WEBSTER’S BICENTENNIAL PLAN:
ROOTED IN HISTORY, GROWING WITH PURPOSE
Town of Webster publicly kicks off Comprehensive Plan update project;
Announces opportunities for community participation and input
WEBSTER, NY — Webster Town Supervisor Tom Flaherty joined Josh Artuso, Director of Community Development, and members of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan Committee to announce the Town of Webster’s Comprehensive Plan update. The Comprehensive Plan update is anticipated to cover fifteen years, aligning with the Town of Webster’s bicentennial anniversary in 2040.
“The project name says it all: rooted in history, growing with purpose,” said Supervisor Flaherty. “At its inception in 1840, Webster established its roots in agriculture, and through the years, the Town has been a leader in progress throughout the area. This community has come so far, and our best days are yet to come. Our updated Comprehensive Plan will guide measured and intentional growth.”
Webster’s Comprehensive Plan update aims to create a strategic vision for sustainable community growth. This plan will establish clear objectives for the community’s future development while protecting its natural and cultural resources.
The plan will be drafted in accordance with New York State law and emphasize smart growth principles. Smart growth is an approach to planning and development that serves the economy, community, and environment. Smart growth provides a framework for communities to make informed decisions about how and where they grow.
“Smart Growth isn’t just about development,” said Artuso. “It is a holistic approach to building a stronger, more resilient community for generations to come. By incorporating smart growth principles into the plan, we will ensure that Webster continues to be a thriving community with a high quality of life, while protecting and preserving the unique character that currently makes our Town such a desirable place to live, work, and play.”
Through extensive community collaboration, the plan aims to create walkable neighborhoods, promote clean energy, protect and enhance public spaces, and foster social diversity while ensuring development aligns with local needs and broader regional planning efforts.
Throughout the project timeline, the Town of Webster will offer several opportunities for community engagement, including public input surveys, open houses, and public meetings. The first community meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 22 at 6:00 p.m. at Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive.
“We intend to engage with every segment of our community throughout this project, from school children to seniors, and everyone in between,” continued Artuso. “Establishing a long-range plan for thoughtful growth that is reflective of the broader community’s vision, goals, and values is one of our primary objectives, and is essential to the plan’s success.”
In addition to the launch of this exciting project, the Town of Webster is proud to announce its Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. The Comprehensive Plan Committee is comprised of local community members, including residents, business owners, community leaders, and more with vast knowledge and experience. Their unique skill sets will be instrumental in developing a plan that is relevant and representative of Webster’s goals. The Town of Webster has also contracted with Collier’s Engineering to consult on this project.
More information on Webster’s Bicentennial Plan: Rooted in History, Growing with Purpose, as well as opportunities for community involvement, can be found on the project website: Webster2040.com.
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This project is funded in part by NYS Department of State under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund.