Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Webster public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
38 issues
Commercial Signage Updates (7-Brew & Canandaigua National Bank)
Three separate applications along Tebor Road in the industrial district want sign setbacks of 7 to 13 feet where 25 feet is required. The outcome shapes how visible businesses can be along the corridor.
Backyard Chicken Coop Application at 440 Lake Road
A Lake Road resident wants zoning approval to keep up to six hens in a backyard coop and run. If approved, it could signal how the town handles similar backyard-chicken requests in single-family neighborhoods.
Verizon Cell Tower Construction on Wildflower Drive
Verizon is seeking approval for a 129-foot tower where 100 feet is the maximum. The application is tabled to December 8, so the decision — and any neighborhood concerns about visual or property impacts — will come back next month.
Well field / open space preservation
A resident urged the board to make protecting the village-owned well field land — which the town holds an overlay on — a top priority, calling it a shared gem for the whole community and pushing for intergovernmental cooperation rather than gerrymandering.
fairlife facility agreements and Certificate of Occupancy
The town is spending up to $34,920 more on Campus Construction to get Fairlife its Certificate of Occupancy — but the money comes from Fairlife's lump-sum payment, not local taxpayers.
Van Alystyne Park Subdivision stormwater pond dedication
The Town would take ownership of land containing a stormwater maintenance pond from the Van Alystyne Park Subdivision, meaning the Town would be responsible for maintaining it.
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.
Sewer Code Amendments (Local Law No. 4)
A proposed local law would fix two EPA-flagged issues: allowing permitted metal finishers to discharge neutralized wastewater and extending violation response time from 10 to 15 days.
Pedestrian Safety and Infrastructure
A resident's near-miss at the Chiyoda/Bird Sanctuary trail crossing on Webster Road prompted a reminder that safety is a shared duty between drivers and pedestrians.
E-Bike Safety and Regulation
Board members raised concerns about unsafe e-bike riding on Main Street sidewalks and floated a future code conversation, noting Ogden confiscates e-bikes under its local rules.
Town of Webster 2027 Final Budget
Webster's 2027 budget is adopted. Town-wide property tax rate rises 4.2% to $5.76 per $1,000; sewer rates drop 3.3%. Total spending across all funds is roughly $56.3 million.
Olive Garden Restaurant at Holt Road
Plans to convert the old Uno Pizzeria into an Olive Garden were presented to the board. Officials discussed landscaping requirements, brick restoration, and community impacts.
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.
State Snow and Ice Removal Contracts
The town approved funding adjustments for its state highway snow and ice removal agreements with NYSDOT for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 seasons.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Economic Development
Coca-Cola just broke ground on a massive new fairlife dairy plant in Webster, bringing hundreds of jobs and a serious boost to our local economy. It's a huge win for commercial growth in town.
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.
Setback Variances for New Residential Construction
A developer requested a variance to keep a pre-existing metal garage close to the road while splitting a large lot into new single-family homes. Neighbors and board members weighed the visual impact against preserving an established structure.
Privacy Fence Placement on Corner Lots
Homeowners on corner lots face challenges meeting front-yard setback rules when installing privacy fences. The board weighed safety visibility against the residents' need for privacy.
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.
Affordable Housing
Need a break on rent? A new housing lottery just opened up for affordable apartments at 3547 Webster Ave, but you'll have to act fast to get your application in.
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.
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.
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.
Renewable Natural Gas Project Cancellation
The town is moving forward with engineering and design for an anaerobic digester gas capture project at the wastewater treatment plant. Supporters say it will create a long-term revenue stream and tax credits, while dissenting members raised concerns over the town's current debt load.
Municipal Flag Policy and Community Inclusivity
Dozens of residents spoke during public comment about the recent flying of the Pride flag at Town Hall. Supporters praised the display as a message of inclusion, while critics urged the town to adopt a neutral flag policy limiting displays to official government flags.
Bay-Ridge Residential Re-Subdivision
A lot line adjustment for five historic properties on Ridge and Bay roads raised concerns regarding shared water lines, old septic systems, and stormwater runoff into local creeks.
Temporary Development Moratorium
The town board advanced a proposed six-month moratorium on major subdivisions, large solar projects, data centers, and commercial districts while updating its 2008 comprehensive plan.
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.
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.
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.