Comprehensive Plan
Introduction
The Village of Webster has grown from an isolated hamlet, the center of a thriving agricultural community, to a busy suburban community and the home to a major Xerox Research and manufacturing complex. Much of this change has taken place in the last 50 years, and now the Village is in the midst of further changes as we begin the 21st century.
Facing these changes as a community we must ask ourselves, “Is the Village of Webster developing in a way which best suits our present and future needs? What is our community’s vision for the future?” This Comprehensive Plan represents a collective community effort to address these concerns. This document describes our present status, presents our vision for the future, and recommends changes to policies and ordnances to help realize our vision.
These topics are discussed in the chapters “Where We Are,” “Where We Want To Go,” and “How We Will Get There.”
This document was originally created by the citizens of the Village of Webster in the spring of 1995. A detailed Community Comprehensive Plan Survey was sent to the residences, businesses, and property owners in the Village. The results were used extensively in the preparation of the Comprehensive Plan that was adopted March 1998. The 1998 Comprehensive Plan is being revised to reflect changes that have taken place both in and around the Village of Webster.
Facing these changes as a community we must ask ourselves, “Is the Village of Webster developing in a way which best suits our present and future needs? What is our community’s vision for the future?” This Comprehensive Plan represents a collective community effort to address these concerns. This document describes our present status, presents our vision for the future, and recommends changes to policies and ordnances to help realize our vision.
These topics are discussed in the chapters “Where We Are,” “Where We Want To Go,” and “How We Will Get There.”
This document was originally created by the citizens of the Village of Webster in the spring of 1995. A detailed Community Comprehensive Plan Survey was sent to the residences, businesses, and property owners in the Village. The results were used extensively in the preparation of the Comprehensive Plan that was adopted March 1998. The 1998 Comprehensive Plan is being revised to reflect changes that have taken place both in and around the Village of Webster.
History
Prior to 1600, our present four corners was but a spot on a long wilderness trail of only tall trees, wild animals and an occasional Seneca Indian traveling between the Niagara Falls area and the Hudson River. During the seventeenth century, there were many French explorers and Christian missionaries who visited this area south of Lake Ontario and east of Irondequoit Bay.
In 1790, the "Phelps and Gorham Purchase" set aside in the Genesee Region, a portion of land which is the present Webster. First, we were a part of Northfield and ten years later, in 1800, we became known as "Boyl". Another 10 years, in 1810, the present Webster became a portion of Penfield known as North Penfield. It took another 30 years in 1840 before the residents of North Penfield separated from Penfield and became a township of its own known as Webster.
In the early 1800's, the first settlers entered this area east of the bay and south of the big lake. While still part of Penfield, the leaders of that time created a town center at their four corners. When the residents of North Penfield wished to established a center in the present Webster, Penfield suggested that we start one five miles north of their Penfield Four Corners; hence, Five Mile Line Road.
Both Methodist and Lutheran churches established their first churches near this Five Mile Line Road and Ridge Road junction. In the meantime, the Presbyterians and Baptists built their churches at the junction of Nine Mile Point Road (named because it was nine miles from the Genesee River outlet east Nine Mile Point) and Ridge Road where the industrial and shipping center was located. The Erie Canal was completed in 1820 and the farmers, dry-house operators and basket makers were able to send their products either south to Fairport to the canal and railroad or north to the "Point" where their produce and products could be shipped by lake schooner to Canada and other ports along Lake Ontario.
By 1840, the Four Corners of the new Town of Webster became not only an important stop for the products and produce going north and south, but also an important stop for stagecoaches and freight moving east and west. Several taverns and inns were built near the four corners and carriage, wagon makers and blacksmiths started their businesses near this intersection.
The first taverns near the four corners were Spears' Tavern (The Stage Coach Inn) and Robb's Tavern near Phillips Road and the Ridge. Henry Herman began his blacksmith shop near Five Mile Line Road, but soon moved it near the four corners on the site of the present Village Hall. Later McKay and McKee manufactured wagons and carriages on the same location.
Water, or the lack of it, started people in the four corners area thinking about incorporation of this section of the village more than 100 years ago. With the growth of the basket factory, the increasing number of dry houses, especially apples, the casket factory and the wood framing company, there were many fires and no available water or fire department to fight these frequent fires.
In 1876, the Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg Railroad came through Webster and another era of businesses developed. The Webster Canning Company needed water. Dean's Spring, an area behind the present Lutheran Church, could not supply enough water for the canning factory, pickle factory, and basket factory or for fire fighting. The solution was to establish an area within the town for "water".
At the turn of the century, it was very apparent that the four corners area had a sufficient supply of water. The entire town did not need more water since farmers had wells or springs on their property. The solution was obvious - to segregate a section around the four corners and create a separate area with its own governing system, to bring water to Webster.
The year 1900 marked a significant turning point in the development of the Village of Webster. The first bank since Civil War times was established and the Rochester Sodus Bay Trolley connected Webster to Rochester, leading to a major expansion of the Village residential area (the present Lapham Park, Elm Street, Dunning Avenue and Park Avenue section).
From the records of former village historian, George S. Curtice, it states, "On February 28, 1904, some prominent citizens of the un-incorporated Village of Webster met in the law office of Barrett and Allen (John W Barrett, father of Gerald and Miller P. Allen) to discuss the pros and cons of possible incorporation of the village. They decided to petition the Town of Webster for an election to decide whether or not to incorporate". But not until 1905 was the Village incorporated. The following year, a volunteer fire department was organized. The Village continued as the shipping center for the area's dried apple industry until well after World War II. It also had the world's largest basket factory and was the center of the canning industry in Monroe County.
The Village survived the Depression and the war years that followed, but these times saw the gradual decline of the traditional agricultural trade. In the late 1950's, the Village annexed 182 acres of land that became the home of the Xerox Corporation.
While taking pride in its progress, the Village has not forgotten its past. In 1992, a survey was made of all homes and structures 50 years old and older. Recently the Village of Webster has implemented a program to renovate several of its older streets and has erected landmark signs. In providing outstanding community services and fostering neighborly atmosphere, the Village continues a tradition that began with James Spear in 1812.
Community Profile
If one were to ask Village residents and business owners to describe the Village of Webster, they would refer to it as a historic small Village that provides a pleasant residential environment within a growing community of Monroe County. They would also refer to the Village as a distinct community that has many common interests with the Town of Webster, and whose own vitality depends greatly on the economy of the City of Rochester and County of Monroe. There are many reasons people chose to live in the Village of Webster, but the respondents to the Community Comprehensive Plan Survey indicated that the four most important reasons were: they wanted to live in a small village, to live near employment, too live near the excellent public schools, and to live in a village with good services and facilities.
The population of the Village of Webster in the 2000 census was 5216, about evenly split between male and female. School age children account for 25% of the population an increase of 8% over the previous data. The number of people 65 and over decreased from 20% to 12%. This resulted from a turnover of the housing to a younger population with school age children. These results are also reflected in the recent need for additional facilities in the Webster Central School System. It is interesting to note that there has not been a significant change in the population of the Village of Webster since the 1970 census .In that census, the population was listed as 5037 about 3% less than now. The 2000 Census shows that the Village of Webster is home to a highly educated population whose occupations include managers, professionals, or in technical, sales or administrative positions.
There are about 2362 housing units in the Village of Webster, of which 23% were built prior to 1940. The majority of people living in the village are renting their housing units (1277 rental units). There is a full range of housing, from apartments, to town houses, to homes with apartments, to single family units located in the village. In addition to the above types of housing, there are homes for people with special needs, who require special help and supervision. There is also a Nursing Home for people requiring either 24 hour care, or who need extra time to recover from an accident or other medical problem necessitating special therapy. There are two undeveloped parcels of land, in the village, that are currently zoned for residential use. Development of these parcels could increase the population of the Village of Webster by as much as 10%.
The Village of Webster residents are fortunate to have an excellent public school system for their children. Spry Middle School is located near the center of the Village. The building contains grades 6, 7, & 8 as well as the offices for the District Administration of the Webster Central School District. The percentage of the students passing New York State Regents exams in Comprehensive English is 92%, Mathematics-90%, Global History-87%, US History/Government-83%. After graduation, approximately 85% of the Webster students pursue college degrees. The District is also fortunate to have many extra-curricular opportunities at which students have excelled. The Webster Marching Band has been nationally ranked for several years and often competes on a national level. Students athletes consistently earn League, Sectional and State Championships. Many students have also earned All-American status in their individual sports. The Art program in Webster continues to earn national recognition through the National Scholastic Art Scholarship Program. The Webster Schools possess excellent educational and athletic facilities that are also available for use by the citizens of the Village of Webster. Two of the newest facilities are a track and field center and a state of the art aquatics center. The district offers an extensive Community Education Program to all residents, providing classes in a variety of subjects. These classes are offered in several locations throughout the district.
The Village of Webster is located approximately 12 miles from the center of the City of Rochester and as a result, people who live in the Village can easily attend Concerts at the Eastman Theater, Stage plays at several theaters, professional baseball games (Rochester Redwings), professional basketball games (Rochester Razor Sharks), professional soccer games (Rochester Rhinos), professional hockey games (Rochester Americans), and professional lacrosse games (Rochester Knight Hawks / Rochester Rattlers). There is an excellent museum in the Village that illustrates the history of the Village and Town of Webster as well as the people of the early 1900’s. In the Village on East Main Street, is the oldest active Grange in the United States, home to the Choral of the Genesee a renowned Barber shop group. During the summer months, the Webster Village Band performs at the Village owned band shell, located adjacent to a senior housing community.
There are four parks within the Village of Webster which provide a variety of facilities, the including tennis courts, baseball diamonds, playground equipment, and picnic areas. These include the Schantz Village Manor Park, the Milton R Case Memorial Park, the Wilmorite Playground and the Veterans Memorial Park located on North Avenue. The Veterans Memorial Park contains a Large Gazebo which is used for various celebrations during the year. The Town of Webster’s North Ponds Park is located just north of the Village boundary, and has facilities for hiking, picnicking, and fishing. A paved bike path, located adjacent to the expressway is easily accessible to Village residents. The Town of Webster Parks and Recreation center is located adjacent to the Village on Ebner drive. This department offers recreational activities as well as hot meals during the week, for both Town and Village senior citizens. There are a number of medical offices in the Village and there are excellent hospitals located a short distance from the Village.
Sometimes forgotten, except on the rare occasions when they are unavailable, are the services people who live, work and own businesses in the Village enjoy. A regional utility provides natural gas and electric. Water is provided by the Village owned and operated well field. The Village Public Works Department plows the streets and sidewalks during the winter and maintains the roads and parks during the summer. Also once a month tree limbs are picked up year around, and in the fall leaves are picked up and composted by the Village. The Town of Webster Police Department protects citizens around the clock. Emergency services are provided by the Northeast Joint Fire District and Union Hill Ambulance. The Webster Village is also home to the Main Post Office serving people who live and work in the Town and Village of Webster as well as people in the surrounding community.
The Village of Webster is home to the main manufacturing and research centers for Xerox Corporation, which employs several thousand people. In addition to Xerox, there is another large Fortune 500 company, Paychex Corporation, leading national provider of employer and employee administrative services. There are also numerous smaller firms, farms and several large food processing plants in and around the Village that provide many seasonal and long term career opportunities to residents, and a strong financial base to the Village of Webster.
In 1790, the "Phelps and Gorham Purchase" set aside in the Genesee Region, a portion of land which is the present Webster. First, we were a part of Northfield and ten years later, in 1800, we became known as "Boyl". Another 10 years, in 1810, the present Webster became a portion of Penfield known as North Penfield. It took another 30 years in 1840 before the residents of North Penfield separated from Penfield and became a township of its own known as Webster.
In the early 1800's, the first settlers entered this area east of the bay and south of the big lake. While still part of Penfield, the leaders of that time created a town center at their four corners. When the residents of North Penfield wished to established a center in the present Webster, Penfield suggested that we start one five miles north of their Penfield Four Corners; hence, Five Mile Line Road.
Both Methodist and Lutheran churches established their first churches near this Five Mile Line Road and Ridge Road junction. In the meantime, the Presbyterians and Baptists built their churches at the junction of Nine Mile Point Road (named because it was nine miles from the Genesee River outlet east Nine Mile Point) and Ridge Road where the industrial and shipping center was located. The Erie Canal was completed in 1820 and the farmers, dry-house operators and basket makers were able to send their products either south to Fairport to the canal and railroad or north to the "Point" where their produce and products could be shipped by lake schooner to Canada and other ports along Lake Ontario.
By 1840, the Four Corners of the new Town of Webster became not only an important stop for the products and produce going north and south, but also an important stop for stagecoaches and freight moving east and west. Several taverns and inns were built near the four corners and carriage, wagon makers and blacksmiths started their businesses near this intersection.
The first taverns near the four corners were Spears' Tavern (The Stage Coach Inn) and Robb's Tavern near Phillips Road and the Ridge. Henry Herman began his blacksmith shop near Five Mile Line Road, but soon moved it near the four corners on the site of the present Village Hall. Later McKay and McKee manufactured wagons and carriages on the same location.
Water, or the lack of it, started people in the four corners area thinking about incorporation of this section of the village more than 100 years ago. With the growth of the basket factory, the increasing number of dry houses, especially apples, the casket factory and the wood framing company, there were many fires and no available water or fire department to fight these frequent fires.
In 1876, the Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg Railroad came through Webster and another era of businesses developed. The Webster Canning Company needed water. Dean's Spring, an area behind the present Lutheran Church, could not supply enough water for the canning factory, pickle factory, and basket factory or for fire fighting. The solution was to establish an area within the town for "water".
At the turn of the century, it was very apparent that the four corners area had a sufficient supply of water. The entire town did not need more water since farmers had wells or springs on their property. The solution was obvious - to segregate a section around the four corners and create a separate area with its own governing system, to bring water to Webster.
The year 1900 marked a significant turning point in the development of the Village of Webster. The first bank since Civil War times was established and the Rochester Sodus Bay Trolley connected Webster to Rochester, leading to a major expansion of the Village residential area (the present Lapham Park, Elm Street, Dunning Avenue and Park Avenue section).
From the records of former village historian, George S. Curtice, it states, "On February 28, 1904, some prominent citizens of the un-incorporated Village of Webster met in the law office of Barrett and Allen (John W Barrett, father of Gerald and Miller P. Allen) to discuss the pros and cons of possible incorporation of the village. They decided to petition the Town of Webster for an election to decide whether or not to incorporate". But not until 1905 was the Village incorporated. The following year, a volunteer fire department was organized. The Village continued as the shipping center for the area's dried apple industry until well after World War II. It also had the world's largest basket factory and was the center of the canning industry in Monroe County.
The Village survived the Depression and the war years that followed, but these times saw the gradual decline of the traditional agricultural trade. In the late 1950's, the Village annexed 182 acres of land that became the home of the Xerox Corporation.
While taking pride in its progress, the Village has not forgotten its past. In 1992, a survey was made of all homes and structures 50 years old and older. Recently the Village of Webster has implemented a program to renovate several of its older streets and has erected landmark signs. In providing outstanding community services and fostering neighborly atmosphere, the Village continues a tradition that began with James Spear in 1812.
Community Profile
If one were to ask Village residents and business owners to describe the Village of Webster, they would refer to it as a historic small Village that provides a pleasant residential environment within a growing community of Monroe County. They would also refer to the Village as a distinct community that has many common interests with the Town of Webster, and whose own vitality depends greatly on the economy of the City of Rochester and County of Monroe. There are many reasons people chose to live in the Village of Webster, but the respondents to the Community Comprehensive Plan Survey indicated that the four most important reasons were: they wanted to live in a small village, to live near employment, too live near the excellent public schools, and to live in a village with good services and facilities.
The population of the Village of Webster in the 2000 census was 5216, about evenly split between male and female. School age children account for 25% of the population an increase of 8% over the previous data. The number of people 65 and over decreased from 20% to 12%. This resulted from a turnover of the housing to a younger population with school age children. These results are also reflected in the recent need for additional facilities in the Webster Central School System. It is interesting to note that there has not been a significant change in the population of the Village of Webster since the 1970 census .In that census, the population was listed as 5037 about 3% less than now. The 2000 Census shows that the Village of Webster is home to a highly educated population whose occupations include managers, professionals, or in technical, sales or administrative positions.
There are about 2362 housing units in the Village of Webster, of which 23% were built prior to 1940. The majority of people living in the village are renting their housing units (1277 rental units). There is a full range of housing, from apartments, to town houses, to homes with apartments, to single family units located in the village. In addition to the above types of housing, there are homes for people with special needs, who require special help and supervision. There is also a Nursing Home for people requiring either 24 hour care, or who need extra time to recover from an accident or other medical problem necessitating special therapy. There are two undeveloped parcels of land, in the village, that are currently zoned for residential use. Development of these parcels could increase the population of the Village of Webster by as much as 10%.
The Village of Webster residents are fortunate to have an excellent public school system for their children. Spry Middle School is located near the center of the Village. The building contains grades 6, 7, & 8 as well as the offices for the District Administration of the Webster Central School District. The percentage of the students passing New York State Regents exams in Comprehensive English is 92%, Mathematics-90%, Global History-87%, US History/Government-83%. After graduation, approximately 85% of the Webster students pursue college degrees. The District is also fortunate to have many extra-curricular opportunities at which students have excelled. The Webster Marching Band has been nationally ranked for several years and often competes on a national level. Students athletes consistently earn League, Sectional and State Championships. Many students have also earned All-American status in their individual sports. The Art program in Webster continues to earn national recognition through the National Scholastic Art Scholarship Program. The Webster Schools possess excellent educational and athletic facilities that are also available for use by the citizens of the Village of Webster. Two of the newest facilities are a track and field center and a state of the art aquatics center. The district offers an extensive Community Education Program to all residents, providing classes in a variety of subjects. These classes are offered in several locations throughout the district.
The Village of Webster is located approximately 12 miles from the center of the City of Rochester and as a result, people who live in the Village can easily attend Concerts at the Eastman Theater, Stage plays at several theaters, professional baseball games (Rochester Redwings), professional basketball games (Rochester Razor Sharks), professional soccer games (Rochester Rhinos), professional hockey games (Rochester Americans), and professional lacrosse games (Rochester Knight Hawks / Rochester Rattlers). There is an excellent museum in the Village that illustrates the history of the Village and Town of Webster as well as the people of the early 1900’s. In the Village on East Main Street, is the oldest active Grange in the United States, home to the Choral of the Genesee a renowned Barber shop group. During the summer months, the Webster Village Band performs at the Village owned band shell, located adjacent to a senior housing community.
There are four parks within the Village of Webster which provide a variety of facilities, the including tennis courts, baseball diamonds, playground equipment, and picnic areas. These include the Schantz Village Manor Park, the Milton R Case Memorial Park, the Wilmorite Playground and the Veterans Memorial Park located on North Avenue. The Veterans Memorial Park contains a Large Gazebo which is used for various celebrations during the year. The Town of Webster’s North Ponds Park is located just north of the Village boundary, and has facilities for hiking, picnicking, and fishing. A paved bike path, located adjacent to the expressway is easily accessible to Village residents. The Town of Webster Parks and Recreation center is located adjacent to the Village on Ebner drive. This department offers recreational activities as well as hot meals during the week, for both Town and Village senior citizens. There are a number of medical offices in the Village and there are excellent hospitals located a short distance from the Village.
Sometimes forgotten, except on the rare occasions when they are unavailable, are the services people who live, work and own businesses in the Village enjoy. A regional utility provides natural gas and electric. Water is provided by the Village owned and operated well field. The Village Public Works Department plows the streets and sidewalks during the winter and maintains the roads and parks during the summer. Also once a month tree limbs are picked up year around, and in the fall leaves are picked up and composted by the Village. The Town of Webster Police Department protects citizens around the clock. Emergency services are provided by the Northeast Joint Fire District and Union Hill Ambulance. The Webster Village is also home to the Main Post Office serving people who live and work in the Town and Village of Webster as well as people in the surrounding community.
The Village of Webster is home to the main manufacturing and research centers for Xerox Corporation, which employs several thousand people. In addition to Xerox, there is another large Fortune 500 company, Paychex Corporation, leading national provider of employer and employee administrative services. There are also numerous smaller firms, farms and several large food processing plants in and around the Village that provide many seasonal and long term career opportunities to residents, and a strong financial base to the Village of Webster.
Where We Want to Go
This section contains the observations and recommendations that resulted from the many public meetings of the Village of Webster Planning Board during the process of updating the Village of Webster Comprehensive Plan. These observations and recommendations have been shared with the community thru meetings, workshops, and the media when public discussions at the Webster Village Board meeting were televised and thru various news articles featured in the local newspapers.
Many of the recommendations apply to the “Central Village” area of the village. This is because many of the issues deal with parking, signage, and creation of a walking environment that is so important to vitality of the businesses of the village and the immediate surrounding residential areas. Nevertheless, this Plan is also concerned with the entire community by evidence of the historic preservation recommendations.
A. Preserve the Historic Village Setting
Concerns for the historic features of the Village of Webster were evident in the responses to the Community Comprehensive Plan Survey and the large attendance at the various planning board workshops, addressing historic preservation in the Village of Webster. The results recommended that the Village of Webster Board adopt a historic preservation ordinance, with an independent Webster Historic Preservation Commission. The Historic Preservation Committee members will be selected by the Mayor of the Village of Webster using a list of required backgrounds delineated in the proposed ordinance. Participation in the historic preservation of property and sites in the village will be on a voluntary basis. Landowners will make application to the Village of Webster Historic commission for Landmark designation. Criteria are provided in the proposed ordinance for judging acceptance. Once qualified, exterior alterations to Landmark designated properties including alteration, demolition, and new construction will require approval the Landmark Commission. In the case of hardships, where a property owner desires to opt out of the historic preservation program a use variance will be required. The recommended Historic Preservation Code is detailed in APPENDIX –Part 1 titled Historic Preservation
B. Enhancing the Village Business District
The Community Comprehensive Plan Survey results strongly supported providing for the vitality of the Village of Webster Business District while at the same time maintaining a village setting that provides for a pleasant residential community. This can be accomplished with four significant changes to the village code and a continued effort of making the Village of Webster a walk able community.
The first change recommended the creation of a separate district at the west end of the village in the area that is currently zoned Central Business District. This new Central Business District should be called the West End Business District. The current zoning presents problems for development. This area was developed under the village zoning criteria that existed during the period between the 1960’s to the 1980’s. The results are reflected in the building set backs from the streets and the fact that the properties have parking in the front of the various structures. In the old Central Business District, the buildings were constructed prior to the creation of zoning rules. The buildings are located near the street with the side walk as the only set back, giving this part of the Village a “downtown” appearance. The creation of this new district is not meant to convey that this newly established district is any less important than the other business districts. Only that the rules of development should be different to minimize the need for zoning variances and to allow for different uses that are not possible or desirable in the old central part of the village. The two recommendations consist of: the permitted structures and uses, and the district regulations. They are detailed in the APPENDIX -Part 2 titled WEST-END BUSINESS DISTRICT.
The second change recommended is directed at the Central Business District. It is recommended that drive-in establishments be eliminated from the list of permitted uses. Drive-in establishments are businesses where services are obtained while the customers remain in their vehicle. There are currently three businesses, two banks and one restaurant, offering drive-in service in the Central Business and they will continue under the new rules unless one or more of the business ceases operation at which time the drive-in use for that facility will be terminated. This recommended change is detailed in the APPENDIX - Part 3 titled part 3 CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT.
This third change is directed at reducing unnecessary light radiation from business into residential areas and at the same time improving the effectiveness of signage. The elimination of unreasonable light radiation from parking lot lights and business lighting to adjoining neighborhood residences and highways, will require lighting to be installed in such a way that it will not cause a traffic hazard or be unreasonably detrimental to adjoining and neighboring residences.
Secondly, the current zoning rules would be changed to allow (subject to the planning board control and approval) projection signs in the Central Business District. These are signs that project out perpendicular from the façade of the business. This would allow for more effective signage where traffic and physical properties limit visibility. This is an important element for businesses.
Additionally, the proposed zoning changes under the signage section would include improving off-premises signs. The new off-premises sign standards in the Village will allow better visibility, and their appearance will be compatible to the entrance signs announcing the Village, at each of the major entrances to the Village and the sign in front of the Village Hall. The new sign changes will enhance a business’s ability to announce their location and at the same time improve the appearance of the village business areas. The recommended changes are detailed in APPENDIX —Part 4 Titled SIGNS, BILLBOARDS and LIGHTING.
Parking is a subject that is always on the mind of various businesses in the central part of the Village of Webster. In some cases it’s a perceptual problem and in other cases it’s a real problem. The first recommendation does not address the limited parking problem but rather clarifies and updates the various limits for parking for different kinds of businesses based upon the American Planning Association planning advisory. The new limits and additional categories of businesses identified are contained in the Appendix Part 5 Titled Parking; Signs; Maintenance; Supplemental Regulations.
The second recommendation does address the limited parking problem in the central business area of the Village. This important recommendation involves combining the entire individual parking areas behind the businesses on the North side of Main Street between North Avenue and Kircher Park. It requires the cooperation of the various owners around the delineated area and the Village administration to work together for the common benefit of the community. By combining the individual parking areas into one paved parking lot with three accesses, one from North Avenue, one from Kircher Park and One from Main Street, the community will have significantly increase the usable parking area and enhanced the entrance/exits so that people will be encouraged to utilized this parking area. This will in turn allow customers better access to businesses on both the North side and South side of East Main Street. It will also encourage owners to development of the lower back side of the properties on North Main Street taking advantage of the topography of the ridge that runs parallel to Main Street. Also a dangerous exit would be eliminated adding to the safety of users of the parking areas.
C. Creating a Walk able Community
There are many ways to improve the walk ability of the Village. The first consideration is safety. The ridge at the four corners of Main Street and route 250 presents a unique set of conditions that can only be resolved thru a series of recommended actions. These are listed as follows:
1. The speed limit on North Avenue and South Avenue between the Route 104 expressway and Spry Junior high School (Fuller Avenue) should be reduced to 25 mph versus the current 30mph. In this area (approximately 2100 feet), having a higher speed limit (30 mph) posses a special danger because of the limited visibility due to the Ridge (hill) and the following;
A. There are 51 driveways located on North and South Avenues between Route 104 and Fuller Avenue.
B. There are two parking area located on the hill where cars back right into the street.
C. There is a secondary level school where a large number of students walk to school and cross South Avenue.
D. There are six intersections with other streets in this short distance.
E. There is an emergency fire and rescue station located in this short distance near one of intersections and close to the hill with very limited visibility.
F. Many of the driveways service parking lots (approximately 12)
Adding to this hazard is the relatively large amount of traffic on this section of highway...
2. It is recommended that the Village post signs located in the center of North
Avenue, South Avenue, East Main Street, and West Main Street to remind
drivers that pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks under New York
State Law. Other communities have done this and it does remind drivers to be
alert for people.
3. There is a need to make the four corners in the Village safer for Pedestrians. A
strict enforcement of the “ No Right on Red” regulations would allow people to
cross at various points away from the intersection without the continuous flow
of traffic. Stopping traffic briefly will also allow automobiles to exit safely from
various driveways on North and South Avenues. All crosswalks in the Village
should be upgraded to include audible signals and digital displays indicating the
amount of time remaining to safely cross the street.
4. The Village needs to embark on a program to plant large shade trees on the
main arteries of East and West Main Street and North and South Avenue. This
will provide the canopy required to make walking the Village a pleasant
experience.
5. The lighting on all of the Streets of the Village of Webster need to be lowered
to the height and style that is currently in use on Dunning Street and Fuller
Avenue. This will allow the Village to create a pleasant Village atmosphere and
distinguish its commercial area and from the commercial parts of the
surrounding areas of the Town of Webster.
6. The Town of Webster should be encouraged to provide sidewalks from the
Village borders to the main part of the Town of Webster where the Town Hall
and the Library are located.
7. Street furniture should be provided for people to rest and visit on Main Street.
8. Additional crosswalks should be provided near the Firehouse on South
Avenue and on North Avenue near the entrance to Dunkin Donuts so that
people do not have to walk long distances to safely cross the main streets of
Webster.
How We Get There
The Village of Webster has already taken significant steps to implement the recommendations contained in this Comprehensive plan. Changing the the Village of Webster Zoning Code to establish for the first time, a Historic Preservation Code section to permanently establish a Historic Preservation Commission. That will help oversee the preservation of the various structures and sites located throughout the Village of Webster. This is particularly significant in light of the fact that the Village of Webster will be 100 years old next year.
The Webster Village Board has also adopted the recommended changes relative to creating a new district called West End Business District together with its own set of regulations. The use of drive-in establishments was also eliminated in the Central Business District. These actions will ensure that residences that live close to the commercial area of the Central Village will not be subjected to the fumes and noise associated with the vehicles queuing up for service.
The Village Board has adopted the recommended changes to both the sign and parking ordinances. These changes will improve the business community’s abilities to identify business locations and to advertise their service, products, and make it easier to identify parking areas businesses.
There remain two important recommendations to implement. The first is the parking improvements in the North East Quadrant area of the Village. While some progress has been made, continued efforts need to be made by the Village Board, the business district and property owners who are directly impacted by the required legal changes.
The Webster Village continues to make progress on the second issue, making the Village a walk able community. There are flower beds that have been created that add an attractive environment. The newly approved Off-site signs that are coordinated with the Village Office Identification sign and the Village entrance signs will certainly present an attractive addition. The focus of Village efforts now need to be on the safety for people crossing streets and the children going to school and vehicles exiting the many driveways in that short distance between Spry Junior High School and the Route 104 Expressway. Implementing the identified recommendations will go a long way in making the Village a place-- WHERE LIFE IS WORTH LIVING.
The Webster Village Board has also adopted the recommended changes relative to creating a new district called West End Business District together with its own set of regulations. The use of drive-in establishments was also eliminated in the Central Business District. These actions will ensure that residences that live close to the commercial area of the Central Village will not be subjected to the fumes and noise associated with the vehicles queuing up for service.
The Village Board has adopted the recommended changes to both the sign and parking ordinances. These changes will improve the business community’s abilities to identify business locations and to advertise their service, products, and make it easier to identify parking areas businesses.
There remain two important recommendations to implement. The first is the parking improvements in the North East Quadrant area of the Village. While some progress has been made, continued efforts need to be made by the Village Board, the business district and property owners who are directly impacted by the required legal changes.
The Webster Village continues to make progress on the second issue, making the Village a walk able community. There are flower beds that have been created that add an attractive environment. The newly approved Off-site signs that are coordinated with the Village Office Identification sign and the Village entrance signs will certainly present an attractive addition. The focus of Village efforts now need to be on the safety for people crossing streets and the children going to school and vehicles exiting the many driveways in that short distance between Spry Junior High School and the Route 104 Expressway. Implementing the identified recommendations will go a long way in making the Village a place-- WHERE LIFE IS WORTH LIVING.