More About Business

September 8 , 2010 (click here for earlier columns)

Peter D. Elder

Village of Webster Mayor

In my last column, I discussed economic development from a community perspective. The Business Improvement District, the Webster Community Coalition for Economic Development (WCCED), and the Webster Chamber of Commerce provide vital resources to Village Businesses. The other, perhaps more subtle means of assisting businesses lies within Village government itself.

Our Deputy Superintendent of Public Works and Building Inspector, Will Barham, plays a key role in advising business owners. Will has many informal discussions with business owners regarding property maintenance and can assist them in correcting problems before the Village, or another agency, levies fines. Will has tremendous knowledge of village code and can help business owners meet the expectations of our community. As Code Enforcement Officer, Will is always available to advise business owners and developers on such items as fences, decks, expansions and changes of use. He is a at each Planning Board and Zoning Board Meeting to help advise those Boards.

The laws that govern site plan approval offer the first means for the Village to assist businesses. The process often begins with informal discussions between the staff at Village Hall, and a potential business or developer. I have been involved in some of those informal discussions. It is an excellent means to communicate effectively with a business owner or developer. Thousands of dollars and hours of time can be saved by making recommendations that result in a better initial application before the Planning or Zoning Boards.

The Planning Board is the first stop in the process of site plan approval. Peter Adams and the Planning Board will frequently ask developers and business owners to make changes to a Site Plan which results in the final project being in greater compliance with Village Code. The Zoning Board provides a means for a developer to appeal Village Code. Mark Nicholson and the Zoning Board carefully consider whether a variance merits approval. Many people think that the planning and zoning process is at odds with development. However, the process is meant to be the reverse. These boards are supposed to act as a means of fitting any individual project into the larger Village Comprehensive Plan.

The Comprehensive Plan is the governing document for our community planning and zoning. The present plan dates from 1999 and was updated in 2005. The plan is presently being reviewed and altered by the Comprehensive Plan Committee.

The Village of Webster is a great place to do business. If you are interested in establishing a business in the Village, or know someone who is, call the Village Hall at 265-3770, call me at 662-9906 or email me at pelder@villageofwebster.com.