👍No to Overspending, Yes to Everyone: What Westwood’s Vote Really Meant

On June 3rd, the people of Westwood made their voices heard: 1,236 voted against the $38.1 million Fire Station 1 tax override, while 1,056 voted in favor. With this vote, residents chose fiscal responsibility, transparency, and inclusion—values that define the very best of our community.

This result was not a rejection of public safety. It was a clear message: Westwood is a town for everyone—for seniors on fixed incomes, for young families balancing tight budgets, for longtime residents and newcomers alike. In voting No, we demonstrated our shared commitment to financial sustainability and smart, community-centered planning.

Many voters recognized that the proposed 36,000-square-foot fire station—with its 13 bathrooms, 8 offices, and $72 million price tag over 30 years—was simply too much for our town’s needs. At a time when costs of living are rising, and many residents are stretched thin, the community came together and said: “We can do better.”

This is not the end of the fire station discussion—it’s a new beginning. A redesigned project can still move forward—one that meets our essential safety needs, respects our existing public infrastructure, and reflects the scale and character of Westwood.

We’ve seen what thoughtful, right-sized planning can look like in other towns like Bedford and Lexington. Now it’s our turn to develop a plan that is efficient, affordable, and transparent—one that unites us, rather than divides us.

To everyone who voted—whether yes or no—thank you for participating. Let’s continue to work together to ensure Westwood remains a place that welcomes and supports all of its residents.

Mini Bio: Ada Zhong is a Westwood resident dedicated to fostering a Westwood for all. Through independent research and advocacy, she champions fiscal responsibility, greater transparency in local projects and spending, and informed decision-making in town.