By Curt Peterson
The Hartland Planning Commission displayed results from its 2023 vision survey of residents and non-resident property owners. Mill Moore, who had organized the results, projected a very professional presentation that revealed many interesting and unexpected results.
The town has about 3,400 residents, according to the latest census, including adults and children. Oversimplified, the 608 respondents to the survey represent a tad less than 18% of the total population, which is a very respectable response rate, and includes non-resident property owners who took part in the survey. All the percentages in the presentation referred to the 608 respondents. However, not all respondents answered all questions in the survey. Many questions had responses totaling just above 500.
Commissioners said, while the data is accurate, the survey organization and conclusions are still in “draft” form. Chair Rebecca Gordon said there will be a public introduction of the final commission-approved results when complete.
Hartland results were segmented into four groupings: Rural (60%), Three Corners (12%), Four Corners (16%) and North Hartland (12%) residents. Other categorizations were by length of residency and age of respondent.
Age groupings include Over 65 (44%), 40-64 (46%), 20-39 (10%).
Moore said there are four “stress points” or areas of non-consensus among the groupings:
Desire for more services versus resistance to increased taxes.
Villagers’ opinions versus rural residents’ opinions.
Long-term residents (30 years or more) versus newer-comers.
Four-Corners residents versus everyone else.
Landowners represent 93% of the tally, non-resident landowners 2%, and renters 5%.
Asked what should be the most important long-term vision, 61% want Hartland to remain a “quiet, rural town”, 59% desire affordability for young families. Improvement of roads, lower taxes, investment in education, high speed internet for all, and preventing “mega-mansion” development are suggested.
Single- and multi-family houses are preferable, respondents said. Suggestions for affordable housing include tiny houses and cluster housing, condos, “a few” apartment buildings, mobile homes and senior housing.
Respondents think villages and adjacent areas, and highways best for multi-family housing, and for commercial development, although 36% would prefer no commercial expansion in town. Industrial development got 55% thumbs down anywhere.
Equal numbers (41%) said “no” and “yes” to establishing zoning regulation in town.
Cell towers and wind towers got moderate support (46% and 31%). But there is pretty strong favorability for supporting expansion of ambulance services, health services, fire services and police services (49% to 54%).
Environmental issues, i.e. invasive species identification, stream and river buffer zones, wildlife conservation, critical habitat identification, and wetland identification, all received strong to medium prioritization.
Not surprisingly, flood mitigation ranks high on the list of survey participants’ priorities.
Biking and walking trails are prioritized among recreational opportunities. One respondent suggested an “award scheme” whereby environmental activists might be recognized for their personal investment.
Weatherization and encouragement of renewables to produce electricity are favored ways to achieve energy and emissions goals. Suggestions include providing solar installation grants or rebates, and education about available programs.
Transportation is a well-recognized challenge for Hartlanders. The survey inspired suggestions of “better parking in Three Corners,” more bus stops and service, charging stations for electric vehicles and more multi-family housing.
This is just a skeletal look at the very comprehensive survey result presentation.
