Comprehensive Plan Survey Meeting Recap
A three-hour town meeting to unpack the recent Comprehensive Plan survey revealed that residents hold values and preferences that work at cross-purposes with each other.
“The people of Chatham value the town’s current scenic and rural character,” consultant Michael Allen told an audience of about 60 residents. “They are looking to maintain and protect it. They aren’t looking for change.”
Even so, it was apparent from overall survey results that many are looking for more resources and services in Chatham.
Residents also want a diverse community, Allen said. Meeting attendees offered many views on diversity and whether Chatham actually has diversity, and whether survey findings will meet the value of encouraging diversity.
Allen noted that 40% of survey respondents are retired, and that only 9% of those who identified as workers hold jobs based in Chatham.
The community as a whole is younger than the survey sample and less affluent. Many respondents view housing as unaffordable, which makes “keeping elders and younger people here difficult….We need more input from younger residents and from seniors.”
Town Board member Destiny Hallenbeck, age 21, said she will work on getting survey input from other young adults. In addition, the CPURC will hold focus groups for town residents in coming months to increase the representation of varied ideas for planning purposes.
“We need to work toward a wider balance” of housing options, Allen said. While maintaining existing zoning on rural lands, the town needs to coordinate with the Village of Chatham on “new housing and mixed-use housing.” That coordination will need to include “work on water and sewer options, infill housing, and identifying under-used and vacant properties.”
Allen said residents don’t want new housing development, raising the question of how providing affordable housing and diverse housing can occur. He suggested that the town consider “limitations and guidelines” on new development.
Audience comments indicated that transportation options, more local jobs, and incentives for developing desired alternate housing choices in the town would increase the feasibility of such development. Related zoning changes and improved infrastructure, including better broadband and cellular services, are essential as well.
There is no support for big-box and chain stores, Allen said. He recommended that local shops and services make a point of “serving locally” – selling what people actually need, not just what will please tourists. He also said that the survey responses support the repurposing of existing buildings, especially in the town’s hamlets, as acceptable sites for new businesses.
Allen acknowledged that taxes are always a consideration when changes are made in a town’s zoning plan. He said that research supports that increased commercial development, even if it’s focused and limited to certain areas of the town, could widen the tax base, potentially lowering residential taxes.
Survey responses indicate a strong preference for keeping roads as is – that is, a mix of paved roads and dirt/gravel roads. An emphasis on maintaining the agricultural businesses and “farm friendly” zoning in Chatham was also a theme in the overall results. Respondents strongly affirmed the need for solar-power, but don’t want large installations.
The tone of the meeting seemed calm, informed, and respectful of different opinions.
The Comprehensive Plan Update Review committee plans to post Allen’s complete survey analysis on the town website this week, and will be scheduling focus meetings with town residents to gather more feedback on selected areas of concern.