To the Residents and Landowners in the Town of Steuben

We have tabulated and summarized the results of the town survey sent out in late summer of 2008. 183 surveys were returned out of the 450 sent out or 41%. To view the complete summary and tabulation of the written comments please go to the Town of Steuben Web page  http://town.steuben.ny.us/content

The concept of the survey was to find out what the residents and landowners think about the town and its future. The next step will be to revise the existing town plan.

The Town Supervisor, Town Council, and Planning Board would appreciate your review of the results of the survey and encourage comments at the regular town board and or planning board meetings or e-mail to steuben@dreamscape.com

If there is enough interest we can arrange a special meeting.

Written comments can also be sent to:

Town of Steuben

9458 Soule Rd

Remsen, NY 13438

Sincerely,

Dan Carpenter, Supervisor

Arnie Talgo, Planning Board Chair

Town of Steuben

COMMUNITY SURVEY  -  SUMMARY

Number of surveys mailed: 450  -  Number of surveys returned: 183 (41%)

Compiled by:  NYS Tug Hill Commission, August 26, 2008

A total of 450 surveys were mailed out on June 11, 2008.  Survey recipients were selected from town tax rolls.  Surveys were required to be returned by July 4, 2008.  Out of 450 surveys mailed out, 183 were returned, for a return rate of 41%.

The following is a summary of survey responses:

•·         66% said they did NOT know the town has a web page, and 32% said they did know about the web page.

•·         23% said they resided or owned land in the town for less than 10 years, 24% said they resided or owned land for between 10 and 20 years, and 53% said they resided or owned land for more than 20 years.

•·         56% said they are town residents and 37% said they are landowners.

•·         Only 6% said they are under 34 years of age, 38% are between 35 and 55 years of age, and 54% are over 55.

•·         57% are employed full time, 5% are either employed part time or unemployed and 33% are retired.

•·         Top 3 reasons for choosing to live and/or own property in the town include: rural atmosphere (76%), small population (52%), and quality of schools (31%).

•·         84% are very satisfied/satisfied with the quality of life in the town.

•·         Top 3 town services survey respondents are very satisfied/satisfied with include: town hall facility (87%), fire protection (77%), and trash/recycle days (77%).

•·         Top 3 ways survey respondents feel the community has changed in the past two years are: less farming (39%), more people (27%), and no change (26%).

•·         Top 3 issues of concern to survey respondents include: property taxes (91%), road maintenance (45%), and stream and water quality (30%).

•·         80% said it is very important/important to preserve the character of the town.

•·         Top 3 types of development survey respondents feel would be compatible for the community include: single family homes (59%), farms/agricultural uses (57%), and wind turbine development (49%).

•·         Top 3 types of housing development that should be encouraged in the town include: single family homes (77%), senior housing (26%), and affordable housing 20%).

•·         Top 3 areas survey respondents feel they would like to see growth in are: agriculture (52%), hiking and skiing trails (40%), and town parks (38%).

•·         57% said they would NOT be willing to serve on a committee to assist the planning/town board review survey results and help draft a new comp plan for the town and 31% said YES, they would be willing.

•·         Top 3 types of laws or regulations survey respondents said they would want to see put into effect at the town level include: farmland protection (59%), review of housing development (54%), and review of commercial developments (53%).

•·         79% said YES, it is a good idea to set a minimum lot size for residential development and 27% said 1.5 acres was an appropriate minimum lot size, 21 % said 2 acres was appropriate and 15% said 3 acres was appropriate.

•·         In the event of a disaster, survey respondents said their household has the following: alternative heat source such as wood stove (62%), supply of non-perishable food (59%), supply of potable water (51%), and generator for backup power (51%).

•·         61% said it is very important/important that the town pursues the action of getting the town hall as a Red Cross Certified Emergency Service Center through grants and other funding sources.

•·         73% said it is very important/important that there are adequate facilities for town highway department employees and equipment.

View looking down into Fink Hollow

in North Steuben.

Seniors had a beautiful day at the Catskills.  Dinner and fall scenery.  The train trip through the Catskills was great.

Judge Maclaughlin swearing in Supervisor L. Daniel Carpenter,

Edward Grogan, Highway Supt., Town Clerk Christina Anken,

Councilman Leslie Dean, Councilman Troy Finn, andTax Colector Linda Hayes.