Webster Initiative
About the Project
The Village of Webster received funding from the New York State Department of State Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) program to develop a vision plan for the North End Business District (see study area map below).
Brownfield Opportunity Areas are areas within a community whose economic vitality has been negatively affected by the presence of vacant, underutilized and dilapidated properties. These properties are sometimes impacted by environmental contamination (or the perception of contamination) which has impeded redevelopment, resulting in a lack of investment and in some cases, deteriorated physical and/or aesthetic conditions.
The vision plan (referred to as a Nomination Study) developed for the Webster North End BOA will:
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Include a detailed inventory and analysis of existing conditions within the study area;
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Identify a shared vision for the overall area and strategic redevelopment sites which will be identified with community feedback; and
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Incorporate recommendations for the reuse and revitalization of targeted sites as well as public spaces and corridors.
When investments are made to the public realm and underutilized sites are remediated and redeveloped, these properties can increase surrounding property values, improve public health outcomes and incentivize additional investment.
What is a Brownfield?
A brownfield is an abandoned, idled, or underutilized property where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination.
The Study Area
The study area, located in the Village of Webster and Town of Webster in Monroe County is the historic industrial hub of the community and includes a mix of residential, industrial, and commercial uses. The study area is made up of approximately 569 acres and 227 parcels, with a large swath of underutilized parcels on the east side of the study area, which are part of the historic XEROX campus
What is the boa program?
The Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) is a New York State program that provides financial and technical assistance to complete area-wide planning efforts to support community revitalization in areas that have been impacted by the presence of brownfields and/or underutilized sites.
Benefits of the BOA program
Redevelopment & Investment
Identifies strategies for business
attraction and investment
Predictability
Adds predictability to site clean-up and redevelopment
Empowerment
Ensure future plans align with the vision of the community
Advocacy
Support from NYS DOS and DEC helps connect the community to resources from other agencies and sources
Priority & Preference
Designated BOA's receive priority and preference from the state's various funding programs
Tax Credits
Development projects may be eligible for tax credits