Weathersfield Township Economic Development Public Input Survey Results Summary

Transcription

1 Picture Source: Hammond Construction Weathersfield Township Economic Development Public Input Survey Results Summary February, 2018

2 Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber Weathersfield Township Economic Development Public Input Survey Results - Summary Contact: Sarah Boyarko Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber 197 West Market Street Warren, OH ext fax sarah@regionalchamber.com February, 2018

3 WEATHERSFIELD TOWNSHIP PUBLIC INPUT SURVEY RESULTS A community survey of Weathersfield Township residents, business owners and other interested parties was held during the month of December, The survey was designed by the Regional Chamber, approved by the Weathersfield Township Trustees and promoted through a variety of media outlets including websites, social media, news outlets, targeted s and mailings. The purpose of the survey was to understand what issues are of importance to the businesses and residents for the economic health of the community as well as to support Weathersfield in the attraction of new businesses and the growth of its existing firms. The survey questioned respondents on business-friendliness, growth opportunities, community assets, current perceptions and potential improvements. Survey Results: Overview: There were a total of 71 survey responses. Of those, 32 were disqualified because information in all fields were blank; only questionnaires with at least two fields entered were considered valid. A typical scenario causing the fields to be blank is that the survey was previewed by the respondent without any answers selected. The final count of valid surveys is 41. Data reporting on the following pages is based on the 41 surveys answered. Please keep in mind that not all questions were answered fully by all respondents as well as that some answers had multiple areas of concern. The majority of respondents, 68%, were Weathersfield Township residents. Another 20% were business owners or employees of Weathersfield businesses. The remaining 12% were classifed in the other catetegory. 3

4 Number of Responses WEATHERSFIELD TOWNSHIP ASSETS 1) PLEASE SELECT THE OPTION BELOW THAT BEST DESCRIBES YOU. Survey Response by Type Employee 5% Other 12% Business Owner 5% Resident & Business Owner 10% Resident 68% IF BUSINESS OWNER: WHAT PERCENTAGE OF YOUR WORKFORCE ARE WEATHERSFIELD TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS? 3 Weathersfield Residents Employed in Weathersfield Businesses None 25% 33% 50% 100% 4

5 IF BUSINESS OWNER: PLEASE SHARE AN EXPERIENCE, IF ANY, IN WORKING WITH THE WEATHERSFIELD TOWNSHIP LEADERSHIP AND DEPARTMENTS. HAS THIS EXPERIENCED HELPED YOUR BUSINESS GROW? Business Owner Experience with Weathersfield Leadership Negative Positive Number of Responses There were 3 responses given to this question that reflect business owner s experiences in Weathersfield Township. Two comments were positive and one was negative. Comments: I have had an excellent working relationship with Weathersfield Police Department for many events that my business has hosted. I am very grateful to have a business in Weathersfield. The Weathersfield Township leadership and all departments go above and beyond to make you feel welcome here. This allowed my business to grow 9 consecutive years. Great community! 5

6 3) HOW CAN WEATHERSFIELD TOWNSHIP BETTER SERVE THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND RESIDENTS? THOUGHT STARTER: ACCESS TO TRANSPORTATION, NEIGHBORHOOD CLEANUP, SAFETY/SECURITY, ETC. How Can Weathersfield Township Better Serve the Business Community & Residents Park Improvements Blighted House Demolition Bus Service Improved Communications Traffic Flow Road Maintenance Business Growth Safety Main Street Appearance Neighborhood Cleanup 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% Of the 32 responses to this question, survery-takers overwhelmingly commented that Weathersfield could better serve the community and residents by cleaning up neighborhoods including the Rt46/Main Street Corridor and making them safe. Responses were grouped and categorized as listed above. Clean up, trim grass in areas near major intersections such as Rt.46 and County Line rd. (this intersection is pretty much overgrown all summer long...) - and - take down the many, many signs that get posted on telephone poles! Yuk I live in Oakview Neighborhood and we have no safe way to walk or bike outside of the neighborhood. It would be awesome if there was a bike/walk path connecting us to a community with food and shopping options. Improving the appearance of the major access routes into our community. Providing a turning lane along Route 46 and improving sidewalks. More economic development bring in new businesses More security around the bike trail, neighborhood cleanup would be great there are many areas that are a haven for dumping trash and inviting new businesses to the area. 6

7 3) WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY FOR WEATHERSFIELD TOWNSHIP IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS? THOUGHT STARTER: BUSINESS GROWTH, MAIN STREET REVITALIZATION, ETC. Business Growth 43% Rt 46 Rt 422 RG Steel Area Salt Springs Area Road Maintenance 6% Resurfacing/ Pot Holes Truck Routes Main Street Revitalization 37% Walkable Sidewalks Commercial Opportunities Image Community Assets 16% Township Park Bike Trail Community Center Of the 41 respondents to this question, 43% feel that business growth along multiple corridors is the most important opportunity for Weathersfield Township. The second most important opportunity is the revitalization of the Route 46/Main Street area. Respondents used Badurik s Butcher Block as an example of a successful business. Regrowing Main Street which once had a pharmacy, grocery store, post office and other amenities. The township park is a great addition to the township and a good focal point around which to grow the village. Growth at salt springs and 80. And on 422. Both are major traffic areas for the township To develop property near the area of Pizza Joes, maybe bring another restaurant into the area. Also, make Main Street look more presentable, sidewalks more presentable and 'walkable'. Business growth on Main Street. Bring in new businesses. Develop a marketing plan highlighting the easy access to the area. Focus on a small village image with a big business opportunity. Use Baduriks success as a prototype. Organize a farmers market. These markets are popular and would bring a lot of people into the area. A community center for events of the citizens within the community. 7

8 4) WHAT IS ONE 'HIDDEN GEM' IN WEATHERSFIELD TOWNSHIP THAT IS OFTEN OVERLOOKED? THOUGHT STARTER: PARKS, BIKE PATH, SCHOOLS, ETC., Recreation 39% Living 27% Education 14% Assets 12% Location 8% Over 39% of the responses to this question indicated that the hidden gem in Weathersfield Township is the bike trail and parks. Another 27% suggested the small community atmosphere, and safe neighborhoods were of great value to the township. The responses were categorized into the following sections: Assets Businesses, Meander/Water District Education Weathersfield School System Living Small Community Atmosphere, Safe Neighborhoods, Historical Legacy Location Access to Highways Recreation Bike Trail, Parks The wilderness recreation area south of Depot St is a wonderful addition to the bike trail. Both the parks and bike trail. The Bike trail, could use a trail head or parking area.. It might make sense in the name of safety to change the Route 46 crossing to a Walk Bridge instead of pedestrian crossing. School system Police and fire do a great job. It would be nice to get more funds so they are not spread so thin. Small community atmosphere Closeness to bike path, several places to access it (although the access/parking could be improved upon Small town with quick access to many other places. 8

9 5 ) WHAT KIND OF AESTHETIC IMPROVEMENTS WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE ON THE COMMERCIAL AND BUSINESS CORRIDORS? THOUGHT STARTER: TARGETED CLEANUPS, MUNICIPAL LANDSCAPING, ZONING ENFORCEMENT, SIDEWALKS, ETC. Aesthetic Improvements in Commercial Corridors Targeted Cleanups Zoning Enforcement Main Street Focus Road Improvements & Traffic Control Landscaping Sidewalks Installed/Repaired Park Improvements Street Lighting/Lampposts Remove Abandoned Buildings Underground Utilities Rental Properties 0% 10% 20% 30% Overwhelmingly, targeted cleanups were the major improvement suggestion of the 32 responses to this question. Additionally, respondents also want follow-through so that cleanups are maintained through zoning enforcement. Mostly, residents and business owners want the Route 46/Main Street area improved and made more appealing. There are a few areas along St. Rt. 46 that could use some zoning/clean up enforcement. There are undeveloped industrial areas along Austintown-Warren & Warren Avenue that could use clean up and be re-used for new businesses. The former WCI Steel location has lots of property available that should be targeted for re-use/development. New sidewalks and bury electric underground Clean up and enforce the zoning. You will not get any business owners to invest as it is. Lamppost style street lights, curbs, underground utilities, business owners that take pride in their business and buildings. Get rid of old buildings, beef up in the zoning regulations which will make the community look better and dress up Main Street, it's so busy add some color and pizzazz! Add more to the new park, such as trees and picnic tables, a pavilion, bathrooms, swings, etc. Definitely start with trash cleanups and zoning improvement, which can start with minimal costs Zoning enforcement is essential to prevent further decay. Targeted cleanups should be addressed especially on Main Street in Mineral Ridge and Weathersfield Township (Heaton Chute). Also the section of McKinley Heights which belongs to Weathersfield Township (422 and Robbins). 9

10 6) ARE YOU WILLING TO VOLUNTEER FOR THESE ACTIVITIES? Willingness to Volunteer for Activities Suggest a group 7% Yes 32% Not at this time 61% Of the 31 people answering this question, 61% declined to volunteer for activities, 7% suggested a group or agency and 32% of respondents said they would volunteer. Possible groups or agencies that might be contacted are: Mineral Ridge Boy Scouts Cub Scout Pack Girl Scout Troop 10

11 7) WHERE SHOULD PUBLIC ART BE CONSIDERED IN THE TOWNSHIP? WHAT TYPE? THOUGHT STARTER: BIKE RACKS, BENCHES, MURALS, SCULPTURES, ETC. No 11% Public Art in the Township? Yes 89% Gazebo Fire Station Where Should It Be? Bike Path Main Street Benches Bike Racks What Should It Be? Landscaping Welcome Signs Water Features Murals Of the 27 responses to this question, the majority (89%) approved of some type of public art in the city. Again, the majority proposed the gazebo and following that is Main Street. The type of public art suggested is mostly benches, landscaping and murals. For those who did not approve of public art in the city (11%), the comments indicated that public art is not a priority and other issues should be resolved first. This is not that important to me. Hit the bigger issues first. Adding to the welcome signs on Main St (landscaping etc) would highlight an already attractive area. Around the Bike trail and potentially the Mineral Ridge corridor along St. Rt 46. Benches and paver sidewalk with memorials at gazebo area. Not a fan of murals on the sides of buildings. Water feature in the park with benches and flowers Along the sidewalks, outside the commercial shops, at the school. Murals at the bike trail and water fountains at at bike trail and the school. They did a great job with the gazebo. So I would continue to improve that. 11

12 8) WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IMPROVED OR ADDED TO WEATHERSFIELD TOWNSHIP? THOUGHT STARTER: RESTAURANTS/BARS, ART GALLERY, SERVICES, COFFEE SHOPS, ETC. Improvements to Weathersfield Retail Stores & Boutiques 23% Gas Station 6% Banking 6% Professional Services 6% Other 17% Art Space 4% Grocery 4% Library 4% Restaurant/Eateries 40% Post Office 2% Bike Shop 2% More than 40% of responses to this question suggested an eatery of some sort including restaurants, coffee shops, cafes, bistros, bakeries, bars, pizza and sandwich foods. Similarly, 23% suggested small businesses such as specialty boutiques, drug stores, businesses specializing in antiques, home interiors, or bicycles. Banking and professional services as well as government entities such as a library or post office were also listed. Given the success of the businesses on Main St, it would seem that a coffee shop would be a perfect addition. Including a space for local artisans might be considered as well. Have a coffee shop or cafe near the bike path An aggressive program to bring more business into the shopping area. Professional office complex (small campus style). More professional businesses such as doctors, lawyers, financial planners, etc. The addition of small business restaurants/ bars, coffee shops, home interior, antiques it would also be wonderful if some would be pet friendly. Quality businesses that would become destination businesses. Bakery, florist, antiques, wine, fitness, women's boutique 12

13 9) WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS OR UPGRADES TO THE TOWNSHIP? THOUGHT STARTER: ROAD WORK, LIGHTING, UTILITIES, DOWNTOWN PARKING, ETC. Utility Upgrades/ Underground, 23% Traffic Flow/ Road Widening, 21% Roadwork/ Maintenance, 21% Lighting 15% Other 19% Sidewalks 6% Parking 6% Signs/ Speed Enforcement 6% High Speed Internet, 2% Out of 30 responses to this question, the most often listed concerns was upgrading utilities including sewer and water, widening SR46, and maintaining the roadways. Many respondents offered specific sites where improvements could be made. Road work/repair on Salt-Springs Road, Four Mile Run/County Line Road/Warren Avenue. The intersection of County Line Rd & St.Rt 46 is awful. A turning lane needs added or something to alleviate congestion and increase safety. This is one of the worst intersections in Weathersfield. Lighting at some of the Intersections might help with safety at night. Sidewalks and underground utilities, it will clean it up. To attract new businesses traffic flow and parking will need to be revised. People need to be able to get in and out easily or they will avoid stopping. Maintaining roads, providing sanitary sewer to all businesses and residents. Widening of Route 46 from Salt Springs to the interstate. The Tibbetts Wick - Robbins Ave. is too conjested. The project needs to be moved up. North and south entrances to Main Street could both be improved. Should be well lit. Residential streets, lighting, signage should have a maintenance schedule. 13

14 10) WHAT IMPROVEMENT OR ADDITION WOULD YOU MAKE TO THE TOWNSHIP S PARKS? THOUGHT STARTER: PUBLIC ART, BENCHES, BUILDING UPGRADES, ETC. Aesthetics 33% Maintenance 27% Buildings 13% Image 10% Floral/Fruit Garden Memorial/Public Art Childrens Play Area Benches Parking Lot Maintenance/Expand Park Building Upgrades Community Center Public Restrooms Promotion Activities Out of 25 responses to this question17% of survey-takers were unaware of parks located within Weathersfield Township. The remainder suggested aesthetic changes such as a 911 Memorial/first Responder garden, maintenance and new buildings as the important improvements to the township parks. Promoting existing recreational areas - bike trail, Warren Wildlife Area - would be a low-cost way to increase usage that in turn could create a demand for amenities such as picnic areas. Unknown, I've not used the Park facilities and was unaware they existed.. A community center would be nice that offers activities for all ages. A 9/11 Memorial, Salute to Armed Forces and/or Public Servants (Fire and Police) statue of some sort. Restrooms. Playground. Programs for Twp residents. Yoga, par course, fitness or art for kids. Benches and shelters are welcome but activities create community. Public benches for seating. A playground for children or a water themed area. 14

15 11) YOUR INPUT IS VITALLY IMPORTANT. DID WE MISS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE? More than 16 survey-takers added additional thoughts and comments for consideration. The majority of the comments have also been similarly repeated in different questions throughout the survey, such as Main Street revitalization, blight removal, park upkeep, neighborhood cleanup and other issues. Weathersfield Twp. seems like to be in the middle of it all! Bring jobs in and build on the bike path potential. Police and fire protection are very good Drawing industry is important, jobs jobs. But don't allow Weathersfield to be a dumping ground for polluters. Don't create more congestion and burden to those near the truck stops. Insist on thoughtful planning when adding business there. Love the Weathersfield community A dog park would be wonderful in the area. Similar to the dog park at Mosquito Lake. I would like to see Route 46 landscapes, businesses etc spruced up and improved. When people drive through town, that is their first impression of Mineral Ridge. It is not looking good to attract new businesses or new residents. The school district and the township need to continue to work together on projects. Although some great improvements have been started there is still much to do. I would like to see the community work with our schools and vice versa to involve more than a handful of people in the steps needed to make our commmunity great. 15

16 12) WOULD YOU LIKE SOMEONE FROM THE REGIONAL CHAMBER TO CONTACT YOU DIRECTLY ABOUT YOUR CONCERNS AND IDEAS? 13) WOULD YOU LIKE TO SUBMIT YOUR NAME AND PHONE/ FOR THE $50 GIFT CARD DRAWING?* No- My survey responses are final 74% Yes - Please Contact me 26% No- I do not want to be entered 59% Yes- Please enter me into the drawing 41% Calls to respondents who requested a memeber of the Regional Chamber contact them have been completed. The drawing for the restaurant gift card was held January 2, The winner was contacted and received a Russo s Pizza gift card by mail. 16