Westerly - State of Rhode Island: Division of Planning

Introduction to the Comprehensive PlanAppendicesThis document consists of two appendices to the Town of Westerly Comprehensive Plan whichcontain important background information and documentation for the Plan.Appendix I contains eight inventories of the status of Westerly’s resources:(1) Existing Land Use and Zoning(2) Housing(3) Economic Vitality(4) Natural Resources(5) Services and Facilities(6) Open Space and Recreation(7) Transportation Network(8) Historic and Cultural ResourcesThe information in these chapters provides a basic understanding of current conditions (mid-2009)on which the Plan for the future is based. The Comprehensive Plan Citizens Advisory Committee isindebted to many employees of the town who helped check the basic data in this Appendix andassure that the material is as correct as possible.Appendix II contains summaries of input from approximately 700 Westerly residents whoparticipated in development of the Plan through public meetings, focus groups, letters, emailmessages, and a statistically-based survey. In the earliest stages of preparing the Plan citizens wereasked to share their opinions about what they liked and did not like about Westerly and their hopesfor the future. These thoughts were a touchstone for the committee as it prepared the vision, goals,and objectives. These elements of the Plan were then presented at a workshop at which the publicwas asked to provide feedback on whether or not the Plan was on track. Adjustments were made asappropriate and then specific actions were developed.Feedback on the actions, which are the core of the Implementation Plan, was provided at anotherpublic meeting, and the actions were modified as necessary. These checks on the Plan’s content anddirection were important keys to preparing a Plan that reflects the wishes of the residents ofWesterly.The committee appreciates the time and energy that many citizens put into providing theinformation that serves as the foundation for the Comprehensive Plan.Westerly, Rhode Island 1