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Another of Webster's amenities, according to Bob Cochran, is its proximity and access to wilderness areas. Fran Webster chose Webster as his home "because of the good, wholesome people and the sense of belonging." John and Gracia Slater agreed, emphasizing the "strong sense of community."
"It's peaceful and quiet here," said Malcolm McNeill. Clark Sheffield added, "I like the people here and the slower pace of life."
"It's a neighborhood where you feel safe," said Skip Englebright, another town board member. James McManus and Collen Hayes both mentioned that Webster is "a great neighborhood for raising children." Town treasurer Billie Jo Bryson commented on Webster's "great history that needs to be preserved."
The artisans and crafts people add to the rich heritage, said Fran Webster. John Slater said it was nice to live in a community surrounded by rich, Native American heritage.
"Our small rural post offices, like Webster's, should be preserved," Englebright said. Marilyn Collings said she felt Webster's strengths were its diversity of churches and its coordination of volunteers and programs like Meals on Wheels. Cody Woolridge said Wesbter, and other Jackson County communities, were fortunate to have volunteer rescue squads and fire departments. Raymond Ledford said the county is also fortunate to have such a quality transportation service for the elderly.
After ranking Webster's assets, the focus shifted to what needs to be changed. Immediately the response throughout the room was, "Zoning! We need zoning!"
Joan McNeill said the county needs control over its billboards, and Fran Webster suggested that the commissioners need to be assertive in growth issues. Phil Gibson said affordable housing was needed, while Mickey Henson said the county should work with Western Carolina University to keep quality graduates in the area. John Slater called for broad band telecommunications.
"If we want to eat, we need support for our farmers," Woolridge told the crowd.
Several objected to the recent increase in taxes, including Post Master Mark Jamison, who said, "If tax rates keep going up and we have no incentives or tax relief for our senior citizens, rather than hold on to land that's been in their family for generations, they will be forced to sell. When that happens, developers will take over the land."
David Sitton complimented the Smart Growth meetings but cautioned, "We should have been doing this 20 years ago because we've already lost too many things in our community."
The next meeting will be Tuesday, Jan. 23, at the Justice and Administration Courtroom for those in the Sylva/Sylva City township.
The meetings are a joint effort among the municipalities, the Jackson County Board of Commissioners and the county Economic Development Commission.
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