Westerly - State of Rhode Island: Division of Planning

Perhaps more than anything else, aComprehensive Plan is intended toencourage the preservation of amunicipality’s character and to set forththe goals, objectives, and actions whichwill guide that municipality in shaping itsfuture. This chapter addresses the makeupof the town of Westerly, its history,the specific character of its differentconstituent neighborhoods, and theconcerns and aspirations of its citizens.2.1 Community Make-up and Concerns2.0 Community Character“People love the area and want to visitor retire here. Why not help make thisa good experience for them?”- July 2008 Public WorkshopThe residents of Westerly, whether life-long or more recently arrived, have a strong affection fortheir town. They see it as a special place, with a character all of its own. This character reflects itsunique geography – its spectacular location along the river, bay, salt ponds and ocean, as well as thequiet charm of its back-country rural areas – and its history.“We are all one townbut we believe theComprehensive Planshould value and respectthe special characterand individual qualitiesof Westerly’s constituentneighborhoods.”- July 2008 PublicWorkshopThe rich mix of old settler families, whose roots here go backto the 17 th century; the more populous 19 th and early 20 thcentury immigrant families, who came here to work in themills and quarries; and the people whose families establishedthe shoreline summer communities, some of whom havechosen to make the town their year-round residence, providesa stimulating diversity. All, however, are united in the pridethey feel for the elements which give the town its specialcharacter.There is universal appreciation of the handsome downtowncore of the town, centered around its park, including onBroad, High and Elm Streets, largely preserved 19 th and early20 th century streetscapes and the ambiance of a small, butprosperous, community of an earlier age. Its sensitiverenovation in the late 20 th century is a source of great civicpride.Its shoreline communities – their magnificent beaches (the first open-ocean beaches along the NewEngland coast as one travels east from New York) and marine waters, which are enjoyed by beachgoersas well as boaters, together with their largely residential architectural treasures – are anothersource of pleasure and pride for all residents of the town.Westerly, Rhode Island 7