| Survey
Design
The informal survey
developed by the Update Committee did not attempt to be
comprehensive in scope, as we believe that surveys, by their
very nature, can never capture all the nuances of opinion.
We also recognize that by handing it out at the election,
we were picking a targeted market (voters) that might not fully
represent all the stakeholders in the Town.
At the same time, we believed that the turnout for this
election would be high and that there would be a broad
cross-section of the voting population at the polls.
The first two
questions on the survey were qualitative.
Codes were developed that would capture the most
frequently mentioned themes in the responses. Those codes then were tabulated.
The next two questions asked citizens to indicate their
top 5 priorities among a number of different possibilities.
These priorities have also been captured in the following
report. The final
question asked participants to state whether or not they would
be willing to take part in a focus group, and to give their
contact information if they were.
The
Response
As noted above, 1700 plus voters took the time to fill out
the surveys in the midst of a busy election day environment;
more striking still is the fact that almost 350 residents
provided their names and contact information for further
involvement in forums and/or focus groups planned as part of the
MP effort. The sheer numbers of participants is a statement in
and of itself of the commitment people have to this town.
Validation of the Voices for Vision Findings
In the following
sections, the report will look at the responses from a number of
different points of view. In addition to the quantitative report, we are including an
analysis of the themes that we saw appearing in the data.
Of particular interest to the MP Committee is that what
people value about the Town, their vision for Hopkinton, and the
challenges they see ahead all mirror the findings from the
Voices for Vision Forum held in March, 2003 (results of that
Forum can be found on the Town website).
This confirmation of themes adds to the validity of the
survey findings.
Explanation of
Questions and Coding
Question #1:
“What do you most value about Hopkinton?
The following codes
were used to tabulate the responses to this question:
·
FOT:
“Feel of Town” (e.g. answers like “rural character”,
“small town feel”, “quaint”, “geographic beauty”,
“country feel”, etc.)
·
PF:
“People Factor” (e.g. answers like
“friendliness”, “nice neighbors”, “sense of
community”, “family oriented”, “tolerance”,
“diversity”, etc.)
·
L:
“Location”
·
QL:
“Quality of Life” (including things like “safety”)
·
S:
“Schools”
·
OS:
“Open Space”
Question #2:
“What would you most like to see changed?”
The codes used to
tabulate the responses to this question were:
·
CG:
“Increase/grow the commercial base”
·
D:
“More Diversity or balance in town” (e.g. references to
increase in affordable housing, more economic or ethnic
diversity, balance of newcomers and long-time residents, etc.)
·
DR:
“Downtown Revitalization” (e.g. references to
“beautification”, “more shops/restaurants”,
“historical preservation”, etc.)
·
GOV:
“Change in local Government” (e.g. less red tape and
bureaucracy, change in structure of government, etc.)
·
OS:
“More Open Space”
·
PE:
“Political Environment” (e.g. references to improving the
political tone in town, improving working relationships among
town boards, etc.)
·
R:
“Recreation” (e.g. more fields, more activities, a
Community Center, etc.)
·
RG:
“Slow/stop Residential Growth”
·
S:
“Schools” (e.g. improve, add, keep as they are, etc.)
·
SE:
“Spend more Efficiently” (do more with less, improve
budgeting/planning, re-prioritize town spending)
·
T:
“Lower Taxes”
·
TR:
“Improve Traffic Congestion” (also includes improvements to
streets, sidewalks, etc.)
In Question #3, people were asked to rank their top 5 “Community
Characteristics” from a list of 14 possibilities.
While most people
indicated their top 5 priorities by numbering them from 1-5,
some people just checked their priorities without ranking them.
The numbers shown under “Numbers of Times Cited”
in the quantitative report captured both of these indications in
the tabulations.
The numbers shown in
“Number of Times Ranked” refer only to the answers
where a priority number was given.
People were also
given an opportunity to add comments to this section.
In Question #4, people were asked to rank in order of
preference those “things they would be willing to consider to
manage revenues”.
As with Question #3,
some people just checked their preferences rather than ranking
them. The numbers
shown under “Number of Times Cited” in the
quantitative report captured both of these indications.
The numbers shown in
“Number of Times Ranked” refer only to the answers
where a priority number was given.
Question #5 invited
people to sign up to be in a focus group.
345
people indicated their interest by providing contact
information.
The
survey also gave people several opportunities to add additional
comments. These
have all been captured and will be used by the Master Plan
Committee as they move forward.
The following report
contains both a summary of the quantitative data (number of
times items were cited, rankings, etc.) and a summary of the
qualitative date (comments made within the body of the survey).
Question #1:
“What do you value most about Hopkinton?”
It was clear in the
comments that there is a deep sense of commitment to the small
town, rural feel of Hopkinton. Hopkinton is characterized as a
town that captures peoples’ hearts with open space, small
businesses, strong community volunteerism, great schools, and
high quality of life, including a sense of safety.
In fact, the large response to the survey and participants’
willingness to participate further is representative of the
sense of community pride that was found in the kinds of comments
people made throughout this portion of the survey.
A large number of respondents prioritized community
spirit, values, friendly people and “involved
townspeople.” Several
respondents specifically commented that they value the level of
volunteerism in town, both in government and in the schools, and
a few specifically noted the way residents look out for each
other. Some sample
comments:
- Residents
are helpful to those less fortunate
- Open
meeting type of government & dedication of town
employees/volunteers
- Compassionate
townspeople
About 1300 respondents included notes about what they value
most. The vast majority of comments were positive and centered
around key phrases including: beauty, character, charm,
community, country living, home town, quiet, rural, schools
(good/great schools), education, location, proximity to major
highways/Boston, open space, lakes, natural resources, parks,
quality of life, and small town.
Those that chose to address commercial or industrial growth
were universally supportive of small and/or independent
businesses, commercial development that would enhance downtown
without disturbing the “feel”, discreet industry if any, and
no chains or large franchises. Some examples:
- As
a lifelong resident, and 4th generation of
Hopkinton, I value the smallness and peacefulness of the
town. I do know
it is slipping away.
- Charm,
sense of community, safety, location
- Country
atmosphere, good schools, upscale as well as historic
- Excellent
educational reputation, rural and smaller community, one
center of town in central location – not sprawled
- Good
schools, small town feel, wooded quiet acres that are nice
for those who walk
- No
Wal-Marts
- No
chain or fast food establishments
- Not
overdone with big businesses and large retail stores
- Quiet,
safe, well maintained town with excellent schools
On just this first question, those responding with the first
or only comment naming the small town feel of town (beauty,
rural, small town, country atmosphere, nice place, quaint,
quiet, nice place, small, etc) number over 700.
Those singling out the school system (schools, quality
of schools, education, good schools) or putting it first in
the list number about 300.
Those prioritizing open space (open space, lakes,
forested land, natural resources, land) about 160.
Community feel, location and safety were
also often mentioned. As
expected, for those who listed more than one characteristic,
there was commonality in prioritizing the rural nature, the
school system, sense of community, open space and natural
resources
Negative responses were noted but not often.
Examples include:
- I
value the past when there were less built-up developments
sucking resources and increasing traffic
- I’m
not sure anymore! Too
much growth, too much spending, too many ‘yuppies’…who
come and go!!
- Not
much- Too much growth, education fair, taxes too high
Overwhelmingly the respondents to the first question
communicated a dedication to maintaining Hopkinton’s rural
character, protecting her resources, minimizing big business and
prioritizing the schools and other town services like fire and
police.
Resources singled out in the comments include Café Italiano,
Colellas, the Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA), the Hopkinton
Community Endowment (HCE), the Marathon, Lake Maspenock, the
State Park, Library, horse trails, access to water, Weston
Nurseries, athletic fields, sports, coaches, teachers, and the
local newspapers.
Question
#2: “What would you most like to see changed?”
In
order to make the vast number of comments easier to digest and
use, both by Town committees in general and the Master Plan
Committee, in particular, we grouped the comments into recurring
themes. Inevitably, there is crossover between themes and
repetition within sections.
However, it appeared that each of the following groupings
of comments were discrete subjects that should be reported in
some depth. They
are:
·
Downtown
Revitalization
·
Housing
·
Commercial/Business/Industrial
·
Financial
Management
·
Open
Space/Environment/Water/Natural Resources
·
Transportation
·
Recreation
·
Government/Political
Environment
“DOWNTOWN
REVITALIZATION”
Although a question
specifically relating to “downtown revitalization” (DR) was
not included in the Master Plan survey of 2004, it is clearly a
priority for Hopkinton’s citizens.
There were close to 350 comments made throughout the
survey that related to changes people would like to see in the
downtown area.
Their comments
reconfirmed the findings of the February 28 and March 1st,
2003 Voices for Vision Community Forum, as well as the report
made to the Selectmen by the Downtown Revitalization Committee
in Fall, 2004.
The key areas of
interest that were repeatedly mentioned in the Survey focused
on:
·
Appearance:
There were many comments about peoples’ wish to make the
downtown area more attractive. This included paying attention to
historic preservation, building characteristics, signage,
utility lines, lighting, etc.
Some sample comments were:
o
We
need cosmetic changes to downtown: underground wires and tax
incentives for business to upgrade facades.
o
In the
downtown area…don’t want it bigger, but it needs to be
refreshed and taken care of.
Many of the buildings and the empty lot next to the
drugstore need to be better kept up.
Getting rid of the visible wire would be nice too.
o
Downtown
needs to be spruced up…needs to be beautified.
o
Upgrade
to fancier streetlights. More flowers. Fix sidewalks.
o
More
preservation of historic structures, trees downtown,
improvements to buildings on Main St., no neon signage
o
The
center of town needs a facelift.
o
The
character of downtown – it’s so hodgepodge.
o
Improve
Hopkinton center…appearance of buildings and stores,
especially the drugstore. We
need town standards for commercial building architecture and
signage.
o
Give
the downtown area more character and charm by bringing in more
businesses that provide that (e.g. Main St. Café)
o
Move
gas stations
o
Make
signage in town conform to quaint specifications.
o
More
historic feel for downtown; no changes to store fronts without
board review.
o
I’d
like Hopkinton to offer more places to shop (grocery, clothing,
electronics) so we don’t have to spend our money in Milford,
Westborough, Framingham.
·
Additional
Businesses:
Survey participants frequently stated their wishes for
more businesses that they felt would increase attractiveness and
draw people to the downtown area.
There were numerous references to making the downtown
more like Wellesley, Westborough, or Concord.
The kinds of additional businesses that were mentioned
included:
o
More
nice restaurants
o
Casual
family restaurants
o
Bakery
o
Small
clothing store
o
Bookstore
o
Small,
upscale gift shop
o
Small
convenience business services
o
Better
supermarket, open on Sunday
o
Coffee
shops/Cafes like Starbucks, Eastern Bagels
o
No
chains!
o
Video
store
o
A
Community Center
o
Bed
and Breakfast
o
Many
people also called for an improved and expanded Library
·
Traffic/Pedestrian
Flow:
There is a great deal of concern about the congestion in
the downtown area, in general, and at Rtes.135 and 85, in
particular. Some
people worried about safety issues and the speed of trucks
passing through town. Others felt the traffic detracted from the
attractiveness of the area, particularly as it made walking
around town undesirable. Some
specific suggestions included:
o
Rerouting
traffic around Town
o
Doing
something with the traffic light
o
Less
traffic (more lights on 135 & 85 to discourage cross-town
travel)
o
Straightening
out the intersection
o
Create
walking town concept
o
Make
downtown a good place to stroll
·
Parking:
A number of comments were made about the parking
situation in town, with several calls for diagonal parking.
o
The
trend toward using “bump-outs” as part of the new
parking/redevelopment for business districts actually decreases
available street parking…Bringing back diagonal parking in
downtown will add spaces and slow down the thru traffic
HOUSING
The
most frequently mentioned comment about housing was the rate of
residential growth. Respondents are well aware of the effect
that housing growth has on taxes (particularly school needs),
and on the overall rural character of the town, such as traffic
and the loss of woodlands and natural habitat. “Slow down
residential growth” was the second-most frequently mentioned
concern when respondents were asked what they would want to
change (260 responses); “less residential growth” was ranked
number five on the list of Community Characteristics (788
responses).
·
Less
destroying of the environment (i.e., building developments. More
planting of trees when we tear ones down.
·
It
disheartens me to see all the building developments that destroy
the beautiful forests we have.
·
Where
is the money going? It seems that with all the $1 million homes
with few children there should be plenty of money.
Housing Values
A
small number of respondents considered housing (generally their
own) to be something they most value about Hopkinton. High
property values, large lots and quiet, safe neighborhoods were
mentioned most often. Some respondents also liked the historic
and traditional New England style housing. “Most value”
comments:
·
Historic
homes and buildings.
·
I
moved to Hopkinton two years ago because of the amount of land
each home had surrounding them. This is important to me.
·
Our
neighborhood, quiet streets.
·
Quiet
and safe.
·
Quiet
and lots of green.
·
Housing
values.
·
Property
values.
·
The
profit I will make when I sell my house.
Housing Problems
A
significant number of respondents (109 comments) had serious
concerns about housing. The majority wanted to see more
affordable and moderately priced housing, to enable their
children, senior citizens and public employees to live here.
They also were concerned about the “mansionization” of
Hopkinton; larger houses required too much land clearing, and/or
should be sized to fit the lot.
·
Affordable
housing to keep the middle class in town.
·
Disturbing
trend toward mansions.
·
Increase
minimum lot sizes to build new homes (can require purchase and
donation of wilderness acreage for lots that are too small).
·
Larger
building lots, like two acres.
·
Less
future building; if necessary, should be smaller homes on small
lots with Open Space set aside.
·
Make
it so the size of house fits area.
·
Make
sure other people can live here, not just be for the wealthy
·
More
controlled development, larger lot requirements and restrictions
on tree cutting.
·
More
diversity in options for housing.
·
No
more construction of massive houses, but affordable housing for
people like my son and family trying to move back to town.
·
Property
values are ridiculously too high; middle class folks can’t
afford to live here.
·
Stop
chopping down so many trees when building new homes (protect
natural resources).
Housing Impact on
Community Characteristics
Respondents
felt that current housing trends have a negative impact on
community characteristics. In addition to the above-mentioned
ranking of less residential growth, some repeated the need to
control residential growth in their comments. Again, they were
concerned with the lack of affordable housing, oversize houses
and excessive land clearing.
·
More
low-income residential growth. Hopkinton was a mixed economic
level community. Housing/land costs are driving out middle and
low-income families.
·
Affordable
housing was not on the list. It should be number 4.
·
I
would like to see more growth in moderate-income properties, as
opposed to all of the million dollar properties.
·
No
more McMansions! Let our teachers, firefighters and policemen
afford to live here.
·
Protect
Lake Maspenock from the huge houses.
COMMERCIAL/BUSINESS/INDUSTRIAL
Most
respondents seem to recognize the relationship between
residential growth and tax increases. And, they believe that
non-residential growth (commercial, business and industrial)
could help balance revenues and reduce the need to increase
taxes.
When
asked what they would want to change, the top responses were
downtown revitalization (#1), slow residential growth (#2),
lower taxes (#3) and increase commercial growth (#4).
·
Downtown
revitalization, which is a commercial area, is discussed
separately.
·
There
seems to be some confusion about commercial, business and
industrial uses. It appears that many respondents used these
terms interchangeably, not realizing that there is a difference
between offices and stores. Most knew what was considered an
“industrial” use.
Value
of residential and non-residential use
Responses
to the question about what was most valued reflected the mixed
feelings residents
have
about increased non-residential growth.
·
Perfect
combination of open space, quaint businesses, good
schools…unspoiled.
·
Good
balance between services and taxes, but need to expand
commercial base.
The
most frequently mentioned comments (26) were that they liked the
small, quaint downtown area:
·
A
working downtown with businesses that make sense.
·
One
center of town in central location, not sprawled.
Also
mentioned were the absence of chain stores (25) and the lack of
commercial/retail development (24).
·
No
major commercial chains such as McDonald’s, CVS, Stop &
Shop, etc.
·
No
Wal-Marts.
·
Lack
of commercial & retail development.
·
Not
overdone with big businesses and large retail stores.
Respondents
liked the fact that the town is primarily residential (23).
·
Separation
of Industry and Residential.
·
Small
size, residential, not industrial/commercial.
A
significant number liked the location of Hopkinton, as it is
close to major highways for convenient access to Boston, work
and stores
in other towns.
·
Centrally
located to all shopping areas.
·
Country
characteristics while close to larger cities.
·
Location
to 495 and Mass Pike.
·
Location
to work and access to stores.
Question
#2 (“What do you want to change?”): Responses related
to commercial/business growth
Many
respondents may be unsure of the difference between commercial
and business uses, and so some responses overlap. There was a
great deal of interest in downtown revitalization (which is
discussed separately). The most frequently mentioned changes
included more commercial development (59), more business
development (54), more restaurants (31) and more
commercial/business development (9).
·
A
limited and thoughtful expansion of business/commercial growth.
·
Addition
of new businesses: upscale gift shop, a bakery, any places to
shop locally.
·
Bring
in upscale merchants.
·
More
varied businesses (large and small).
·
More
commercial business to add convenience.
·
More
restaurants, supermarkets, stores. I go to Westborough for
everything.
·
Small
amount commercial - want shopping plaza/movie theater. Don’t
ruin nature, but add some commercialization.
·
Improved
shops (not chains) that are accessible. We do have to drive a
distance for everything.
·
Clean
business.
Some
felt that improved zoning for business was needed(8).
·
Need
town standard for commercial building architecture and signage.
·
More
of tax base through easier abilities for new businesses to enter
town - “quaintness” only goes so far to pay taxes.
·
More
shops, better commercial zoning - trying to open a business here
is a joke - every board throws read blocks at you left and
right.
·
More
support for small businesses; more commercial zoning on West
Main Street.
Many
respondents specified increasing non-residential uses for the
downtown area, and these are not counted here; most felt that
these uses should be limited to specific areas, rather than
allowing non-residential development everywhere.
·
Better
use of available business space.
·
Would
like to see business districts more developed in their current
locations. I’d like to see more small business - not the big
chains - locate in and around Hopkinton. More industry on South
Street and around 495 intersection.
·
More
commercial along 495.
Only
ten respondents favored increasing industrial development; a few
expressed concerns about industrial uses including truck
traffic, especially on side streets, the Harvey expansion and
plans for a wastewater treatment plant on Fruit Street.
·
No
industrial expansion; increase tax base by commercial and
professional (not industrial) expansion on South Street.
·
Light
industry/office develop in a limited area to increase tax
revenue.
·
More
commercial, light industrial especially retail development.
·
Who
thought to propose sewage treatment near the well on Fruit
street? Idiot!
Impacts
on Community Characteristics
When
asked to rank community characteristics in order of importance,
respondents ranked “increase commercial development” #4.
Some repeated this preference in their comments (35); others
included additional comments, to clarify what they want and
don’t want.
·
A
good bookstore, gift shop, restaurant, fine clothing.
·
Emphasis
on small, clean commercial growth.
·
No
mall/chain store/drive through.
·
Tax
base is too heavy on residential - need relief from businesses.
·
Would
like Hopkinton to offer more places to shop (grocery, clothing,
electronics, etc.) so we don’t have to spend our money in
Milford, Westborough, Framingham.
More
business (9), careful commercial development (9), no chains (6),
more restaurants (8).
·
Being
careful as to type of commercial growth business that does not
destroy character.
·
Make
it easier for small business to come into town.
·
More
commercial growth - limit property tax and add jobs.
Possible
locations for commercial development (other than downtown)
included: South Street, “well situated”, “hidden” and
within neighborhoods.
·
Neighborhood
grocery/cleaner/coffee/bank/hardware groupings like Colellas.
·
Commercial
growth should be done in accordance with existing zoning laws.
·
Commercial
growth neighborhood businesses, i.e., “general” convenience
stores.
·
Commercial
growth should be “well situated”.
·
I’m
driving too much. Need more in-town shops, restaurants, etc.
·
No
more areas such as EMC. Keep us small with character. The EMC
South Street area is horrible, so many closed buildings. But new
ones were still built. Such a waste of land. The area of High
St., Elm St. and West Main should not have any more business;
even that old trailer looks better than a business building. It
is quaint, business building is ugly.
·
More
commercial in business zoned areas such as vacant spaces on
South Street.
·
The
right types of commercial growth - small businesses rather than
big…but larger companies in designated industrial zones.
Question
#4 (“Willing to consider to manage revenues?”):
Responses related to commercial/business growth:
When
asked what methods they would prefer to help pay for town
services, respondents ranked “increase commercial
development” as their first choice and “increase industrial
development” as their third choice. Other options were raise
taxes (#5), change spending priorities (#2) and increase user
fees (#4).A number of respondents had additional comments,
generally expressing their concerns about the impact of
increased industrial development:
·
Bring
industry to town: fine, if in South Street industrial park.
·
Re
industry: non-intrusive industry; we have a choice; no heavy
truck traffic.
·
Re
more industry: in existing space.
·
Re
more industry: heavy industry - no; white collar business - yes.
·
We
already have available office space. We just need tenants.
Some
respondents had more extensive and specific comments:
·
I
would like to see more commercial growth if it can be done
without a huge impact on neighborhoods. I think an office park
like the one that was proposed a few years ago near the State
Park would be good if there is a lot of open space, so that
wildlife is not totally displaced and local views are not
impacted.
·
As
a participant in the downtown revitalization committee, my sense
is that many good ideas and initiatives are underway, but there
needs to be a town employee, such as a town manager, who’s
responsible for implementation of these initiatives. The town
has grown to the point that the substantial budget should have a
professional manager.
·
Given
Hopkinton’s close proximity to both 495 and I90, the town
should take advantage of additional commercial development of
the 495 interchange area. Also, we need more restaurants, a
sports bar, bed & breakfast, particularly in the downtown
area. I would much prefer to spend my money in Hopkinton than
Westborough or Milford.
FINANCIAL
MANAGEMENT
One of the dominant
themes in the Master Plan Survey focused on the current
financial state of the Town. In addition to the numbers in the
quantitative section, 247 of the respondents included written
concerns about the amount of residential growth, the subsequent
pressure for more services, and the resulting increase in taxes.
Some spoke of the unmanageable tax burden on the Town’s
seniors. Others spoke of having to move out of Hopkinton because
of the high costs of living here. For example:
·
I have
concerns about Hopkinton becoming elitist and fixed costs
becoming too much for retired and fixed-income folks to handle.
·
I love
my home, but I can’t stan | 
