Survey results are available for
download on the city’s Web site:
www.staytonoregon.gov.
By Mary Owen
Build more single-family homes, improve streets and sidewalks, acquire more parks and open spaces, revitalize downtown and further develop the Wilco/Shaff Road neighborhood – these are some of the wanted amenities listed in Stayton’s recent city survey.
Some 2,500 surveys were sent to Stayton residential utility customers with city addresses and 300 randomly hand-delivered by local Boy Scouts as part of a 2009-2010 City Council goal to increase public participation. About 15 percent of the surveys – 419 – were returned, or which is the median for a community’s expected return.
“The survey asked several types of questions, each useful for a different purpose,” said Dan Fleishman, city planning and development director. “There were questions about future growth and development that will be used to influence the policies in the city’s comprehensive plan.”
Respondents were asked about the type and location of new development, the city’s facilities and services and willingness to support them, and to describe their demographics.
“The answers to those questions will be used in the budgeting process to prioritize city efforts to improve the services we provide to the residents of the city and may be used by the council in determining, which, if any, new revenue sources to pursue for improving city facilities and services,” Fleishman said.
Fleishman and other city officials were pleased with the results that appeared to link priorities of both the city and its residents.
“The survey gave us an idea of what people are happy with and what needs to be improved,” Fleishman said.
Most respondents were satisfied with police protection, library, water and park services, and overall city beautification. Some wanted citywide wireless cable access, more elderly residential options and additional youth facilities. Almost all agreed: keep the small-town atmosphere.
Highlights of the survey were expressed by the respondents, who wrote in:
• “More street lamps in neighborhoods.”
• “Make city American Disability Act approved.”
• “Establish zones between housing, industrial and commercial areas.”
• “Keep Stayton a small town atmosphere.”
• “More local, large retail shopping – Winco, Wal-Mart, Fred Meyer.” Also, “No big-box stores.”
• “More industry to provide local jobs.”
• “Spruce up downtown.”
• “We need things for the youth to do.”
• “Start building affordable houses.” Also, “No more rentals!”
• “No more taxes!” versus “I’d pay higher taxes if it cleaned up our community.”
Nine out of 10 respondents reported they own their home. And younger residents and renters were not represented as well as those older than the city’s population as a whole. The majority of those answering the survey questions have lived in the city between 10 and 20 years.
“Regardless of their answers, one of the main purposes of the survey was to get people more involved and give them a voice,” Fleishman said.
