GREENSBORO – Seventy-five Greensboro residents joined their neighbors for a community chili dinner to discuss some of the key findings from a recent town survey.

photo by Liz Steel
The event was hosted by the Greensboro Planning Commission in The United Church of Christ Fellowship Hall, January 15.
The town survey, carried out in the Fall of 2024, was the first step in the process of updating the Greensboro Town Plan. The planning commission chose three topics for further discussion based on the initial survey findings: Bringing the community closer; residential and commercial development; and town management and communications.

photo by Liz Steel
Chair of the Greensboro Planning Commission Kent Hansen gave a short introductory presentation covering the highlights of the survey findings. Participants then rotated through three facilitated conversation circles facilitated by volunteers Eleanor Guare, John Stone and Lisa Yokana. Each group reviewed survey feedback, offerred additional suggestions and brainstormed solutions.
Ideas that emerged as priorities for bringing the community closer included a more robust town calendar to improve visibility of events taking place, in-person gatherings to discuss town issues and more social and sporting events.

photo by Liz Steel
Many attendees noted the importance of having a diverse group of voices represented in the town conversation in terms of age, location and resident status, as a way of bridging gaps between community groups.
Better use of the town’s venues was highlighted, along with a desire for a place to serve as a community and recreation center, as well as a local cafe.

photo by Liz Steel
The conversation circle on residential and commercial development confirmed the need for coordinated planning to guide Greensboro’s future growth.
Participants in that discussion emphasized the need to expand housing options for young families and seniors while preserving the town’s unique rural character and village centers. There was a general preference for smaller, more organic growth, as those gathered recognized housing needs would vary by location.
Wastewater came out as the number one issue in the community infrastructure and transparency conversation, with concern for both private and commercial solutions. There was a strong sentiment that Greensboro Bend be included in any plans, particularly around a water system. The other major theme was better transparency and communication from town government, including the select board and committees. A desire surfaced to see Greensboro share resources with neighboring towns to solve some of the most pressing issues, from stormwater and firefighting needs to sharing municipal employees such as grant writers, zoning administrators or a town manager.

photo by Liz Steel
The Greensboro Planning Commission is scheduling a virtual community conversation via zoom on February 24, for community members who weren’t able to join the in-person event.
Further details about the 2024 town survey findings and the summary report of the first community conversation will be posted on the planning commission page of the Greensboro town website: https://greensborovt.gov/greensboro–planning–commission/
Liz Steel is a member of the Greensboro Communications Working Group supporting the planning commission with community engagement.