Westerly

Westerly is one of Rhode Island’s big small towns. It has a traditional downtown that struggles like other Main Streets across America. But Westerly has major railway assets that connect it to one of the most prosperous regions of the world. Westerly also has wondrous natural beauty and a strong community spirit. KeepSpace will help Westerly preserve its assets and adapt to the opportunities of the new millennium.

The KeepSpace Community Design Plan will work to:

• Focus residential and commercial development in the downtown area so Westerly can grow while protecting and preserving its natural spaces.

• Use transportation improvements to create a vibrant, bustling main street with local businesses and nice homes and spur the overall economic vitality of the town, region and state.

• Create nice homes to suit a variety of preferences and lifestyles, including apartments to rent and various options for homes to own.

• Enhance Westerly’s walkability (along with bicycles and public transit) to connect residential, commercial, recreational, religious and cultural opportunities.

• Accommodate existing and future residents and businesses in and around downtown Westerly.

• Better connect Westerly’s North End to the resources of the downtown area.

• Make a major contribution to the environment by reducing reliance on automobiles and remediating under-used and contaminated lands.

• Encourage robust economic and residential growth within Westerly’s town center, preserving the area’s beautiful and fragile environment.

• Improve social connectivity to and enjoyment of the Pawcatuck River and ocean.