News Flash

Community Development launches new permitting portal

Westfield, IN (March 6, 2026) — The City of Westfield has officially launched the Citizens Portal, its new services platform that will streamline permitting, inspections, petitions, licensing, and code enforcement for residents and businesses. The platform went live on March 2 and is now open to the public.

“Navigating permitting processes can be challenging, especially if you don’t do it often,” said Mayor Scott Willis. “The Community Development Department’s goal of modernizing our system is to make the process faster, more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly.”

The transition to the Citizens Portal marks a significant shift from previous processes. Previously, documents were submitted via email or in-person using a paper application. Moving forward, the portal will serve as the required method for submissions.

The Citizens Portal will be used for all permit applications, inspection requests, petition submittals, licensing processes, and code enforcement submissions and case-related items. By consolidating these services into a single digital system, the City aims to improve efficiency, enhance the user experience, and modernize service delivery. Residents will benefit from a more intuitive online experience, improved application and case tracking, faster communication and updates, and 24/7 access to submit requests and manage their development-related needs.

To learn more about the portal or to view instructions on how to submit, visit westfieldin.gov/communitydevelopment.

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About the City of Westfield: Westfield is the fastest-growing city in Indiana and the sixth-fastest-growing city in the country. Westfield is home to more than 50,000 residents in Hamilton County, situated north of Indianapolis. The city is known for its 400-acre Grand Park Sports Campus, connectivity to US-31 and State Road 32, and nationally recognized public schools.

City of Westfield to introduce draft Comprehensive Plan for public review

WESTFIELD, IN (March 5, 2026) – The City of Westfield will introduce its draft Comprehensive Plan, Advancing Westfield: Looking to the Horizon, during the City Council meeting on March 9 at 7 p.m., beginning a public review and consideration process that will take place over the coming weeks.

The Comprehensive Plan is a long-range policy document that helps guide how Westfield grows and invests over the next 20 years. It brings together planning for land use, transportation, utilities, economic development, and quality of life into a single framework so future decisions are coordinated and consistent.

“This plan sets a clear vision for Westfield’s future and a framework to guide smart decisions over time,” said Mayor Scott Willis. “By growing with purpose, and not just reacting to growth, we can strengthen our tax base by bringing more commercial investment alongside housing and remain a world-class, sustainable community for generations to come.”

Development of the draft plan began in 2024 and followed an 18-month process that included extensive research, data analysis, and public engagement. More than 6,000 people—representing roughly 10 percent of Westfield’s population—participated through public meetings, surveys, focus groups, steering committee work, and online workshops. City officials emphasized that the plan was intentionally built over time to ensure it reflects community input and long-term needs.

The plan introduces updates to the placetype map, which is used to describe the general character and function of different areas of the city over the long term. These updates reflect changes that have occurred since the City’s previous comprehensive plan and are intended to improve coordination between land use, transportation, and infrastructure planning. Placetypes do not change zoning, approve development, or establish timelines for when development may occur.

City officials also emphasized that the Comprehensive Plan is designed to be a living document. After adoption, the City will conduct annual reviews to report on progress and ensure the plan continues to align with community priorities. More detailed updates may occur approximately every five years, with a full plan overhaul anticipated every 20 to 25 years.

The draft Comprehensive Plan is currently under review and will move through the public process, including additional discussion and consideration by City Council, before any action is taken. 

Public Process Schedule:

March 9, 7 p.m.: Introduction at City CouncilMarch 11, 7 p.m.: Special Plan Commission Meeting with Public Hearing March 16, 7:30 p.m.: APC Meeting for formal recommendation March 23, 7 p.m.: Adoption Consideration at City Council

All meetings will be located at Westfield City Hall (130 Penn Street).

Residents are encouraged to learn more, review the draft plan, and follow along as the public process continues by visiting westfieldin.gov/2045, which will serve as the City’s primary source of information throughout the review period.

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About the City of Westfield: The City of Westfield is a fast-growing community in Hamilton County, located just north of Indianapolis and home to more than 50,000 residents. Westfield is recognized for its safe neighborhoods, nationally recognized public schools, and convenient access to U.S. 31 and State Road 32. The city is home to the 400-acre Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus, the nation’s most visited youth sports tournament destination, and continues to invest in connectivity, recreation, and community spaces that enhance livability for residents and visitors alike.

City selects Nicholas Family of Companies as developer for Grand Park District Ice Hockey Facility

WESTFIELD, IN (March 4, 2026) – The City of Westfield today announced it has selected Nicholas Family of Companies as the selected offeror for a new ice hockey facility in the Grand Park District, pending final contract negotiations. The project evaluation committee will provide the recommendation to the Westfield Redevelopment Commission for consideration as the City’s next step in the public process.

The facility is planned to include three ice sheets, with the ability to expand to four in the future. Envisioned as a primary winter attraction to complement Grand Park’s seasonality and promote year-round economic activity, the facility is expected to be a highly desirable destination for ice hockey tournaments and other winter sporting events. Local programming will help build a pipeline of youth athletes and include classes, youth sports organizations, leagues, and public skating. The proposed location is at the northwest corner of Grand Park Boulevard and John Dippel Boulevard.

“We’ve built Grand Park into a destination, but visitation isn’t the same year-round. That seasonality affects the hotels, restaurants, and shops that serve visitors,” said Mayor Scott Willis. “This ice hockey facility adds a winter anchor and helps us build a 365-day destination. More consistent activity makes it easier for businesses to succeed and encourages more growth around the district.”

A June 2025 analysis by Hunden Partners estimates that over 30 years, the Westfield ice hockey facility could generate about $498 million in new spending, $220 million in new earnings, and more than 105 new full-time equivalent jobs, along with nearly $8.7 million in County Hotel Occupancy Tax revenue.

In its proposal, Nicholas Family of Companies emphasized its hands-on, family-led approach and experience with similar ice facilities, including work in the Chicagoland market. The team described an approach that keeps design, construction, and early operations closely coordinated, giving the City a clear point of accountability. The emphasis on customer experience, hospitality, and single point of accountability were all primary factors in the selection of Nicholas to lead this project.

“Nicholas Family of Companies rose to the top of a list of highly qualified offerors, with their intentional focus on experience and relationships exhibiting a history of success within their current portfolio,” says Jenell Fairman, Executive Chief of Economic and Community Development. “Their presence will establish a quality destination within the southern area of the Grand Park District, bringing a new level of hospitality to Westfield.”

"We are honored to be selected by the City of Westfield for this transformational project within the Grand Park District," said Nick Papanicholas Jr., CEO and Managing Director for the Nicholas Family of Companies. "Our mission has always been to build and invest in communities, and this facility represents far more than sheets of ice. It represents opportunity, economic impact, and a home for youth athletes and families year-round. What excites us most is the alignment between Westfield’s long-term vision and our integrated, family-led approach to design, construction, and operations. By keeping every phase closely coordinated under one accountable team, we can deliver not just a premier tournament destination, but a welcoming, hospitality-driven environment that serves local programming as powerfully as it attracts regional and national events." 

The Westfield Redevelopment Commission anticipates executing a contract to begin design and predevelopment with Nicholas in early April. Design is expected to commence immediately with an anticipated opening date in 2028.

Please note this is a conceptual rendering for illustrative purposes only. 

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About the City of Westfield: The City of Westfield is a fast-growing community in Hamilton County, located just north of Indianapolis and home to more than 50,000 residents. Westfield is recognized for its safe neighborhoods, nationally recognized public schools, and convenient access to U.S. 31 and State Road 32. The city is home to the 400-acre Droplight Grand Park Sports Campus, the nation’s most visited youth sports tournament destination, and continues to invest in connectivity, recreation, and community spaces that enhance livability for residents and visitors alike.

About the Nicholas Family of Companies: The Nicholas Family of Companies is a second-generation, family owned and operated organization headquartered in Mount Prospect, Illinois, with additional offices in Wisconsin and Florida. Companies within the family of companies that are involved in the new ice arena include: Nicholas & Associates, Spectate Group, Big Fish Hospitality Group, and Papago Management. To learn more, visit https://nicholasfoc.com/.