TOWN OF STEPHENSONCOMPREHENSIVE PLANNING SURVEY
A PDF version of this survey is available by clicking here.
INTRODUCTION
From 1990 to 2005, the Town of Stephenson’s population increased from 2,288 to 3,276, or 30%. In the year 2005, the Town had 96 new homes built. Population and housing growth offers many opportunities but can also cause a number of dilemmas for agriculture, natural resources, land use, and other things like transportation and economic development. This realization has prompted local community leaders to identify “land use” as the top priority issue in Marinette County.
A similar situation in many areas of Wisconsin led the legislature to adopt the “Comprehensive Planning Law” in October, 1999. The law encourages communities to manage growth in order to maximize their opportunities and minimize their dilemmas. For communities that want to make decisions related to zoning, subdivision, or official mapping, they must have a plan adopted by January 1, 2010. Currently, Marinette County and eight of twenty-five municipalities are involved in a joint planning process through 2010.
MARINETTE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING PROCESS The Marinette County Comprehensive Planning Process is uniquely structured to encourage grassroots, citizen-based input, including this 2006 broader survey. Each participating local town, village, and city will develop their own very localized plan using the process illustrated below. Each local plan will be developed by a Local Planning Group and eventually recommended to the local governing body. The local governing body will be responsible for adopting the plan through an ordinance. For planning purposes, communities will likely be organized into geographic regions called “clusters.” There may possibly be two Cluster Committees representing respective regions of Marinette County. The Cluster Committees are a tool to help foster intergovernmental cooperation. Local communities are still 100% responsible for developing their plan.
At the County level, the Multi-Jurisdictional Planning Committee, which includes one representative from each participating local unit of government and a representative from the Land Information Committee, will develop the County Plan. The Multi-Jurisdictional Planning Committee will make a recommendation concerning the County Plan to the County Land Information Committee and they in turn to the County Board. The County Board is responsible for adopting the County Plan through an ordinance. In the end, each town, city, village, and the county will have their own plan.
The results of this survey will expand input and clarify opinions as communities develop goals, objectives, policies, and strategies for implementation.
Report produced by: Shawn Kaskie, Community Resource Development
Educator, Marinette County UW Extension
SURVEY BACKGROUND
The new law requires communities to foster public participation throughout the planning process. One tool often used to generate input is a citizen opinion survey. In an attempt to deal with these changes and identify new directions and goals, the Town of Stephenson Plan Commission and the Marinette CountyUW Extension developedthis survey to obtain opinions and ideas about the future of the community. Survey results will help ensure the Town of Stephenson continues to be an enjoyable place to live, work, and play. Results from this survey will help guide the Stephenson Town Board and Planning Committee in future decisions.
The nine elements of the comprehensive planning law include: 1] issues and opportunities; 2] housing; 3] transportation; 4] economic development; 5] community utilities and facilities; 6] agriculture, natural, and cultural resources; 7] intergovernmental cooperation; 8] land use; and 9] implementation.
SURVEY METHODOLOGY A seven-page questionnaire was citizen tested prior to sending it out. The 2006 survey was mailed to all property owners in the Town of Stephenson that were chosen from a list generated from the 2005 tax roll. Duplicate names for owners of multiple properties were eliminated except for their home address.
Despite this scientific approach, several limitations must be considered when analyzing the results. The survey was of property owners and might not reflect the opinions of the general population. Renters and residents of group quarters (e.g., assisted living facilities, etc.) were not surveyed. According to the 2000 Census, this amounts to 155 (10.9%) housing units. The survey returns of 62% were reflective of the 2000 Census for seasonal property owners, which was 61.8%.
2006 SURVEY RESPONSE A total of 4,684 surveys were sent and over 1,500 (33%) surveys were returned. The high response rate indicates strong interest in comprehensive planning and land use. It is also an indication of the quality of the survey instrument. Using a survey helps communities engage citizens who cannot attend meetings or would otherwise not voice their opinions. Surveys rarely are sent to everyone in the community and a 100% response rate is never achieved.
HOW TO READ THE REPORT The following report includes a pie chart or bar graph summarizing the town data for each question and an accompanying narrative description. Reports will be available on the town website at http://www.stephensonwisc.com/ by clicking on “Comprehensive Planning.”
Town Growth Issues
The majority of survey respondents (64%) reported residential growth should at least slower than the present rate. Most respondents (91%) reported that land available for housing should either decrease or remain the same.
The majority (64%) of respondents characterized the future Town of Stephenson as residential, vacation, and agriculture based.
64% 4% 3% 7% 27% 43% 2% 1% 3% 40% 9% 35% 30% 5%
In contrast to Question No. 2, respondents reported that if growth should occur, single family homes were preferred. Five
(5) other comments were related to no growth or staying as is.
More than half of the respondents reported wildlife habitat preservation was an important factor when determining whether a new residential development should occur. Other factors rating above 40% included: forest preservation, maintaining rural small town atmosphere, quality/quantity of ground water, and protecting surface water.
Most respondents (84%) agreed that placement of new residential developments should be managed in order to control community service costs, like school bussing, roads, and police and fire protection.
Agricultural Issues
Most respondents (92%) agreed that preserving open space is important.
| Total Responding | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| % | # | Ranking | |
| Preservation of Farmland | 91% | 1,363 | 1.8 |
| Preserv. of Rec/Open Space | 93% | 1,401 | 1.4 |
| Land Development&Growth | 87% | 1,317 | 2.7 |
Preservation of recreation/open space was ranked at “most important” with land development and growth ranked the lowest of the three categories.
Two-thirds of the respondents agree that ag preservation should be a Town of Stephenson priority.
Most (92%) of respondents at least generally agree that a farmer’s “right to farm” is important.
The majority (57%) of respondents reported they would like to see the land kept in traditional agricultural-related use after the sale. Almost one-quarter stated a preference for using the land however the landowner decides. Nearly 30 comments included limiting development to conserve the environment.
The majority (57%) at least agree that future residential developments of 5 or more homes should not be allowed near existing farming operations. 18% disagree.
Residential Land Use Issues
Most respondents (92%) preferred a new parcel of land to be developed for single-family housing. Also, nearly one-third of respondents were interested in more housing for senior citizens.
The most desirable lot size for a home was fairly evenly divided with 56% of respondents reporting a minimum lot size of five (5) acres or less, and ten percent (10%) reporting lots of six (6) acres or more.
Regulatory Issues
Most respondents (88%) agree or strongly agree that land use strategies are necessary to protect our community interests.
Nearly three-fourths of respondents report that in the future, land use regulation should be regulated or support the comprehensive plan while one-fourth of respondents felt the Town should remain without zoning.
Total Number Responding = 1,465Most respondents (85%) report the Town of Stephenson should play a roll in regulation of signs and billboards on town roads.
Total Number Responding = 1,065
On the issue of other regulation concerns, respondents were closelydivided. Seventy-three (73) of those reporting “yes” made comments related to unsightly yards due to junk, trash and unlicensed vehicles. Another 30 comments included more regulations on mobile homes.
Government Services
More than one-third of respondents (35%) prefer to see new recreational facilities related to non-motorized recreational trail development, although motorized trail preferences ranked slightly higher than non-motorized trails. Slightly more than one-quarter would like to see additional Peshtigo River and Flowage access. Twenty-nine percent (29%) preferred no new recreational facilities and ranked this as there most preferred option. Other comments reported: improvements on boat landings and piers (35).
Total Number Responding = 1,436
Morethanthree-quarter ofrespondents (78%) feela small sanitary district should be created to serve areas of concentrated residential or commercial development.
Nearly three-fourths (71%) of respondents feel that the town police protection can remain as is. Other comments suggested adding a one-cent tax to higher more county sheriff patrol time.
More than three-fourth of the respondents feel that fire and rescue services are adequate. Twelve (12) other respondents commented on the need for paid and/or full-time staff.
Thirteen percent (13%) or 197 people responding to this question provided comments related to no more services needed related to high taxes (56). Another ten (10) comments were related to airport services requested.
Industrial & Commerce Issues
Total Number Responding = 1,461
More than two-thirds of respondents (68%) feel the level of industry in the Town of Stephenson is okay as is. Nearly one-third desire more.
Slightly more than half agree that the Town of Stephenson should encourage retail/commercial.
56 respondents referenced more retail shops in general with 13 focused on tourism and speciality stores. 59 respondents would like to see another grocery store while another 42 specifically mentioned more manufacturing.
Total Number Responding = 1,432
More than three-fourths of respondents agree that the town should regulate business in predominantly residential areas.
Total Number Responding = 1,409
About two-thirds of the respondents disagree with the statement that the Town of Stephenson needs an industrial development area.
More than half (55%) agree or strongly agree that the Town should promote festivals. Less than one-quarter disagree.
The majority of respondents (63%) agree or strongly agree that the Town of Stephenson should promote tourism.
Transportation
Less than half state the Town roads are adequate. Nearly one-third stated the road conditions, such as potholes and poor visibility, create safety concerns. Speeding (25) was the other largest comment while Parkway Road (25) was the most commonly referenced specific site of concern.
Total Number Responding = 1,482
Most respondents (85%) stated the roads should be made safe but maintain much of the rustic beauty.
Nearly half (47%) of respondents feel the Town of Stephenson should pave as many roads as possible. Nearly one-third felt only major roads should be paved.
Total Number Responding = 1,453
Nearly three-fourths of respondents stated plowing and sanding is okay regarding winter road maintenance. The remaining one-fourth would like to see salt or other materials added.
Environmental & Social Issues
Most of the respondents (94%) agree that maintaining the aesthetic beauty of the town is important.
More than three-fourths of the respondents (77%) agree that Town of Stephenson should enforce ordinances to maintain the aesthetic beauty of the town.
Most of the respondents (905) agree that woodland/wetland protection in the town is necessary.
Just over half (51%) sometimes or always agree that landowners should be compensated NOT to develop their land. Twenty-seven percent (27%) reported that this should never be an option. Of the additional comments concerning land development: 10 supported land development and 30 were against more land development
Statistical Information
Total Number Responding = 1,444
2000 Census figures reported the Town of Stephenson residents were 53% male and 47% female. Note that seasonal landowners are not residents.
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Thirty-two percent (32%) of our respondents were age 65 or older compared to 2000 Census figures for the town which were 21%. More than 63% respondents were 55 or older. Less than 13% were 44 or younger.
The majority of respondents (63%) characterized their property type as rural with another 17-18% as shoreland or subdivision.
Total Number Responding = 1,467The survey returns of 62% were reflective of the 2000 Census for seasonal property owners, which was 61.8%
Almost half of respondents (48%) owned their property for more than twenty years.
More than one-fourth of respondents reported as retired residents. Nine percent (9%) of residents reporting stated they worked outside the town while the remaining 6% stated working within the town.
The highest type of employment reported by respondents was in the manufacturing sector at 10%. According to 2000 Census, 18% of town residents worked in manufacturing. Other occupations reported included medical (13) and trucking (5).
More than half (67%) reported driving less than nineteen miles to work. Slightly more than one-fourth reported driving more than twenty miles to work. Seven percent (7%) reported working at home compared to 2000 Census figures of 8.6% for the Town of Stephenson residents. Also, according to 2000 Census, the mean travel time to work for town residents was 33.2 minutes.
Of those reporting members in their household, more than two-thirds claimed two or more members. According to 2000 Census figures, the average household size of town residence is 2.23.
Total Number Responding = 538 (36%)
THE “9 ELEMENTS” OF COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING Wisconsin’s comprehensive planning law, signed by Governor Thompson in October, 1999, includes a definition of a comprehensive plan. Before this law, Wisconsin did not define what is meant by the term “comprehensive plan.” According to the law, a comprehensive plan shall contain at least all of the following “9 elements:”
- Issues and Opportunities
- Housing
- Transportation
- Utilities and Community Facilities
- Agricultural, Natural, and Cultural Resources
- Economic Development
- Intergovernmental Cooperation
- Land Use
- Implementation