure should contact Stop & Shop directly or check their website for information.

Q: What is allowed to be built at the Stop & Shop site?
A: According to zoning discussions from March 2026, residential development is permitted at the site if retail remains on the ground floor. Any apartment building could be four stories tall with a maximum density of 25 units per acre and would need to include affordable housing units. However, the new owners are expected to pursue commercial re-tenanting instead.

Q: What will replace the Stop & Shop?
A: The future use of the property is not yet determined. Mayor Berman said the town will stay in close communication with the property owners and share updates as information becomes available. Based on the owners' history, they will likely seek new commercial or retail tenants.

Q: Who bought the Stop & Shop property?
A: The property was sold in the first quarter of 2026 to new owners who have a history of acquiring, repositioning, and re-tenanting commercial properties. Mayor Berman has had productive conversations with them about the property's future. The owners' names have not been publicly identified.

Q: How can I stay updated on what happens with the Stop & Shop building?
A: Monitor Westfield's official communications, the Mayor's updates, and Town Hall announcements. Union County Life covers Westfield real estate and municipal news. Sign up for the Westfield newsletter or visit unioncountylife.com for updates on the property's development.