Downtown Westfield is filled with sidewalk dining and shops, but many hope the recent building of chain stores and big homes doesn?t take away from the town?s identity.

Despite a lack of parking, Westfield?s sidewalks are usually filled with people shopping at the more than 200 downtown stores. Some residents who have been in Westfield for many years say they long for the old mom and pop stores. They say those stores offered services they can?t get in chain stores.

Chain stores are popping up in Westfield, along with big houses. Some say the modest homes are being torn down to make way for the bigger structures. Some fear the changes will make Westfield lose its remaining economic and social diversity, along with a big part of its identity.

Related Information:On The Road: Westfield