Westfield Seeks County Grant for Houlihan/Sid Fay Field Upgrades

Westfield's Town Council unanimously approved a grant application on September 22, 2026, requesting $2.8 million from Union County to help fund improvements at Houlihan/Sid Fay Field. The request moves forward as the borough continues work on multiple phases of the project.

The grant application targets the Union County Improvement Authority's 2026 Capital Project Grant Program, which distributes up to $10 million annually to member municipalities for local capital projects. According to UCIA, the program aims to "stimulate local capital projects of economic, transportation or governmental importance to constituent municipalities."

If awarded, the county grant would help cover the cost of parking lot renovations and the installation of a new restroom and storage facility at the field, located in Westfield.

Union County Life has been tracking Westfield's capital improvement activity at the field throughout the year. During the September 22 council meeting, Town Administrator Jim Gildea updated council members on construction progress. "The field turf replacements are complete. Fields are being used the past week, so great job on that," Gildea reported. "And then the expansion of the parking lot and the installation of the restroom-slash-storage facility actually starts later this week, so you'll see some action out there for the expansion of the parking lot starting later this week."

Field turf replacement is complete, and the field is now in use. Construction on the parking lot expansion and restroom-storage facility was scheduled to begin later in the week of September 22. Residents should expect to see activity at the site over the coming weeks.

If awarded, the borough must use all allocated funds within five years of the formal grant agreement execution. The borough must also certify that the project qualifies as an eligible capital project under New Jersey Bond Law. Failure to meet the five-year expiration carries penalties from the county.

Ward 4 Councilmen David Kiefer and Drew Pecker were absent from the September 22 meeting.

FAQ

What is Westfield requesting the county grant for?
Westfield is requesting $2.8 million from Union County's Improvement Authority to help fund renovations at Houlihan/Sid Fay Field, including a new restroom and storage facility and parking lot expansion.

How much funding is available from Union County, and how is it distributed?
The Union County Improvement Authority's 2026 Capital Project Grant Program distributes up to $10 million annually to its member municipalities for local capital projects deemed important to their communities.

When will the parking lot expansion and restroom facility be completed?
Construction on the parking lot expansion and restroom-storage facility was scheduled to begin late in the week of September 22, 2026. The project has a five-year timeline from the formal grant agreement execution. Residents should expect to see construction activity at the field over the coming weeks.

What is the status of the field turf replacement?
Field turf replacement is complete. The field has been in use as of September 22, 2026.

What happens if Westfield receives the grant?
If awarded, the borough must use all allocated funds within five years of the formal grant agreement execution. Failure to spend the funds within that window carries penalties from the county.