Webster · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Webster public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Sewer Code Amendments (Local Law No. 4)
The Town is proposing to amend sections of Chapter 257 of the Webster Town Code. A public hearing gives residents a chance to weigh in before the Board votes on adoption.
2026 Town Organizational Structure and Appointments
Charles Zlotkus is resigning from the Conservation Board effective September 13, 2026, leaving an open seat with a term ending December 31, 2026.
Vosburg Pump Station Bidding
The board increased the bond authorization for the Vosburg Pump Station upgrade from $5.7 million to $6.35 million due to rising labor and material costs.
Stormwater Drainage Easement Encroachment
Nearby residents raised concerns about existing flooding issues on Blue Creek Drive and questioned whether the Sienna Reserve subdivision's retention pond and grading would worsen runoff. Engineers and board members explained that the detention pond is designed to handle runoff from the new development and maintain existing drainage rates.
Cell Phone Tower Proposal Near Wildflower Drive
Residents voiced strong opposition to a proposed Verizon cell tower, citing wetland disruptions, decreased property values, and potential health concerns. Council members discussed whether cell towers could be added to the town's development moratorium.
Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Concerns
Residents expressed strong concerns during public comment regarding proposed comprehensive plan changes, unexpected commercial rezoning along Five Mile Line Road, and potential impacts on property values and local businesses.
Library Location and Facility Debates
Residents debated the future of the Webster Public Library, contrasting the high long-term costs of renting commercial space with the potential financial and logistical challenges of building a new town-owned facility.
Waterview Apartments Phase 3 Expansion
Neighbors raised concerns regarding the 56-unit townhouse project on Willowpoint Way, citing steep slope protection, E-pods, and delays in obtaining DEC wetland determinations.
Solar Energy Zoning Code Clarification
A citizen challenge contends that the town incorrectly classified the Xerox Solar Farm project under an industrial use permit rather than a special use permit, bypassing key environmental reviews. The zoning board tabled the discussion to July to review past town board records.
Local Law No. 3 Traffic and Parking Regulations
Residents expressed concerns about the upcoming Monroe County Bay Road revision, citing traffic safety, emergency access, and the narrow two-foot shoulders of the proposed road diet. A local resident urged the town board to take a more active role in communicating project details to reduce community anxiety.
Police Salary Adjustments and Pay Compression
The Police Department is requesting to make permanent its temporary staffing increase to 35 authorized positions and is investing in technology upgrades like in-car cameras and booking room security improvements.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations and Capital Projects
The town is increasing the budget threshold for extending sanitary sewers to six properties on Woodard Road to account for higher-than-expected bid costs.
Aberdeen Estates Phase 3 Residential Subdivision
Forest Creek Equity Corp received final approval to build 36 single-family homes on Hazelhead Lane, moving the long-planned residential subdivision closer to construction.
School Resource Officer Program Contract
The town board approved a 2026-2027 contract with the school district for two police officers to serve as school resource officers. Board members discussed legal language regarding police authority to interview students, emphasizing that police department policy governs juvenile questioning.
2027 Town-Wide Property Reassessment
The board authorized an agreement with the state Office of Real Property Tax Services to support the upcoming 2027 town-wide property reassessment project. The project aims to bring all property assessments back to 100% market value.
Climate Action and Smart Growth Grant Applications
Residents and board members debated whether Webster should register as a Climate Smart Community to unlock state grants and technical support. While supporters cited cost savings and environmental benefits, some board members raised questions about staff workload and program mandates.
Webster Transportation Improvement Project
The town initiated the SEQRA review process by declaring its intent to act as lead agency for the Webster Transportation Improvement Project. The major infrastructure initiative includes road rehabilitation and a trail along Phillips Road.
Dinks & Links Recreation Facility Proposal
A proposal for a massive 39,100 square foot indoor/outdoor recreation facility featuring pickleball and volleyball courts sparked heavy debate over noise, lighting, and wetland impacts, leading the board to table the project.
Lakefront Property Consolidation & Redevelopment
A lakefront property owner is combining two undersized parcels on Lake Road, tearing down a dilapidated house, and building a single-story accessory cabana that cuts property lot coverage in half.
RG&E Substation Modernization and Utility Expansion
RG&E requested multiple setback and fencing variances to modernize Substation 73 on Klem Road, sparking public pushback over utility rate hikes and corporate priorities.
Electronic Voucher System Transition
The town is working to transition from a manual, paper-based voucher and purchase order system to an electronic workflow in Munis. The board debated hiring a temporary project manager to assist with department testing and workflow setup before tabling the resolution.
Commercial Property Standards on Ridge Road
The board raised concerns about cluttered auto dealership lots along Ridge Road, demanding better property line staking, vegetative buffers, and landscaping for the Best Buy Auto Sales addition.
Commercial Development Proposal at 1030 Ridge Road
Developers proposed a 7,200 square-foot retail building for an O'Reilly Auto Parts store next to Town Hall. The board voted down referring the project to the planning board due to safety concerns over Ridge Road's steep incline, tree clearing, and lack of community need.
Local Elections
Webster's 2025 local elections are coming up, and it's time to figure out who's running so you can make your voice heard at the ballot box. Staying informed on the candidates helps ensure your local government actually reflects what you want for the town.