Planning for Westford’s orderly growth and development is necessary to enhance the quality of life for its residents.  We recognize the need to preserve the essential character and aesthetic appearance of the Town.

The League will support:

• Strict enforcement of the Town bylaws
• Separation of residential, commercial, and industrial uses.
• The zoning technique of planned unit development.
• The zoning technique of cluster development for the following reasons:  Preservation of open space; More efficient use of town resources; Reduced maintenance costs for the town; Possible reduction in home costs.
• Limiting extractive operations to industrial districts.
• Strict enforcement of earth removal bylaw.
• Strict regulations of nonconforming lots, uses, and structures.

Traffic patterns and the appearance of the commercial and industrial districts are of particular concern to League members, especially regarding signs, parking lots, landscaping, screening, and preserving open spaces.

The League will support:

• Planned commercial and industrial development, cluster rather than strip commercial and/or industrial zoning.
• Effective buffer zones to separate differing uses.
• Effective buffer strips and screening in commercial and industrial zones.
• Sign restrictions and regulations which include sign permits.

League members believe it is important for Westford’s present and future citizens to have ample space for passive and active recreation, as well as the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful view.  The chance for us and our children to experience a natural environment is irreplaceable.  Once paved over or built upon, an area is, for these purposes, gone forever.

Park and recreation areas contribute to the town’s tax base by adding value to the surrounding properties and to the community as a whole.  “The price tag of unfettered growth can turn out to be much greater than the cost of conservation.”  Quote from Mass Dept. Natural Resources Newsletter.

The League will support:

• Preservation of open space and recreations areas.
• Active pursuit by the Conservation Commission of additional open space and/or conservation restrictions.
• Public education about the benefits derived from open space.

The League will support:

• Specific local provisions for wetland zoning.
• Stringent regulations and tests to assure soil suitability for building.