Westerly - State of Rhode Island: Division of Planning

The Westerly Comprehensive PlanWhen 2010 federal census information is available and disaggregated, town officials must addressthe future implications for schools and school children and for services required by an aging overalllocal population. Important questions must be thoroughly examined such as – are morehouseholds seasonal and occupation therefore not reflected in the census, or has the averageoccupancy in year-round homes declined?.4.3.2.2 CommercialThe build-out analysis estimates a total of 404,000 square feet of commercial space can be added inthe town. This includes commercial space ranging from the less intrusive Neighborhood Business(27,000 sq. ft.) and Professional (102,000 sq. ft.) to Highway Commercial (200,000 sq. ft.).This Plan recognizes that Westerly has historically been the regional center for commercial andprofessional services. Sufficient area exists to continue in that role.It is important to understand that there is no large vacant tract of land remaining in the HighwayCommercial district. Rather there are only 19 vacant parcels within this district, the largest beingapproximately four acres. Several parcels do not have access to public sewers which is an additionalconstraint on development. This Plan specifically provides that this district should not be enlarged.It is intended that this recommendation and revised development standards for new commercialdevelopment on vacant property will control commercial sprawl. By such limitation it is alsointended that renewed interest in renovation, restoration and redevelopment of existing HighwayCommercial properties will be achieved.4.3.2.3 IndustrialAvailable industrial land is extremely limited. However, areas which have the infrastructure availablefor industrial development but which are also isolated enough to be compatible with existingresidential development are not apparent.There are three large industrial parcels zoned General Industrial or Light Industrial that are currentlyoperated as granite quarries. These parcels – in White Rock, on Old Hopkinton Road, and inBradford – have been excluded from this analysis since they are unlikely to be developed for otheruses during the timeframe of this Plan.Town officials necessarily must therefore encourage the expanded use of underutilized industrialfacilities provided that doing so is consistent with environmental considerations.The lack of industrial land also means that Westerly must participate in regional economicdevelopment initiatives. This recognizes new job opportunities in the region not only provide jobopportunities for Westerly residents but also for the larger regional population. Such opportunitiescontribute to the vibrant commercial and professional service sectors in Westerly.peter j. smith & company, inc. 54