Foerst Says No To Devitt's Anti-Subway Campaign

Date AddedAugust 27, 2009 06:41:09 AM

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Resident John Devitt's campaign to stop a Subway sandwich franchise from opening at the corner of Central Avenue and Quimby Street ran into a brick wall, in the form of Councilman Jim Foerst, during the Town Council meeting Tuesday night.
Devitt came before the Council for the second time to complain that the sandwich chain's downtown opening could open the door for more fast food franchises. He said he wanted the Council to explore new laws to stop fast food franchises from opening downtown. He originally spoke before the Council about the issue in early July.
Dewitt said the location bothered him. "It is really a key prime real estate place in Westfeld," he said. "Fast food doesn't belong there."
Foerst, who chairs the Council's code review committee, which would have to review any changes to the land use laws, shot down any suggestion that his committee review the laws. Following a presentation by Devitt that the laws currently allow most businesses in the downtown, excluding lumber yards, gas stations and drive through restaurants, Foerst explained the legal issues surrounding the request. Devitt had requested the law be rewritten to exclude fast food, which is presently allowed to operate as long as no drive through window is used.
"For us to use a laser beam on them is illegal," Foerst said. "All businesses should be welcome as long as they are conducting a legal operation. We should put a stop to this discussion. I'm sorry Mr. Devitt, unless directed by the mayor, my committee will not review that request."
Devitt clarified earlier in his remarks that he has actually eaten at Subway and found his sandwich to be good. He said he is more opposed to the principle of fast food in Westfield than to the food delivered. He also noted that the idea of subways-the train system-does not fit in Westfield.
"It identifies with the subway sandwich but it identifies with a city, with subway mass transit, and that's not for us," Devitt said.
While Foerst put an end to the discussion, Devitt did receive support from one council member.
"I would like to thank you for coming out and encouraging a discussion about the downtown," Councilman Tom Bigosinski said. "I agree with you in many respects and I am happy you are pressing this issue. It is a worthwhile discussion to have."