Transit chief Invoice Webster takes helm at Chestnut Hill Conservancy board – Melissas Meals Freedom

Press launch posted 6 February 2025
by Carla Robinson with Chestnut Hill Native

The Chestnut Hill Conservancy has named Invoice Webster, SEPTA’s Chief Communications Officer, as the brand new president of its board of administrators, the group introduced at this time.

Webster succeeds Eileen Javers, who led the group for eight years and can stay on the board and govt committee. The appointment comes because the conservancy works to steadiness historic preservation with environmental conservation in Philadelphia’s Chestnut Hill neighborhood.

“Chestnut Hill is exclusive in that it’s a walkable, participating neighborhood the place individuals genuinely join,” stated Webster, who moved to the realm in 2018 together with his associate, Jeff Dugan. “The hot button is making certain that individuals perceive their position in shaping what occurs subsequent.”

In his position at SEPTA, Webster oversees public engagement for one of many nation’s largest transit techniques. He beforehand helped safe State and Nationwide Historic District designations whereas working with the Montrose Park Historic District Affiliation in New Jersey.

Webster emphasised that the Conservancy isn’t against improvement however advocates for progress that preserves the neighborhood’s character. “What we advocate for is accountable improvement – that respects the character of Chestnut Hill and ensures that what makes this neighborhood particular isn’t misplaced within the course of,” he stated.

Amongst Webster’s priorities is increasing instructional packages about preservation instruments and native decision-making processes, together with zoning legal guidelines and variances. He goals to assist residents higher perceive and have interaction with improvement points affecting their neighborhood.

“Many individuals care deeply about preservation and conservation, however they don’t at all times perceive the mechanisms that form what occurs of their neighborhood,” Webster stated. “An knowledgeable neighborhood is a extra empowered neighborhood – one which is aware of when and learn how to have interaction to have an effect on a significant influence.”

The appointment comes because the conservancy works with new Govt Director David Gest to guard the constructed and pure setting of the Wissahickon watershed. Webster famous that balancing historic preservation with environmental sustainability presents each challenges and alternatives.

“We don’t prioritize one over the opposite,” he stated. “As an alternative, our objective is to strike a considerate steadiness, making certain that our constructed and pure environments stay protected for future generations.”

Rising up close to Washington, D.C., Webster witnessed the impacts of city renewal firsthand, seeing communities both erased or strengthened by means of preservation efforts. This expertise formed his dedication to community-driven preservation.

“I noticed the stark distinction between areas like Southwest Washington, the place every part was torn down within the identify of progress, and neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and Georgetown, the place engaged residents got here collectively to guard their architectural and cultural heritage,” Webster stated.