Westerly - State of Rhode Island: Division of Planning

The Westerly Comprehensive PlanObjective 3.Objective 4.Encourage development that supports a broad spectrum of seasonal residencesthroughout the community, providing a range of housing alternatives and value andhelping to secure Westerly’s significant seasonal-resident tax base.While making the opportunity to enjoy Westerly’s attributes available to tourists andvisitors, also protect the interests of local residents and taxpayers in using andenjoying the community’s natural and cultural resources.GOAL 8: ACTIONSAction 8.1Action 8.2Action 8.3Action 8.4Action 8.5Prohibit the expansion of the existing highway commercial district. Encourageredevelopment of existing under-utilized commercial space, particularly in the Route1 corridor.Review and revise the planned resort development provision in the Westerly zoningordinance (§260-48) as a strategy to promote longer stays by visitors and touristswhile limiting impact on local neighborhoods.Develop a program to proactively work with owners of existing lodging facilities toencourage rehabilitation and updating of facilities to extend tourist use.Evaluate the mix of accommodations in Westerly to determine whether the marketsfor seasonal vacationers, year-round visitors, and business travelers are beingadequately served.Insure that land-use regulations and decision making consider the implications andpotential impacts upon the four key elements of our community (tourism, seasonalresidents, year-round residents, and regional service and retail) and upon Westerly’squality of life and economy.GOAL 9Ensure institutions critical to Westerly’s future growth, safety and prosperity are generously supported andsustained.Objective 1.Objective 2.Objective 3.Objective 4.Recognize that Westerly’s school system, hospital, the library, and its volunteerambulance and fire departments are critical to Westerly’s future.Ensure future school facility decisions are based on intensive student populationforecasts and consideration of the capacity and condition of all current facilities, andoperating costs.Continue to support the activities of non-profit organizations which contribute toWesterly’s quality of life.Support a quality public school system where enhanced performance by students issought and monitored.Westerly, Rhode Island 73