Willsboro Comprehensive
(Land Use) Plan

Next Meeting; Sept. 7, 2010
Willsboro Visitor's Center

Town of Willsboro Local Planning Program
Prepared by Ann Ruzow Holland, Community Planning Advisor, Willsboro, New York

The Town is moving forward with plans to update its land use planning program, starting with the Comprehensive Plan in 2009, followed by the zoning and subdivision regulations in 2010.  A community meeting was held on December 6, 2008 to orient residents to the Comprehensive Plan process and recruit potential volunteers and committee members.  Over 53 people attended. Many asked great questions, some took notes to share with their neighbors and friends and others volunteered to help out.

Immediate next steps involve: finalizing contract arrangements with New York State Department of State,  Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability for the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program Grant that is helping to pay for the project, drafting a public participation plan, collecting recruitment surveys that were distributed to the community and organizing the steering committee and possible sub-committees or focus groups for the plan.  Then we are on our way.

The following information will continue to be posted on Willsboro’s website for new readers just becoming acquainted with Willsboro’s plans to update its local planning program.

What is a Comprehensive (Land Use) Plan?

• New York State Legislature defines “Comprehensive Plan” to mean, “….descriptive material that identify the goals, objectives principles, guidelines, policies, standards, devices and instruments for the immediate and long-range protection, enhancement, growth and development of the municipality” (New York State Department of State). 
• Also known by other names, depending upon state or city law and the region of the country: Master, Local Government, or General Plan. 
• Must be complete and include the social, economic, land use, natural resource, and community issues associated with the town. 
• Must also consider a time frame of usually a five to ten year outlook. 
• Includes all the land within the town, but also considers what is occurring in the region that may affect the town. 

Why is a Comprehensive Plan Important to Willsboro?

A Comprehensive Plan paints a picture of a community’s past, present, and plans for the future. The writers of a Comprehensive Plan can set into motion recommendations and actions that impact most people, properties and interests within the town over a long period of time.   

Who is managing the Process Right Now?

The “Organizing Committee” is managing things for now until the Steering Committee is appointed by the Town Board.  Then the Steering Committee will take over until the project is complete.

Organizing Committee for the Comprehensive Plan
Lori Lincoln Spooner, Town Supervisor
Steve Benway, Town Councilman
Mark Bonfey, Chair, Willsboro Planning Board
Tommy Gillilland, Chair, Willsboro Zoning Board of Appeals
Win Belanger, Designee, citizen
Ann Ruzow Holland, Community Planning Advisor, Planning Consultant

What are the Goals of the Willsboro Comprehensive Planning Project?

Engage the public in a participatory planning process that establishes land use policies and standards that:

  Apply Smart Growth principles to future land uses in the town. 

  Promote sustainable economic development,

  Protect water quality,

  Preserve open space and farmland,

  Ensure compatible waterfront development

  Promote public access to the waterfront 

  Preserve sensitive areas

  Encourage pedestrian-friendly design in the hamlet.

The plan will also be used to reinforce the Town’s hamlet as a regional center on Lake Champlain, destination for water-based recreation and related tourism activity which are significant component of the local and regional economies.  

Develop a comprehensive plan, land use regulations, and project review guidelines for the Town with emphasis on the Lake Champlain, Long Pond and Boquet River waterfront areas to be submitted to the Adirondack Park Agency for consideration as an approved local land use program. 

How do I stay informed?

Email: willsboroplan@willsborony.com

Call the Town Supervisor, Lori Lincoln-Spooner at 518-963-7096

We will be establishing a mailing list for future communications.

We will also be establishing in the near future a website and blogg at:   www.willsborony.com/plan

“This public information document was prepared for the New York State Department of State with funds provided under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund.”