Webster renews efforts to revitalize 600 Ridge Road, seeking development partners to transform the long-vacant property at the heart of West Webster Hamlet into a valuable community asset

Webster, New York – The Town of Webster is once again seeking partners to help revitalize 600 Ridge Road, a long-vacant property that has stood at the heart of the West Webster Hamlet for over fifteen years. With spring approaching, local officials are renewing their efforts to secure a viable redevelopment project, hoping to breathe new life into the historic structure and the surrounding community.

Back in October 2024, the Town issued its first call for potential development partners, encouraging experienced professionals to submit proposals for rehabilitating the former Webster Furniture Strippers building. While the initial request did generate interest, none of the proposals led to a project that could move forward.

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Now, with an extended deadline of March 14, 2025, Webster officials are doubling down on their search for a qualified partner with the experience, resources, and vision necessary to transform the site into a valuable community asset.

Developers and organizations interested in the project are required to submit a letter of interest to the Town’s Department of Community Development. Prospective partners must demonstrate a proven history of successful rehabilitation projects and provide evidence of their ability to manage and finance the redevelopment. The Town will carefully review each submission and select candidates with the strongest credentials to engage in further discussions.

While the search for a development partner continues, town officials are preparing for multiple possible outcomes. According to Josh Artuso, Webster’s Director of Community Development, securing a strong partnership is the preferred route, but if no suitable candidate is found, demolition remains on the table.

“Eliminating the blighting influence is a critical component of any revitalization strategy and is the key to attracting additional investments in the West Webster Hamlet area,” Artuso explained.

The fate of 600 Ridge Road is also tied to the Town’s recent application for a Restore NY grant, which, if approved, could provide essential funding for rehabilitation or site improvements. However, officials are proceeding with caution, ensuring that alternative plans are in place should the funding not materialize.

Regardless of whether redevelopment or demolition moves forward, the Town is committed to enhancing the economic vitality of West Webster and making strategic improvements that will benefit local businesses and residents.

The significance of this property extends beyond its physical structure. Positioned at the intersection of Ridge Road and Gravel Road, 600 Ridge Road occupies a key location in the hamlet’s core. Its revitalization is seen as a necessary step toward broader economic growth, serving as a catalyst for new investment in the area.

The Town officially took ownership of the property in March 2024, a move that signaled its commitment to addressing longstanding vacancy issues and improving the visual and economic landscape of West Webster.

With the March deadline fast approaching, the Town remains hopeful that this renewed effort will attract a qualified development partner capable of transforming 600 Ridge Road into a thriving space. Until then, officials continue to explore every possible option, emphasizing that unauthorized access to the site remains strictly prohibited.

For those interested in learning more about the West Webster Hamlet Revitalization Project, additional details can be found on the Town of Webster’s official website.

More information on the West Webster Hamlet Revitalization Project is available on the Town’s website.