Webster Open Space Committee

Why 2025 Matters for Open Space in Webster

With the pace of development in Webster only set to increase, it is more important than ever to ensure that development which forever compromises our natural resources is balanced by a real effort on the part of our Town Board, Planning Board and Zoning Board to preserve these resources. With local elections in November and a new Comprehensive Plan Update underway, Webster Residents have a voice this year in how their Town manages Greenspace, now and in the future.  

Comprehensive Plan Resident Survey and Interactive Map: Webster Comp Plan Survey

With these amendments, Webster will be better placed to preserve its special quality of life in the upcoming years. As development pressure is only set to increase, we cannot continue to adhere to outdated development practices designed to encourage unmitigated growth, from a time when there were far fewer people and far more available properties. We must act now to change our approach, ensuring that all future developments are held to more rigorous standards which ensure that Webster’s natural heritage is retained for our future—and that it remains a place “Where Life is Worth Living.”

Comprehensive Plan Update: Have your say in how Webster manages its greenspace in the future

In order to ensure that the Boards themselves are empowered to act in the best interest of Webster residents, not only the practices of Boards but the Code to which they adhere must change to meet the demands of 2025 and beyond. Our Code should be amended in the upcoming Comprehensive Plan in order to strengthen the ability of Boards to impose existing greenspace protections: removing a majority percentage of existing vegetation outside of the lot coverage maximum should be prohibited in all zones; woodlot environmental protection overlays should be strengthened, and a Tree Preservation ordinance, which prohibits the removal of a percentage of trees over a certain size, should be implemented. Zoning amendments, such as a greater use of Special Use Permits in more zones, which would enable increased Town Board oversight of new development, should also be considered.