Past, Present & Future Town of Webster Department of Community Development December 18, 2025
Past Strategies (1960’s – 2019) ▪ 281 / Cluster Developments: ▪ Zoning regulations allowing smaller lots and closer buildings ▪ Preserves shared open spaces or natural features on the remaining land, while maintaining the overall density to encourage better design, conservation areas and community amenities (trails, recreation, etc.) ▪ Excess land is dedicated to the Town, or owned/maintained by a Homeowner's Association (HOA)
▪ Park District Formation: ▪ Special districts for specific neighborhood recreation and/or natural open space ▪ Established via petition or Town Board resolution for specific areas and are financed for upkeep through local assessments on benefited properties ▪ 35 Park Districts, comprised of a total of 85 parcels / 380 acres of land
Past Strategies (1960’s – 2019) continued ▪ Open Space Preservation Program ▪ Established in 1992 to allow the Town to acquire interest or rights in real property for the preservation of open space ▪ Approximately 47 parcels / 951 acres preserved over various terms ▪ Tax incentive no longer available for new properties as of 2010
▪ Town Purchase of Open Space & Development Rights ▪ 2002 referendum on $22,500,000 bond for open space purchases (failed) ▪ 2004 referendum on $5,900,000 bond for open space purchases (passed) ▪ Bond + grants used to acquire 915 acres at average cost of $7,470/acre ▪ Bond repayments to end in 2025
Present Strategy (2020 - 2025) ▪ Joint effort by Open Space Committee / Town and FWT to Update Open Space Parcels of Interest & contact owners regarding their interest in selling (85 parcels comprising 2,400 acres). ▪ Pursuit of grants for open space preservation (NYS DEC Forestry) ▪ Donations from private landowners ▪ Total acreage preserved in last 6 years: approximately 100 acres
Future Strategies (2026 & Beyond) ▪ Research/Identify Tools and Implement Best Practices that align with goals and objectives that come out of the updated comprehensive plan ▪ Options to consider may include, but are not limited to:
▪ Protection of neighborhood open space that eliminates/minimizes Town Liability ▪ Tree Preservation Ordinance ▪ Rebranding of Park Districts to clarify use restrictions (not public parks) ▪ Strategic purchase of Development Rights ▪ Greater emphasis on Conservation Easements & Deed Restrictions ▪ Updated Environmental Protection Overlay District maps and regulations (EPODS) ▪ Analyze, adjust and amend the Town Code regarding lot coverage and off-street parking requirements associated with new development. ▪ Town-wide referendum for additional purchase of open space at taxpayer's expense
Questions / Comments