Survey finds strong support for nature assets, small town feel

TOWER-SOUDAN- The community survey conducted this past month as part of Tower-Breitung’s new joint comprehensive planning process showed strong support (about two-thirds of those responding) for the area’s natural resources, lakes, and small-town character.
“We’ve had really good input,” said Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC) planner Josh Bergstad, who is working with Tower and Breitung officials to create the new long-term plan.
Participation in the survey was high, with 204 surveys completed. Three-quarters of those completing surveys were full-time residents. The vast majority of responses came from people 45 or older. Only two percent of responders were under the age of 25.
Responses were pretty much evenly split between Tower and Breitung/Soudan residents, and another third of respondents stated they have connections to both communities.
In addition, ARDC staff spoke with about 50 area residents at Soudan’s Big Truck Night, which gave them a chance to visit with young families as well as some children. About 15 area residents attended the community meeting in Tower last week, and they had time for more in depth discussions with the planners.
The in-person interviews confirmed the results of those who took time to complete the survey, which was available online or on paper, Bergstad said.
The next step, he said, will be to take the survey data, along with the community input, and start analyzing it for common themes around the major areas of the plan. The results will go back to the local planning committee, who will then work on developing the goals and strategic actions that will form the new long-range planning document.
The plan that will be created will be used as a roadmap for future projects. Long-term priorities identified in the survey (in order of importance to responders) were streets/infrastructure, housing, economic development, downtown revitalization, recreation/tourism, and health/human services.
Results related to housing showed support for a broad housing mix of single-family homes (61.7-percent), starter homes (45.1 percent), and senior housing (45.1 percent). Almost 40- percent said more apartments are needed. Only 16.6 percent cited the need for townhomes.
The top action items on the survey were to fix or maintain roads, utilities, and public facilities. The survey showed support for increased options (in order of interest) for dining, retail, grocery, health care, recreational businesses, and child care.
Respondents also indicated their support for improvements to infrastructure, addressing blight, improving the downtown appearance, creation of new businesses, and additional services. Respondents saw a big opportunity to improve the area by promoting tourism and recreation. Outdoor recreation opportunities and the friendly atmosphere of the two communities were also seen as some of the most highly valued aspects of the area.
Once the draft of the new comprehensive plan is completed, there will be opportunities for the public to review and give additional comments, Bergstad said. He expected the draft to be completed late this year or early next year.
Data that is included in the plan can be used in future grant applications for projects that address plan priorities. The last joint comprehensive plan was completed in 2015.