Like many North Country communities, Westport has had difficulty keeping businesses open and has seen its younger population drop as people move away to seek opportunity elsewhere.

Enrollment at Westport Central School has declined about 13 percent in the last 10 years, from 276 students to 241.

“We see less growth, and worse, the decline of businesses,” Westport Town Supervisor Dan Connell said at a recent meeting of a new group called Future of Westport, which drew more than 140 people.

Bringing it all to a head, he said, was when Champlain National Bank recently limited its open hours by two days.

“It’s time to bring people together.”

STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES

Struggling with the enigma of keeping Westport’s environmental quality, architectural integrity and small-town way of life intact while becoming economically viable, participants under the direction of Executive Director of Lakes to Locks Passage Janet Kennedy worked to list the community’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

That SWOT format produced these strengths: cultural, such as the Depot Theater and library; the golf course; the train station; the community’s security; airport; marina; Essex County Fairgrounds; unique shops; absence of a Wal-Mart; the school; Lake Champlain; and the many outdoor activities, including hiking, boating and skiing.

Perceived weaknesses included the lack of year-round businesses, gas stations, affordable and senior housing and public access to the lake. The group noted limited employment opportunities; high taxes; poor participation at town and school meetings; lack of business incentives and a master plan.

“We need to entice people to come here and for the students to return,” offered Westport School Superintendent Karen Tromblee. “We need to come together for a common goal. We need to discover a direction… to make sure Westport stays on the map.”

Chamber of Commerce Vice President George Maffey looked toward the Champlain 400 celebration in 2009 as a catalyst.

“Some might stay and or start a business,” he said.