GREENSBORO — The 242 responses to the 2024 Greensboro town survey have been compiled.
The survey helps shed light on residents’ concerns, preferences and priorities.
The survey responses came from 68% full-time residents and 32% part-time. Most residents own their own home, with only 14% renting.
Greensboro Planning Commission graph
In the previous survey done in 2016, 61% of respondents identified as part-time residents. The average household size of two persons remains unchanged for both part-time and full-time residents.
Breaking down household demographics, the majority are couples or single-person households. Senior residents dominate, according to the survey, with 80% of households having at least one senior. Few households, around 9%, include school-age children.
Top issues identified by respondents were the cost of living, housing and healthcare access.
Sixty-two percent said property taxes are the biggest expense, followed by mortgage and rent costs.
Greensboro Planning Commission graph
A majority of respondents expressed a strong demand for single and two-family dwellings, affordable housing and clustered housing.
Residents cited long travel times, limited local services and the recent pharmacy closures as significant barriers to health care access..
Protecting Caspian Lake and local wildlife habitats remains a top priority for respondents.
Propane, wood and oil are the primary heating fuels used in the area. However, 10% of respondents use solar energy as their primary fuel source, and 20% responded they used solar on some level. Fifty-six respondents invested in solar arrays and 93 improved insulation in their homes within the last five years. Interest in renewable energy installations like community solar (62%) and EV charging stations (43%) is high.
Most houses reportedly own gas-powered vehicles, but 25% have hybrid or electric vehicles. Annual mileage averages12,687 miles, reflecting the rural lifestyle, according to the survey.
Residents value Greensboro’s natural beauty, outdoor activities and small-town feel.
They identified priorities as better broadband access, small business support and improved roads. Interest in economic development included suggestions for more restaurants, agricultural ventures and retail options.
Three key opportunities for improvement were identified by the survey: Communication, such the enhanced use of websites, email, a town calendar and social media were widely requested by respondents.
Transportation was a concern, with 17% of respondents supporting shared transportation services, though actual use may vary.
Respondents identified zoning and development as a top issue, with calls for relaxing the ten-acre zoning rule for more housing options.
A meeting and meal is scheduled for January 15, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Greensboro United Church of Christ to discuss the survey results. It is an in-person event only. The Planning Commission asks that those planning to attend RSVP at https://forms.gle/T1PpjtUrjUrVjYrK9
Raymobda Parchment is a Hardwick Gazette reporter. She recently graduated from Vermont State University - Castleton with a Bachelor’s in English. She is a strong supporter of freedom of speech, and the right to publish information, opinions, and ideas without censorship or restraint. She is a lifelong lover of the written word, and is excited to join the team as a staff member.
