By Andrew Getty
First, what is a Comprehensive Master Plan? A Master Plan is a vision, a road map to the future for the town. It is not the zoning ordinance or a local law of any kind.
It is a tool used by town officials, town boards and planning boards to help guide them in making decisions.
As stated in the current Master Plan, these are the reasons to have a Master Plan:
• Define preferred future actions.
• Establish a contemporary, positive community vision.
• Identify actions to ensure economic stability and protect valuable natural, cultural, and historic resources.
• Protect and enhance tax base.
• Provide guidance and direction to all government and non-government interests active in the Town of Webb.
• Identify the town’s assets and liabilities.
• Provide a legal and technical foundation for land use policies and tools.
The Town of Webb adopted its first Comprehensive Master Plan in 2002.
In 2005 it was revisited and changes were recommended, but never adopted.
Generally it is highly recommended that any municipality review and revise their Master Plan on a four-year cycle.
The Town Board is committed to a complete review of the current Master Plan.
They also acknowledge it can be an extremely daunting task that could take many, many man hours, include collective thinking of a wide range of people and businesses and lots of perseverance to bring to fruition.
Accordingly, Marcia Barker, as Chairwoman of the Planning Board, will be taking the lead role in organizing the review process.
The first step is to find people who are interested in the process and are willing to help on one of a number of sub-committees.
The number of issues or topics is voluminous, thus various sub-committees will be organized to discuss and identify different issues and bring recommendations for revision to the Review Committee as a whole.
It is the intent to include a broad range of people from the town, residents and business owners alike; as well as a broad range of younger and more senior individuals.
As any Master Plan is a vision to move towards the future, it should include the wisdom of those who have been here; as well as the hopes and dreams of those who hope to be here a long time as well. This will be a team effort.
The final draft for revisions will be submitted to the Town Board when complete for consideration of adoption.
If you are a resident, or own a business in town, and feel you would like to contribute to the brainstorming process as a member of the Comprehensive Master Plan Review Committee and one of the sub-committees, please contact Marcia Barker, Chairwomen of the Town of Webb Planning Board or Nanci T. Russell, Town Clerk. The contact information is below.
PLEASE RESPOND BY PHONE OR IN WRITING NO LATER THAN MARCH 13, 2015.
Marcia Barker, Chairwoman
Town of Webb Planning Board; P.O. Box 354; Old Forge, NY 13420. (315) 369-6439.
Nanci T. Russell, Town Clerk
P.O. Box 357; Old Forge, NY 13420. (315) 369-6799.