Town of Triangle Survey

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!
!
2014!
Town%of%Triangle%Survey%Analysis%
Compiled!by!students!in!the!Department!of!Public!
Administration!at!Binghamton!University!for!!
PAFF!510!–!Research!Design!and!Methods!
Instructor:!George!C.!Homsy,!Assistant!Professor!!
Introduction
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“A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”
--Margaret Mead
Rarely, in today’s busy world, do we ever take a moment and think about
where we are heading, and what we would like our home to look like. As a
community, it is of upmost importance to understand the wants and needs
of the public in order to ensure the well being of all the residents, current
and those still to come.
In order to chart the best planning and development policies for the Town
of Triangle, the town board, in cooperation with Binghamton University,
has facilitated a comprehensive household survey of the town residents’
demographics and preferences. Students in the Fall 2013 class of Planning
Sustainable Cities and Regions designed the survey with the town board
members. The town administered the survey by mail in February and March
of 2014. Students in the Spring 2014 class of Research Design and Methods
compiled and analyzed the survey. All classes were in the Department of
Public Administration, College of Community and Public Affairs,
Binghamton University.
The surveys were distributed and collected between February and March of
2013. Nine hundred and thirty-nine surveys were distributed, 72 were
returned by the post office because of bad addresses, and 319 were
completed. The survey response rate was a strong 34 percent. Questions
posed on the survey ranged from basic demographic information (age,
length of residency, type and general location of home) to opinions about
current and potential issues facing the town, including road maintenance,
ecological preservation, hydraulic fracturing, and economic opportunities.
The purpose of the report is to offer an overall understanding of how
constituents feel about the Town of Triangle and provide municipal leaders
with a better understanding about citizen priorities. Some of the major
concerns expressed by citizens relate to “quality of life” issues, including
upkeep of high-visibility properties, preservation of the local environment,
and the overall town character. Some residents expressed concern over the
availability of amenities, such as entertainment and shopping.
We offer the following report as a summary of these responses, both
quantitative and qualitative, as a means to assist the local government in
planning for future maintenance, services, and growth.
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 1
Rural Character of the Town of Triangle
In the 2004 Comprehensive Plan, residents identified the rural character of
the Town of Triangle as the most important asset. The results of the 2014
survey indicate this is still a critical aspect for residents. The table below
shows the support resident have for protecting different aspects of
Triangle’s rural nature.!
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Importance!of!Rural!Character!7!2014!
HunOng!
Categories!
Local!Environment!
No!Response!
Farm!Economy!
Very!Important!
Important!
Rural!
Somewhat!Important!
Not!Important!
Forest!
Farmland!
0!
20!
40!
60!
80!
100! 120! 140!
!Number!of!Responses!
!
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!
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 2
Hydraulic Fracturing
One of the major reasons for updating the Town comprehensive plan is the
potential for fracking. More details are in the Survey Results later in this
document, but in summary, only one-third of town and village residents
completely oppose fracking. However, as shown in the table below, a
majority of those that support this kind of drilling want some local or state
regulations on fracking.
Posi=on!on!Gas!Drilling!
Against!Drilling!
no!response!
7%!
32%!
For!Drilling!without!
RestricOons!
For!with!State!RestricOons!
26%!
61%!
14%!
For!with!Town!RestricOons!
21%!
The!orange!secOon,!labeled!61%!consists!of!the!percentage!of!those!in!!
support!of!Gas!Drilling,!with!the!breakdown!displayed!to!the!right.!
The kinds of regulations and programs that residents indicated they wanted
in preparation for drilling are shown in the table below.
Total number of
respondents supporting or
strongly supporting
Preparation for Drilling
Percent
Adopt land use ordinances to specify allowable drilling locations
142
45%
Adopt ordinances to manage worker housing/camps
134
42%
Enact conservation measures to protect environmentally and
aesthetically important land
168
53%
Begin water quality testing before drilling starts
228
71%
Plan public services to deal with environmental, social, and
economic impacts
163
51%
78
24%
Enact rules to govern where and when trucks can travel through
the town
162
51%
Begin seismic monitoring before drilling starts
137
43%
Enact a temporary moratorium on drilling
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Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 3
Survey Results
Question 1: Location of Residency, Town of Triangle or Village of Whitney Point
The intent of this question is to determine the location of the participants of
the survey and compare the information to the known populations from the
2010 Census.
Village
Town
Total
Survey Results US Census
91
953
189
1993
280
2946
Of the 280 respondents to this question, 91(29%) lived in the Village of
Whitney Point and 189 (59%) lived in the Town of Triangle. 31 (10%)
participants were non residents, and 8 (3%) participants did not respond to this
question, totaling 319. This can be compared to the population of the town:
With a total of 2946, 953 (32%) persons live in the Village of Whitney Point,
and 1993 (68%) live in the Town of Triangle. The distrubutions of residence
described in the survey and of the population are statistically the same.
Question 2: Age
The intent of this question was to determine the age of the participant in
order to gather descriptive statistics of the residents answering the survey and
compare it to the over all population.
Average Age
Sample US Census 2010
Town of Triangle
60.8
43.1
Village of Whitney Point
59.5
39.5
The number of participants who disclosed their age was 275, with 44 invalid
answers, totaling 319. The range of ages was 72 years with the youngest being
21 years old and the oldest being 93. The average age of respondents to the
survey was 60 years old. The average age of the town population, including
Whitney Point, is 43. The average age of the respondents is statistically
different than the average age of the overall population. Part of this can be
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 4
attributed to the requirement that only people over the age of 18 were allowed
to fill ou the survey. Also, the typical respondent to these kinds of residential
mail surveys about local issues traditionally skews older. This response was
expected.
The figure below shows the distribution of age for respondents by decade.
Question 3: Rent or own Home
The intent of this question is to determine whether the participants
rent or own their home.
Response
Number Percent
Rent
28
9%
Own
240
75%
I own property, but do not live here.
40
13%
Blank
11
3%
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 5
Question 4: What type of home
The intent of this question is to determine the type of home of the
participants of the survey and compare the information to the town
population.
Obs.
Single
Mobile
Apt
Total
Survey Results
221
49
21
291
US Census
882
283
120
1285
With 28 nonvalid aswers, totaling 319 surveys, the results of the
survey question was statistically different from the total popuation
given by the US Census.
Question 5: How long lived in Triangle/Whitney Point
This question was simply used to determine statistics about how long
respondents had lived in the Town of Triangle and Village of
Whitney Point. As a whole, the respondents of the survey have lived
in the area for an average 28 years, with a minimum of 0 years and a
maximum of 88 years. Among respondents from the Village of
Whitney Point, respondents lived in the area for an average of 29
years.
Number of
Years
0-10
10-20
20-30
30-40
40-50
50-60
60-70
70-80
80-90
No Response
Combined town
& village count
69
63
34
34
34
24
21
10
Percent
24%
22%
12%
12%
12%
8%
7%
3%
2
1%
28
10%
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 6
Question 6: People living in household
Questions 6 and 6b are related questions. Question 6 asked
respondents to answer how many people live in each household. 6b
asked how many people under the age of 18 live in each household.
Average Household Size
Survey
US Census
sample
2010
Town of Triangle
2.7
2.7
Village of Whitney Point
2.3
2.7
The question asked residents to how many people currently reside in
a home. We suspect that the few people who answered 0, actually
interpreted the question to mean indicate the total number of “other”
people. About half of residents said that only two other people
currently reside in their home. 27% say 3 or more people reside in
their home. Only 23% have 1 or no other individuals living in their
home. A majority of residents (85%) recorded that they have no
children less than 18 years of age.
Total number of
people in home
Count
Percentage
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
3
62
148
36
21
11
5
1%
22%
51%
13%
7%
4%
2%
7
2
1%
Number of
children in
home
Count
Percentage
1
22
7%
2
15
5%
3
4
7
2
2%
1%
6
1
0%
0
282
85%
!!
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 7
Question 7 Home heating
The most common way one heats a home is with oil or kerosene,
making up 34% of all respondents.
Heating
Source
Count
Oil or kerosene
Percentage
111
34%
Wood Pellets
21
7%
Propane
67
21%
Wood
60
19%
Other
34
11%
No Response
27
8%
Other responses:
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Electric (24)
Natural gas (4)
Don’t know / not applicable (3)
Coal (3)
Question 8 Rating quality of life and services
Respondents were asked to indicate their satisfaction with each of the
following services. As displayed in the table below, most individuals
are satisfied with the town services within their community.
Ratings->
Services
Town Roads
Snow Plowing
Drinking Water
Walk in Town
Walk in Village
Availability of Youth Rec.
Availability of Senior Rec.
Parks and Rec.
Safety
Shopping
Dining
Public Schools
Police/Fire
EMS
Government
Very
Unsatisfied
4%
2%
4%
1%
1%
3%
0%
1%
0%
1%
1%
2%
0%
1%
2%
Unsatisfied
10%
8%
7%
7%
4%
14%
7%
2%
6%
17%
8%
3%
3%
6%
5%
Neither
8%
5%
21%
27%
23%
44%
44%
11%
12%
21%
21%
23%
14%
17%
29%
Satisfied
62%
59%
40%
50%
54%
35%
41%
61%
67%
54%
59%
58%
66%
60%
55%
Very
Satisfied
16%
26%
28%
15%
17%
5%
8%
25%
15%
7%
11%
15%
17%
15%
9%
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 8
Question 9 Source of town news
Where do you get most of your information about the Town and/or
Town Government?
Source of News
Count
Other (selected)
Printed newspaper
101
Online newspaper
19
Online blog
5
Television
67
Radio
20
Word of mouth
177
Facebook / social
media
25
Other (listed to right)
30
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Village Newsletter
Village website
Anyplace else I can get it
Friends, neighbor, family
I'm on the town council
Internet
Mail flyers / mailings
Mayor's letter with water bill
Neighbors
Not accessible
Not town's website: private one
Penny saver if at all
Shadow government. No info.
Town government meetings
Town newsletter
Town office building
As displayed in the table, most individuals get their news information
by word of mouth (177), the second highest source of news comes
from the printed newspaper (101), followed by television (67).
Source!of!Informa=on!for!Town!and/or!Town!
Government!
Percentage!
60%!
50%!
40%!
30%!
20%!
10%!
0%!
Printed!
Online!
Online!blog! Television!
newspaper! newspaper!!
Radio!
Word!of! Facebook!/!
mouth! social!media!
Other!
Source!of!Informa=on!
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 9
Question 10 Would you use public transportation if it was more convenient?
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Response
Number
Percent
Yes
63
20%
No
227
71%
29
9%
Blanks
Question 11 Views on Fracking
This question aimed to discover the views of residents on drilling and
hydraulic fracturing. This question led to an interesting set of results.
Whereas 32% of respondents are completely against it, 61% were for
it—but had different views on how it should be dealt with.
As seen in the chart below, respondents who were for drilling often
wanted state or town restrictions imposed on it. Only 14% of the
total number of respondents were for drilling without any
restrictions. This shows that while people support drilling, they are
still concerned with the way that it is managed to help protect the
environment.
Position on Gas Drilling
Against Drilling
Count
Percentage
101
32%
For Drilling - without Restrictions
45
14%
For Drilling - with State Restrictions
83
26%
For Drilling - with Town Restrictions
67
21%
No Response
23
7%
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 10
Question 12 Imposition of a tax on fracking
As shown below (n=301), the majority of respondents (57%) either
favor or strongly favor a tax or fee on drilling. This is not surprising
given that most residents favor some restrictions on fracking. A tax
ensures that the town, as a whole, reaps some benefit, especially to
offset costs. Without the tax, the benefits of drilling would accrue to
fewer individuals.
If drilling were allowed, would you support a town fee or tax on natural gas
drilling to fund town programs to alleviate potential impacts on groundwater,
land, roads, etc.?
Strongly
Oppose
16%
Oppose
12%
Indifferent
16%
Strongly
Support
25%
Support
32%
Support for drilling and support for a tax on drilling
In the chart below, we compare the positions of people on drilling
with positions on the drilling tax. As expected, given previous results,
the majority support the tax. Interestingly, the largest group of people
opposing the tax are also completely against drilling.
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 11
Question 13 Reducing government use of fossil fuels
Out of a total of 300 respondents to this question, most people,
perhaps recognizing the economic or environmental benefits over
time, favor the town government reducing usage of fossil fuels. Only
22% of respondents are against the idea.
Would you support a town program to reduce the use of energy and fossil fuels in
government operations, even if it costs more in the short-term to buy different
equipment and/or vehicles?
Strongly Support
Support
Indifferent
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Blanks
Number
33
99
91
48
29
19
Percent
10%
31%
29%
15%
9%
6%
Question 14 Reducing community use of fossil fuels
Interestingly, a larger percentage of people support government
programs and policies that encourage the reduction of energy and
fossil fuel usage in the homes and businesses of Triangle.
Would you support town policies and/or incentives to reduce the use of energy and
fossil fuels in the homes and local businesses of Triangle?
Response
Strongly Support
Support
Indifferent
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Blanks
Number
37
115
74
45
29
19
Percent
12%
36%
23%
14%
9%
6%
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 12
Question 15 Natural Gas line
Fifty-six percent of respondents (n=304) to this question support,
construction of a natural gas pipeline through the town – not
surprising given how town residents view the drilling for natural gas.
Drilling requires that wells be connected to both major and minor pipelines. Would
you support the construction of a natural gas pipeline network running through the
Town of Triangle?
Support the construction of a natural gas pipeline
network running through the Town of Triangle
Strongly
Oppose
18%
Strongly
Support
20%
Oppose
14%
Support
36%
Indifferent
12%
Question 16 Supply lines to homes
This question asks about the construction of a network of pipelines
to bring natural gas to homes for heating. Fifty-seven percent would
be in favor of the construction of natural gas pipelines up to homes
and businesses for heating purposes.
Would you support the construction of a network of pipes to feed natural gas to
homes and businesses for heating?
Response
Strongly Support
Number
Percent
67
21%
114
36%
Indifferent
47
15%
Oppose
39
12%
Strongly Oppose
Blanks
37
15
12%
5%
Support
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 13
Question 17 Preparing for drilling
Should drilling occur in the Town of Triangle, what should we do to prepare? (Check all that apply.)
Preparation for Drilling
Total Support
Begin water quality testing before drilling starts
Percent
228
71%
168
53%
163
51%
162
51%
142
45%
Begin seismic monitoring before drilling starts
137
43%
Adopt ordinances to manage worker housing/camps
134
42%
Enact a temporary moratorium on drilling
78
24%
Other
40
13%
Enact conservation measures to protect environmentally and
aesthetically important land
Plan public services to deal with environmental, social, and
economic impacts
Enact rules to govern where and when trucks can travel
through the town
Adopt land use ordinances to specify allowable drilling
locations
Items listed in the Other category include:
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Against Drilling
Request disclosure of chemicals used in the fracking process and allow NY State time to analyze safety
of fracking
100% in favor
All activities should be regulated by the New York State Department of Environment
Allow gas companies to speak of the pros that residents will see rather than all the cons that media puts
there to scare people. Put people’s minds more at ease about this progress in the community
Allow NYSDEC to do anything
Assess all roads prior to drilling so that gas companies can pay for road repairs
Be informed
Before adopting any ordinances, it should be determined whether there will be any exploration or drilling
allowed in NYS
Building Bridge to 206
Concerned about the impact of fracking on WP dam stability
Enact rules to govern amount of water that can be sold to drilling companies
Engage in road use agreement w/drilling cos. Join local coalitions for necessary info. By law, local towns
will regulate taxes and road use. Drilling must be regulated by state in order to endure safety and ultimate
recovery. Triangle should not stand in the way of technological change, economic growth, and prosperity
Enter into road use agreements. Drilling companies will repair roads, bring in new taxes and will help
grow economy
Get out of way!
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 14
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Has been shown to cause earthquakes
Have roads built to maintain the heavy traffic first. Draw out routes they can only use from site to waste
site then they could start have them front the bill towards the code
I would encourage it. The impact will be construction based land use. Traffic might be the only one.
Noise might be the other
If and when drilling is allowed, before it starts the town must have in place a logical plan to oversee
possible outcomes. Emergency plan and remediation plan
It should require a 1000 Ft. setback in case a well or pipeline explodes
Just drill! Opposed to Govt. regulations
Let the Free Market take Hold
Let them drill the state is broke and nobody is working
More education
No ordinances will be adequate against industry and it's huge coffers, and it would be too late. Also, they
do not care about fines and what they do to people. Drilling would force us to leave the home and land
we love, if the banks would give mortgages. Also, what insurance co would insure the home for new
owners? No Nationwide, for example
Nothing
Oppose local laws
Perhaps general land use reg's should be in place before you go after one industry
Permanent ban on fracking
Stay out of it. Existing laws should be enforced. If it is up to government, only government will benefit
Stop Drilling and promote Solar Wind
Testing our wells before drilling will not get put out afterward fracking=poisoning community
The lining of pockets for a few should not outweigh the well-being of others
The town should not interfere with a decision to drill or not to drill
Town needs to deal with the homeowner association for fracking and that equals to an economic boom
Use guidelines set by the state
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 15
Question 18 Safety Concerns
Indicate if any of the following raise safety concerns for you
Safety Concern
Speeding Traffic
Lack of code enforcement
Bad roads
No place to walk
Count
95
31
53
17
Residents were also asked to identify where in the town they felt the
problems existed. The responses are listed below.
Speeding traffic locations:
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Main St - 10
Route 206 - 9
Hickory Street - 6
Route 26 -6
Page Brook Rd. - 5
Main St. Whitney Point - 3
North St - 3
At traffic lights - 2
Eggleston Hill Road - 2
Route 11 - 2
83 Round Pond road
All of town
All town roads 45 mph
Always on RT 79 by 2742 Hickory St, W.
Point approaching 4-way xtop@204&79
Back road to Lisle
Back roads such as Ticknor Brook, Page Brk
Between intersection of Rte. 26 and top of
Ham Hill
Collins St, Rte. 26
Downtown Triangle
Hamlet of Triangle, S.R. 206
Hawley St.
Hickory St -outer main toward Lisle
In front of Schools, RF 206
In the Village
Intersection of 79/206/26 and Bridge
Interstate 81
Liberty St.
Main light by Aiellos (no right of way)
Main St route 11
Main St, River Rd. Route 11 in town
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Main St., Collins St.
Main St/Rte. 206
Mill St./Park St. end
Most roads , on county and town roads
Mostly state highways outside village
Page Brook Rd/Carrigan Rd
Park St.
River Rd
Rte. 11-Main St
Rte. 206 East and West near village limits
Rte. 206 entering town
Rte. 206 going down hills fr Hemingway Rd
Rte. 26 from rte. 11 to 81 ramp
Rte. 26 in Village and Corner of Collins St
Rte. 79 n
Rt. 11, Rt. 79
Rt. 206 by Sapush Rd
Rt. 79 going east out of town
Rte. 24 worth
Rtes. 26, 11, 206, 79
School zone on 11
Ticknor Brook Road
Triangle Rte. 206
Village and town roads
Village streets
Village Triangle (RT 206)
W.P-RT206-26
W/in town roads - RTE 79 ex: Hickory St
Waverly Road
West Main Street
West Main Street at bottom of Ford Hill Rd
Yarns Road, Harvery Square Road
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 16
Lack of Code Enforcement Locations
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Entire town – 4
Village of Whitney Point – 4
Rte. 26N – 3
RT 206 – 2
Town of Triangle – 2
2810 Hickory St
83 round pond road
Animal Control
Back road to Lisle
Building design/ use main
Code enforcement not going job with
chimney codes
Code enforcer needs to step outside of the
office, enforce, garbage setting around
homes + lawn care
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Hickory street
In the country
Intersection of 206, 79 & 26
Keibel Road, Pines Road
Leash law should be in Town of Triangle
Main St.
Mobile Homes
No septic and burn barrel
North Street
Sidewalk on State Route 206, east of bridge
not cleared (folks in road)
Snow removal sidewalks in village
Village
Village (barking dogs)
Bad Roads Locations
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All over - 3
Main St - 3
South St - 3
All of town - 2
Secondary roads - 2
Village of Whitney Point - 2
26, near off ramp 81S
83 round pond road
All over, more traffic more pot-holes
Back roads
Back roads out of town (pot holes)
Both bridges
Bull creek
Collins south end
Collins St. from Main to Rte. 26S
Dorchester Heights, High taxes, bad road
Eggleston Hill Rd
Harvery Square Road
In front of house
In town
In village and local roads
Main St, Park St
Main St to the daycare
Main St, Whitney Pt., some of North St.
Main St. WP
Main St.-Whitney Point; Whitney Point, Lisle
Rd.
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Main St/Park St.
North South Street, Bridgeon
Outlying roads are poorly maintained
Page Brook Road
Page Brook, Hyde Street
Park + Collins + Main St
Pot Route 11
Potholes West Main
Repair South street bridge
RT 26 n
RT 26 on both sides of bridge
Rural roads
Sapbush Rd close to 206
Sapbush Rd.
Secondary roads - all are terrible!
South St. and (bridge/lack of)
There should be a regular light at Rte. 206,
79, 26 inters.
Throughout village
Tickner Brook, Page Brook Roads
Ticknor Brook
Ticknor Brook Rd., South St., Sapbush Rd.
Ticknor Brook, Bull creek, Eggleston,
Wilson Hill, Yarns, Harvey Square
Ticknor Road
West Main Street between Ace Center and
Ford Hill Road
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 17
No Place to Walk Locations
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South St - 2
83 Round Pond Road
Anywhere
Back roads
Development of Dorchester Heights and along
Route 11
Hamlet of Triangle and surrounding area
Hickory Street from trailer park east to Hickory
Knoll. Need sidewalk
In winter
Page Brook Road
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Park St all winter, never shoveled
Repair South Street Bridge
Rte. 11 East side (McDonald's to Hess)
Rte. 11 East side through town
Rte. 11 Past daycare going to Lisle. On north
side
RT 26
Town of Triangle
Village
West Main Street from Preschool to Village
Limit
Question 19 Services?
Residents were asked where it was that they went in the area for
various services. The table below shows the results of that question.
Most people go to Binghamton for services, while most stay in the
Town of Triangle for their outdoor recreation. This is understandable
given Binghamton role as the county’s major city and the proximity
of quality parks for outdoor recreation within the Town of Triangle.
Clothes
Shopping
Services
Medical
Services
Grocery
Triangle
79
7
52
64
166
Lisle
0
0
23
0
2
Marathon
0
0
0
0
1
Greene
2
1
9
4
3
141
237
146
133
22
Syracuse
0
0
1
0
2
Ithaca
0
1
3
0
4
Cortland
2
5
2
3
2
Pennsylvania
0
1
1
1
4
Binghamton
Dining
Outdoors
Recreation
Location
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 18
Question 20 New or expanded recreational facilities
This question asked about the support for new or expanded
recreational facilities in the town. This list should help the Town
prioritize projects, funding and resources. It is not the only
information needed to make decisions (for example, relative costbenefits of each must be weighed), but the priorities provided by
local residents is an important starting point.
Would you support the following new or expanded recreational facilities?
Community
Center
Strongly Oppose
Oppose
Indifferent
Support
Strong Support
Strong Support
Skate Park
%
Ice Skating
Facility
%
8
12
67
140
3%
4%
24%
49%
26
44
113
70
9%
16%
40%
25%
13
25
98
112
5%
9%
35%
40%
58
20%
29
10%
33
12%
Bike and
Walking Trails
Strongly Oppose
Oppose
Indifferent
Support
%
%
Motorized
Recreation
%
Campground
%
9
15
52
131
3%
5%
18%
45%
16
53
114
73
6%
18%
40%
25%
15
16
80
106
5%
6%
28%
37%
81
28%
31
11%
68
24%
!
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 19
Question 21 Support for townwide programs or policies
The local economy was one of the biggest concerns of residents who
answered this survey. More would rather protect farmers through tax
incentives than use tax incentives to encourage new or expanded
businesses.
Question 21: Would you support the following programs or policies?
Strongly Oppose
Oppose
Indifferent
Support
Strong Support
Purchase
Undeveloped Land
21
7%
52
18%
42
14%
122
41%
57
19%
Strongly Oppose
Oppose
Indifferent
Support
Strong Support
Farming Tax
Incentives
7
2%
25
8%
29
10%
149
49%
92
30%
Strongly Oppose
Oppose
Indifferent
Support
Strong Support
Business Tax
Incentives
8
3%
48
16%
43
15%
142
49%
51
17%
Conservation Easement
on Land
15
5%
42
15%
38
13%
137
48%
56
19%
!
Town Funded Farming
8
34
42
131
75
3%
12%
14%
45%
26%
Historic Building
Preservations
8
3%
25
8%
58 19%
151 50%
60 20%
Wetlands Protection
12
44
65
131
44
4%
15%
22%
44%
15%
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 20
Question 22. Please tell us how flooding might have impacted
your home over the last ten years?
Flooding Rate
I have never been flooded.
I have had a flooded basement.
I have had my backyard flooded.
I have had to move temporarily because of flooding.
Percent
Response
71%
15%
12%
0.3%
There was space for resident to describe other impacts. These are
listed below.
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Around house, road washes out, culverts overflow
Bridge or RT 135 S haven't been fixed
Caused by oversized pipe
Creek across street overflowed and came all around
house and lawn.
Cut stitch between driveway and road, water, leaves off
206 throughout property and during Flooding/ leaves
in ditch pushing over my Linder Block Shed.
Drainage ditch is ruining my driveway
Driveway washed out
Erosion
Flood insurance will make money tough.
Garden flooded and ruined driveway - underwater
Helped friends who lost everything
Husband's farm flooded 2x - major loss of profit,
homes intact
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I've had my horse paddocks flooded.
Loss of electric supply
Poor drainage on Hickory St. (run-off from 204
Prior to 10 years, I moved because of flooding on
Collins St. Basements
Road washes out below me. Hemlock Hill Road
Roads in and out of certain areas
Run off cutting across my driveway and front yard
Side yard flooded in 2006 & 2011
Small creek blocked and overflowed
The creek that crossed Mill St and runs through my
yard is an ongoing problem. The pipe under Park St is
a huge problem.
Water in basement
Water in basement from heavy rain
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 21
Question 23 Flooding across town
In the past year, have you come across roadways that have been covered in water?
Response
Yes
No
No response
Count
107
180
32
34%
56%
10%
Respondents were given space to indicate where they encountered
flooded roadways. The answers are listed below.
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North St – 5
Hickory Street - 5
Page Brook Rd - 5
Park St - 3
Route 79 - 3
Upper Lisle - 3
Beaman Hill Rd. Taft Rd - 2
Kemuk Rd - 2
Page Brooke and Conigan Rd - 2
South St - 2
Ticknor Brook Rd and Page Book - 2
West Main St. - 2
206 x 26 x 79 at bridge
33 north St
A lot during the 2011 flood
All over the community during heavy rain (flood)
All town roads
Barns by swamp
Bottom of Ford Hill Road
Bottom of Hemlock Hill Rd 24
Carigan Road - water from Page Brook over road.
Carrigan and Hemlock Hill, Echo Lake, Travis Roads
Collins St / Park St where the creek runs over the street.
Collins St.
Corner of Mill St., Park St., in Village
Corner of Railroad and Main
Countyline Road
Don't drive
Dorchester Bridge - Rte. 26
English Hill Rd every time it rains hard
Flood Zall
Hemlock Hill Rd
Henry rd., rt26
Hickory St, Mear 204 intersection
Itaska
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Kales Hill Road
Main road, Main St intersection
Merril Creek Rd-Upper lisle
North St - by Eco Lake Rd.
North St, South St
North street ditches
Other side of block
Park St (run off hill) and Railroad/Main St
Rathburn
Right in front of Town of Barker and Upper Lisle Bridge
Road flooded at Taft/Beeman Seasonal Road to North S
Route 11 and 79
Route 11 and route 204
Route 26 past Whittackers, Park St and cardinal lane
Route 79 going east of our town
Rte. 26 & 79
Rte. 26 & 79, 2 years ago Collins St.
Rte. 26 near swan hill and glen Aubrey fire station
Rt206 triangle
Rte. 206 Triangle also Wilson Hill rd. and Page Brook Rd
Sapbush Rd
Sapbush, Cloverdale, Bear Swamp
Savik St, Triangle
South end of Collins St
South St Bridge is not repaired
South Street and North Street
Tickhor Brook, Page Brook, 206near light
Tickner Brook, Bull Creek, Harvey Square Hemlock Hill
Ticknor Brook Rd
Town of Nanticoke
Unknown
Upper Lisle Park
Village of WP
West Main Street and bottom of Ford Hill Road
Wilson Hill rd.
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 22
Question 24 Would you support increased restrictions on
building in areas prone to flooding?
About 75% of respondents would support increased restrictions on
building in areas prone to flooding (n=317). Flooding is a serious
issue to Town residents. Nearly 50 % of respondents have had to
deal with flooded roadways and 30% experienced flooding on their
personal property.
Count!
Support increased building restrictions in flood prone areas
160!
140!
120!
100!
80!
60!
40!
20!
0!
Strongly!
disagree!
Disagree! Indifferent!
Agree!
Strongly!
agree!
No!
Response!
Opinion!on!Increased!Restric=ons!
Question 25 Use of local amenities
How often do you visit the following during the last year?
County
Fairgrounds
School Playgrounds
or tennis courts
Dorchester Park and
Walking Trails
Oteslic and
Tioghnioga Rivers
Never
Once
2 to 5
74
90
106
24%
30%
35%
190
30
44
65%
10%
15%
56
43
94
18%
14%
31%
147
41
63
50%
14%
21%
5 or more
34
11%
27
9%
113
37%
44
15%
Mary L.
Wilcox Library
Northern Broome
Senior Center
Lisle Pool
Never
Once
2 to 5
145
41
53
48%
14%
18%
190
28
35
63%
9%
12%
268
11
12
91%
4%
4%
5 or more
61
20%
49
16%
4
1%
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Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 23
Housing tenure versus use of local amenities
In this case, we wanted to see if there was a difference between use
of amenities between renters and homeowners. In almost every case,
with the exception of the Dorchester Park, the renter uses the
recreational areas more than the homeowner. The pare usage and the
river usage were very similar but the others were considerably
different.
!
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Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 24
Question 26 Aspects of Triangle valued by residents
How important are the following to you?
Preservation of
farmland
Very Important
Important
Somewhat Important
Not Important
Preservation of forest
lands
116
124
47
39%
42%
16%
127
119
41
43%
40%
14%
110
115
56
38%
39%
19%
9
3%
11
4%
11
4%
Farms are part of the
local economy
Very Important
Important
Somewhat Important
Availability of local
or organic food
Strong local economy
121
127
41
41%
43%
14%
94
112
66
32%
38%
22%
135
143
17
45%
48%
6%
6
2%
25
8%
4
1%
Not Important
Protecting the local
environment
Very Important
Important
Somewhat Important
Rural views and rural
character
Protecting the global
environment
Preservation of
hunting areas
130
121
35
44%
41%
12%
113
119
48
38%
40%
16%
92
109
68
30%
36%
22%
7
2%
14
5%
36
12%
Not Important
Question 27 Personal energy saving
Residents were asked in this question whether or not they would
consider using or already use the following energy saving/alternative.
It is promising that most people would consider making their home
more green if they have not already begun doing so.
Do you have or would you consider any of the following?
Solar panels on
home or in yard
Wind turbine on
my property
Purchase green
power from utility
Have
10
4%
5
3%
27
14%
Would Consider
213
96%
182
97%
170
86%
Use compact fluorescents
or other low-energy bulbs
Own a gas/electric
hybrid or all electric car
Have
210
77%
9
5%
Would Consider
63
23%
172
95%
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 25
Open Response Questions
Questions 28, 29, 29a and 30 allowed respondents to comment on
specific topics. Question 28 asked about the future of the Town of
Triangle, question 29 about biggest concerns about the Town,
question 29a asked about they might fix their concerns, and question
30 allowed for respondents to make any additional comments.
Of the surveys that were returned, 160 people commented on
question 28. Several themes were repeated throughout the comments.
Many people would like to see the Town of Triangle remain as it is
while others would an improved economy while still preserving the
historic and rural character of the town. Another theme: both town
infrastructure and government need to be modernized. Also, many
people want more local shopping available.
Question 29 received 159 responses. The top concern was the impact
gas drilling could have on the local environment. Some residents
mentioned they were concerned about the number of abandoned
buildings, homes, and trailers in Triangle and the drug problem in the
community. A few respondents were greatly concerned about the
lack of local entertainment and shopping centers.
Question 29a received 113 responses. When asked in question 29a
how they might address these concerns in the previous question,
several ideas were introduced. Many people suggested that the town
should ban gas drilling entirely so as to prevent any possible damage
to the environment while others suggested bringing gas drilling in
would help the local economy prosper. To address the issue of illegal
drugs in the community, people suggested a stronger police presence
and more activities for kids and young adults. One respondent
suggested forming“a committee to address these problems”.
The final question in the survey allowed respondents an opportunity
to express any additional comments. 113 people chose to answer this
question. Comments ranged from Triangle needing a car wash to
creating ATV trails for riders. Many respondents suggested building
a new bridge on Route 11 or used the section to advocate for
protecting landowner’s rights. Also, several people voiced concerns
about the safety and re-beautification of the downtown area.
Many of the comments to each question are listed on the following
pages.
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 26
28. W here would you like to see the Town of Triangle in 10 years? W hat words or phrases would you
use to describe the Town of Triangle in the future:
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Business and residential to grow.
Historic, Nice to look at, Pretty Upstate NY town
100 new homes, expanded business
strong infrastructure; full of community pride and spirit; organized; up to date; some plan in place for
growth
Natural Gas
more business (restaurants and shopping)
having a better economy w/ small family run businesses + maintaining rural character
family friendly child safe adult supportive
I like it the way it is, the bigger it gets taxes go up higher!!
don’t know if I will be here
the economy booming due to money from drill
I would like to see property values up
I would like it keep it a small country town
small town atmosphere, thriving small businesses
a small community of friends and neighbors without much change
less people on welfare reward home owners for improvements on our home
Increased Economic Development through responsible gas production
I would like to see it be more prosperous
better economy In Village of WP "Progress"
starting to look better
progressive, the town doesn't have as much as a rope swing for kids
more vibrant Whitney point
take advantage of natural gas drilling to improve access to resources
In tune with the times, working with other towns, and counties to improve areas
Somewhat the same, but with business improved
Village revitalized, town little change cleaned up a bit
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 27
29. The biggest concern I have in Triangle and my ideas for fixing this problem is:
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town needs to proactive in protecting residents and property
alternate route to Ithaca
inevitable
Never, never do it! We cannot go back once they tamper with our air, water, and healthy beauty.
Do your homework! Be very careful when weighing the pros and cons. Damage could be
irreparable.
Any way to do an email of town government meeting schedule/then follow up with meeting minutes
so people that they can't attend?
Develop alternative local economy, e.g. organic farm products. Local ordinance protecting
homeowners, children, health
Public information so people learn of true dangers of this process.
But boy does it suck to realize you live in a neighborhood of punks and junkies. The most
frightening part is that I had no idea it was going on until I saw the raids. I knew there were meth
labs here I just didn't know they were in my neighborhood. I'm not really up on the local gossip.
Proposing new ordinance for businesses regarding lighting share it, website, mailers, etc.
ban it completely and put efforts into renewable resources
tax according to ability (do more research)
deny fracking
Incentives to improve appearance of property businesses.
More businesses are supposed to reduce taxes- what happened?
make sure all new development is fairly taxed
Industry
natural gas
Need for a hotel/motel. Utilize property by 81S entrance or Keibel Road by lake, but that would be
the Lisle Township. Redo motel that is closed.
Cut back administrators and principals, given the school board of education more say in decision
making, not just rubber stamps. Require photo ID for school voting. Ballots in ink, not pencil.
Contingency budget should not be automatic if first budget proposed is defeated. Limit bus trips.
Bring back sports and vocational training. Work with other school districts to resist non-funded state
mandates. Cooperate and merge services with other districts.
Allow gas drilling, thus generating funds for the landowner to be able to sustain the farming interests.
drill for gas to help pay them
getting people to clean
More funding for highway and Get Nat. Gas wells
Use of natural gas for economical; heating, equals clean energy
price chopper, dept. store no motels hotels near rt. 81 no competition for local business
I would like to see the owners of trailer parks taxed based on the number of lots rented. Each lot is a
home. They would naturally pass the costs on in the rents. Simple concept.
equal taxes for home owner and trailer owner
More police presence
have a committee to address these problems
Parents need to be more involved with them
Attract business, sell underdeveloped lots. Tax incentives. Market our community.
Increasing community supports, job opportunities
Fill in potholes and pave all of the roads and not just small sections so it is uneven.
New businesses, Bowling
more business in area
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 28
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just work together
continue to repair
We like the idea as many others in the Whitney Point, would like to have a car wash, even if it is
owned by town/village. A more, efficient pharmacy with a new floor plan. And I have heard of
Towns/Villages having a shredder for use with the garbage collection for property owners. It could
be located in the village.
put in a local convenient store
Community center , skate park
Stop fracking and support solar
Keep up the beautification. Market our resources to all of Broome County and beyond.
More park, play grounds that they can play on safely
no drilling in the town of triangle
resist all attempts to encourage fracking
Provide additional recreational opportunities and community events
Increased community activities
Ideas: Allow drilling to revive the local economy, Pennsylvania is booming now because of drilling.
make sure fracking is done correctly
Allowing landowners to be stewards of their own property
bring in other stores to have a choice
limit truck sizes
allow farmers to be stewards
Get rid of it
Overall - we have a good community but need more free activities for kids to keep out of drugs.
Heroin and meth have become a real problem :(
build taller bridge
Change board members, need more in tuned w/reality
improved local economic opportunities & increase in positive recreational opportunities, especially
for young people (computers, cut, music, science + math)
harsher punishment that are actually utilized no plea bargain
Tar and gavel or asphalt road
Dunkin Donuts sign at eye level of drivers exiting business onto Route 11. Hazard! Also, no shoulder
on Route 11 through business section. Cars pull out of business without stopping to oncoming cars.
Need upgrade to food shopping center. Movie theater would be nice. Dance Hall.
convince people the environment is more important than money making
ss parks that are well maintained
Allow drilling
Stop trying to regulate things that should be left to the citizens and free markets, or to state agencies
already in place with expertise beyond that of local bureaucracies.
police or cars
yes to drilling
showing youth a better future
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 29
30. Additional comments:
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With the likelihood of gas drilling coming to the town, we would like to see the town board adopt
policies to protect those who will not benefit directly via leases and royalties. Small property owners
and renters need to be protected from the many potential adverse effects of drilling
need a new bridge soon
employees are doing a great job (t+v)
We do not want to live in an Industrial Zone: We fear for the future and may have to make some
unwanted, hard choices if the threat of fracking becomes real. We trust the gas industry not at all!
Their motivation is money and they do not care about us or the devastation they bring. Zoning is
badly needed in rural areas to require maintenance of property, limit blight, clean it up. How about
taxes on fast food and gas stations to cover costs of cleaning up their roadside trash? Or requiring
compostable cups, containers)
I bought my property and home here nearly 20 years ago. I have lived here full time 11 years and
have invested very significantly in it. Reasons I am here: quiet, rural life, no noise, clear air, and clean
water. My neighborhood or anyone's neighbor does not have the right to drill under me. It would
cause negative impact and negative values to my property or quality of life. Clean water and G.R.'s
value is (illegible).
The bridge on Rt. 11 needs to be cleaned of broken glass, side walk in front of school needs to be
cleared of snow, have to climb snow banks to cross over to the other side of road.
I am an amateur astronomer so I notice the sky glow above Whitney Point every night. I'm sure most
people pay no mind to it though. The amount of sky glow can be drastically changed through use of
different fixtures and/or shades. Energy savings are also a benefit with the changes, as well as the
effects on human health. I have many links to studies on light pollution. To get you started, if you are
interested, darksky.org and for what it looks like from above blue-marble.de/nightlights/2012.
All the open property behind the high school would be great spot for solar panels or wind power,
which could be used to power the school and be a resource for educational purposes. Survey was a
great idea. Thanks. Richchavell
seniors built the town of triangle, respect them and if they are living on social security, save them
from all these taxes(land and school tax)
Keep drilling and new wells safe. A safe distance from property lines.
Health Care Increases and taxes have made it nearly impossible to live in the Village on a fixed
(Retired) income.
stay out of drilling and or fracking either for or against. The town board was not elected for that
purpose.
No one problem stands out as "Biggest". Concerns include-firemen and their drinking at meetings,
code enforcement too strict and picky. I want smaller government with fewer regulations, not big
govt regulates everyone's lives.
more social events for kids and families
I moved from WP in 1996 because of the economy, jobs. I come back once or twice during the year
and I can see change. Main Street is looking a lot better. West Main needs some work, housing.
You're going in the right direction
Outsiders trying to tell local people how to use their own property. Mostly with a bunch of b.s.
none
With the current theory of "doing more with less" is good except when it hurts the service of the
town (road repair). I do commend the Town Board for a job that is being done so far but so much
more can be done if the Board accurately reflect the views of the town itself instead of the minority
rule that seems to come in play.
Feel fortunate to live in Town of Triangle with accessibility to Dorchester and it's facilities
more open government, plow village streets
advertise better
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 30
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need something to draw in jobs income to community
Have an older home (150yrs this year) that needs a lot of work. Do not qualify for any of the grants
(make46ka year).do not make enough to pay for upgrades myself. Would appreciate grant help in
fixing and improving home.
I give credit to Aiello's Oakland, the drug store, Bert McCulloch, Mike Decker, and anyone who
improves the looks of properties to entice people to come here to show clean areas up and down rte.
11 so that in the summer we don't have weeks 20 ft. high we need to clean up our community
The rural areas in the town are made ugly in many places by junk cars and other items that should be
hauled away. Are there no codes or zoning to prevent this? Property values of adjacent properties are
diminished in this ugliness
I like the rural nature of the area. I hope it stays that way. Hopefully no industry or businesses that
create pollution
I work for power and gas company and I can tell you that we have bad and good company, we have
bad and good town. If you take care to choose the right drilling company and keep them responsible
for the quality of their work the town and homeowners are going to make money. This mean work,
business, life quality and push away from here welfare and drugs. Take time to take a ride in P.A. or
where they have gas drilling and you’re going to find out why people will move here an invest money
for new homes and business when the town has nothing to offer and a lot a people and property
poor around yourself. The value of your property will go down. Then look ahead and go with the
progress. If we have gas in our property why do not used that right way and used the money for the
progress of everybody. If the people have money, they will spend money. That way will be a plus
for everybody including the town. Thank you.
A slow down on commercial bus and traffic
Lack of landlord’s accountability (clean up around the properties, unregistered cars, etc.) Buildings in
poor conditions need to be addressed. Too much red tape on complaint process for barking dogs.
Needs to be simplified.
Bigger tax base, improved roads, trim ivy and bushes on bridge so we can see from route 79 side of
river.
Main St renovations have increased aesthetics, but housing continues to look "less than ideal" in
town. I know people in Lisle have received grants for beautification (with restrictions)
Many events in town need to be well advertising some are not and I have missed them. Also we get
people to come and enjoy our town and park I would love to see more events at Dorchester park
and a dog park somewhere
My experience with the area is in the past when family lived in W.P. my impression are that there is
unemployment, poverty, and substance abuse. Hopefully, natural gas drilling will help to address
social issues as well as infrastructure
I enjoy living in Whitney Point. However I would like to see a different variety of public places.
As review of this CPS will show, my response to some is incomplete. The reason for that being is my
reluctance to comment on matters of which I feel are of considerable importance, and require more
extensive knowledge of, than that to which I possess at this time to permit offering an educated
opinion.
Survey included a 2-page letter addressing many questions.
Very happy with how things are. Fill empty buildings with businesses
1. Metal buildings, such as the Baptist church, rec hall and laundry should not be permitted. This is
cheap looking, especially compared to what many businesses have gone through to do face lifts on
their buildings. 2.) No engine brakes allowed within village limits.
Lets stop fracking for at least five to ten years. Why not wait and see about the health concerns. The
gas is not going anywhere so there is no hurry to drill, and why should so many suffer because of
fracking while a few landowners get paid. The money from fracking should be split with everybody
that fracking impacts.
I am so happy with everything that is being done! We are lucky to have the commitment to
community that we see in the GWPCPCC! There is a lot of unused space in our town. Ex:
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 31
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Fairgrounds/empty motel/rail station/corner of Railroad and Liberty) So much potential, but how to
move forward? Until we move businesses out of the storefronts on Main St. we will not have the
"quaint" town feel. We need those easy accessible storefronts for retail shops! Move Realty,
Insurance, H&R Block, RHN, etc. out back or upstairs, or to Rte. 11. Give tax incentives for retail
shops.
Teens need more to hold their interest to keep them out of trouble. Seniors need to be safe when
they are walking in the parks, from skateboard and bicycle riders. They seem to take over the
walkways in the parks.
My greatest concern for this community is hydraulic fracturing. This industry would drive a wedge
into the heart of what makes this place great; its rural setting, small town feel, and outdoor recreation
opportunities. Traffic through the village of WP is already heavy, making road crossings into the
village on foot rather dangerous at times. The increased truck traffic from the gas industry would
hamper the walkability of the community even more and make the village feel more like a pit stop
and less like my rural hometown.
Nice place to live please no fracking
The Town should strive to ensure a safe, secure and productive environment for the residents of the
future
Overall this is a delightful community and a great place to live. I am very happy with all available
services.
Thanks for asking my opinion!!
I highly support community based activities, recreation, gardens, etc. I would like to see more
options for the youth that are not school based. Some kind of incentives for small business to
bring/keep commerce here instead of having to drive 30 miles for everything. A bowling alley or
movie theater or miniature golf-something to offer as a wholesome recreation for young people and
families. A community center would be wonderful-many possibilities. I also think Dorchester Park is
woefully underused. It is a beautiful resource that is virtually vacant much of the year-including
summer. We should exploit what we have. As for exploiting energy resources-why do we have a dam
that does not produce power? What a huge waste. a rather stupid huge waste. From what I
understand, hydroelectric power does not possess the same detrimental potential effects that toxic
chemicals pose to the ecosystem and human health. How do Greene and Marathon offer cheap
electric services to their village residents? It seems that even a small hydro plant could supply the
village with power, thereby attracting residents to the village. Just some thoughts-thank you for the
opportunity to share them.
It would be nice to expand the walking trail.
Make town more welcoming
town should guide residents so the land is not harmed
Thank you for compiling this survey
I'm on disability, don't get out much
I don't feel like we get anything extra for paying town tax. Just a sidewalk that is impossible to keep
up and in the winter they should to have to keep the sidewalk clear.
Thank you for compiling survey
May not live here long
Police authorities know of drug activity. Make arrest, even at known establishments i.e. Aiellos-2nd
floor, outback of Half-Time, hold kids/parents responsible for kids destruction
The Broome County Highway Department needs to replace the bridge at 400 block of South Street,
Town of Barker, to serve and protect residents who are on the south end of the bridge and fire and
ambulance have to take a long detour to get to these houses. Towns of Barker and Triangle should
work together to help Broome County come up with a solution.
Very concerned that changes (expansion) of the flood zone due to FEMA action will devalue so
many homes in the village it will become a undesirable place to own property and live. As per usual,
the trio of Town and County, Village, and school taxes is crushing the homeowner. Farms are scarce,
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 32
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fields becoming forests, land purchased by folks from downstate, became a "bedroom" community,
changes happen inexorably, seems very dooms day
Don't trust the drillers. If you do drill, be sure to have the contract approved by YOUR lawyer.
Please check out what has happened to our PA neighbors. Consider areas of trees stripped away,
sickness from water not properly taken care of and communities shattered by the influx of people
looking to make a buck and move on. We love living here and have what we need within driving
distance but can enjoy our peace when the boat races are on the lake
strict codes to maintain homes and land needed, I have seen a nice home and yard go downhill fast
because exterior repairs not done yards not mowed kids bakes and scooters laying on lawn in front of
house and on sidewalks and this was on main St. in the village, and some way to correct codes
I own land in Town of Triangle/Greene/Windsor that I started purchasing in 1980 for hunting and
to grow trees as an investment to diversity from my oil & gas business. I have included some
additional sheets of data that may be helpful. I would be happy to meet with or come to a town
meeting when I am in NYS. April 4th-28th. I stay with my Aunt Isabelle, 6484905. They have drilled
over 7300 of their wells in PA since this play started as of last year. The town of Triangle will be not
drilled first as it is shallower with lower reserves as well.
I do not live in NY, I am from NJ. I have a trailer and property. I go hunting for a couple of weeks a
year with my brother, we enjoy going into town, its come a long way. Things like Dunkin Donuts,
Subway, McDonalds, makes me kids feel at home when they come. I would like to see natural gas
come thru, would stimulate the economy, Triangle would benefit greatly.
Cell Tower in Triangle near RT 206! No one in the valley can use cell phone!.
Allow timber-harvesting activities to continue. Do not enable land use ordinances. Timber is a strong
part of the local community and restrictions against harvesting will slow this economic growth for
small local business.
I have been coming up to this area for forty years. I have seen civilization crawl up the valley to the
hilltops. I realize that trailers are needed for those who can’t afford a new home. There is a happy
medium in between the two. You want to make this area special then we need to address this fact.
Why does snowmobiles have paths and 4x4 atv have none. It is wonderful to go for a 5-hour ride on
a 4x4 atv. But there is no paths
I live in Texas- Arlington and around my home in an urban environment in a 10-mile radius then
must be 50 drilled gas wells. All are fenced and well taken care of. The air is clean and has been
tested. So yes to drilling.
I am a firm believer in allowing drilling as long as it's done the right way, fossil fuels will be a thing of
the past
Trucks coming down 26 adds a lot of noise
None of this really applies to me as I don’t live in the town of Triangle. I own property, which is
strictly used for recreation like hunting etc.
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 33
Appendix I – Town & Village Survey
The final draft of the survey is shown on the following pages.
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 34
Town of Triangle 2014 Comprehensive Plan Survey
Someone who is 18 years old or older should fill out this survey
and mail it back in the enclosed envelope.
-- Please fill out and return immediately.
-- Survey deadline is March 15, 2014.
All individual answers will be kept strictly confidential.
1. Where do you live?
☐ Village of Whitney Point ☐ Town of Triangle outside of the Village
☐ Other:_________________________________________________
2. How old are you? ___________ (Enter number of years.)
3. Do you rent or own your home in the town of village?
☐ Rent
☐ Own
☐ I own property, but I do not live here.
4. What type of home do you currently live in?
☐ Single-family
☐ Mobile home
☐ Apartment
☐ Other: (please describe) ______________________
5. How many years have you lived in Town of Triangle or Village of Whitney Point? _________
6. How many people currently reside in your home? ________ How many children under the age of 18? ______
7. How do you heat your home?
☐ Wood
☐ Wood Pellets
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☐ Propane
Oil or kerosene
☐ Other: (describe)_______________
8. How satisfied are you with each of the following? (Check one box in each row.)
Very
Satisfied Neither
satisfied
a. Maintenance of town roads
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b. Snow plowing of town roads
c. Quality of drinking water
d. Ability to walk in town
e. Ability to walk in village
f. Availability of youth recreation
g. Availability of senior recreation
h. Town / state parks & other recreational places
i. Safety of community
j. Shopping opportunities in the town / village
k. Dining opportunities in the town / village
l. Quality of public schools
m. Quality of police & fire protection services
n. Quality of emergency medical services
o. Quality of town government
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9. Where do you get most of your information about the Town and/or Town Government?
☐ Printed newspaper
☐ Online newspaper
☐ Online blog
☐ Television
☐ Radio
☐ Word of mouth
☐ Facebook / social media
☐ Other: (please specify below)
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10. Would you use public transit if it were more convenient?
☐ Yes
☐ No
If yes, where would you go? ________________________________________________
11. Which ONE of the following statements best describes your position on natural gas drilling/hydraulic fracturing:
☐ I am completely against drilling.
☐ I am for drilling without restrictions.
☐ Drilling should be allowed with state, but not local, restrictions.
☐ Drilling should be allowed, but the town should specify where and when drilling take place.
12. If drilling were allowed, would you support a town fee or tax on natural gas drilling (perhaps on the property or on
the production) to fund town programs to alleviate potential impacts on groundwater, land, roads, etc.?
☐ Strongly support
☐ Support
☐ Indifferent
☐ Oppose
☐ Strongly oppose
13. Would you support a town program to reduce the use of energy and fossil fuels in government operations, even if it
costs more in the short-term to buy different equipment and/or vehicles?
☐ Strongly support
☐ Support
☐ Indifferent
☐ Oppose
☐ Strongly oppose
14. Would you support town policies and/or incentives to reduce the use of energy and fossil fuels in the homes and local
businesses of Triangle? These might cost the town money, but reduce homeowner and business costs.
☐ Strongly support
☐ Support
☐ Indifferent
☐ Oppose
☐ Strongly oppose
15. Drilling requires that wells be connected to both major and minor pipelines. Would you support the construction of a
natural gas pipeline network running through the Town of Triangle?
☐ Strongly support
☐ Support
☐ Indifferent
☐ Oppose
☐ Strongly oppose
16. Would you support the construction of a network of pipes to feed natural gas to homes and businesses for heating?
☐ Strongly support
☐ Support
☐ Indifferent
☐ Oppose
☐ Strongly oppose
17. Should drilling occur in the Town of Triangle, what should we do to prepare? (Check all that apply.)
☐ Adopt land use ordinances to specify allowable
drilling locations
☐ Plan public services to deal with environmental,
social, and economic impacts
☐ Adopt ordinances to manage worker housing/camps
☐ Enact a temporary moratorium on drilling
☐ Enact conservation measures to protect
☐ Enact rules to govern where and when trucks can
environmentally and aesthetically important land
travel through the town
☐ Begin water quality testing before drilling starts
☐ Begin seismic monitoring before drilling starts
☐ Other: (describe)
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18. Indicate if any of the following raise safety concerns for you?
Concern
For each, please tell us where:
☐ Speeding traffic
☐ Lack of code enforcement
☐ Bad roads
☐ No place to walk
Where:____________________________________________________
Where:____________________________________________________
Where:_____________________________________________________
Where:_____________________________________________________
Syracuse area
Ithaca area
Cortland area
Pennsylvania
e. Outdoor recreation
Bing., Vestal,
Endicott, or JC
d. Restaurants / entertainment
Greene
c. Medical services
Marathon
b. Clothes/appliance shopping
Lisle
a. Groceries
Triangle /
Whitney Pt.
19. Where do you go most frequently for the following services?
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Strongly
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a. Community center
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such as snowmobiles
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a. Purchase of undeveloped land to protect
drinking water, rural character, and farms
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b. Conservation easements on land to protect
drinking water, rural character, and farms
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c. Tax incentives to help farmers keep farming
g. Increased wetlands protection
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b. Skateboard park
c. Ice skating facility
21. Would you support the following kinds of programs or policies?
d. Other town-funded programs to protect farming
e. Tax incentives to new or expanding businesses
f. Preservation of historic buildings and barns
22. Please tell us how flooding might have impacted your home over the last ten years? (Check all that apply.)
☐ I have never been flooded.
☐ I have had my backyard flooded.
☐ I have had a flooded basement.
☐ I have had to move temporarily because of flooding.
☐ Other impact: (please describe) _________________________________________________
23. In the past year, have you come across roadways that have been covered in water?
Yes No
If yes, please tell us where:_____________________________________________________________
24. Would you support increased restrictions on building in areas prone to flooding?
☐ Strongly agree
☐ Agree
☐ Indifferent
☐ Disagree
☐ Strongly disagree
25. How often did you visit the following recreational/natural areas during the past year?
Two to
Never
Once
five times
a. County Fair Grounds
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c. Dorchester Park & walking trails
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d. Otselic & Tioghnioga Rivers
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e. Mary L. Wilcox Library
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f. Northern Broome Senior Center
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a. Preservation of farmland
b. Preservation of forest lands
c. Rural views and rural character
d. Farms as part of the local economy
e. Availability of local or organic food
f. Strong local economy
g. Protecting the local environment
h. Protecting the global environment
i. Preservation of hunting areas
27. Do you have or would you consider any of the following? (Check all that apply.)
I have
Solar panels on my home or in my yard
Wind turbine on my property
Purchase green power from the electric company
Use compact fluorescents or other low-energy bulbs
Own a gas/electric hybrid car or an all-electric vehicle
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28. Where would you like to see the Town of Triangle in 10 years? What words or phrases would you use to describe the
Town of Triangle in the future?
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29. The biggest concern I have in Triangle is________________________________________________________.
My ideas for fixing this problem are: ___________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
30. Additional comments: _______________________________________________________________________
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Appendix II – Town of Triangle Inventory
This appendix holds recent sociodemographic information about
Triangle, Whitney Point, and Broome County.
Above is the population of Triangle, NY for the years 1990, 2000,
and 2010. Please note the y-axis does not start at zero, so the
differences between the years are not as drastic as they may seem.
Above is the population of Triangle NY, Whitney Point NY, and
Broome County NY. There was a decrease in population in Triangle
and Whitney, as well as an overall decrease in the county they both
reside, Broome. Please note the Secondary y-axis for Broome County
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 39
population does not start at zero, so the differences between the
years are not as drastic as they may seem. Please note Whitney point
population was deducted from Triangle population.
The median household income of triangle is almost equal to the
income of Broome County, the county in which it resides. The data is
presented in 2010 inflation adjusted dollars. Note the y-axis does not
start at zero, so the differences between triangle and Broome County
Income are not as drastic as they seem.
The above graph represents the median household income over time
for Triangle, Whitney Point, and Broome County. Although Whitney
Point and Triangle’s median household income increased from 2000
to 2010, the median household income for the county went down
during this period of time. Please note that the graph does not start at
zero, which may exaggerate the differences. The information in the
graph above has been adjusted to 2010 dollar value. The 1990 and
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 40
2000 information was taken from the U.S census, while the 2010
information was taken from the 2008-2012 5-year American
Community Survey.
The graph above depicts how the number of housing units has
changed over time in Whitney Point, Triangle, and Broome County.
Please note that the second y-axis does not start at zero, and may
exaggerate the difference at first glance and that the Whitney Point
housing number was deducted from the Triangle housing number.
Percentage!of!the!Popula=on!Living!in!Poverty!
18!
over!Time!!
16!
14!
Percenta 12!
ge!of!the!
10!
PopulaO
8!
on!under!
6!
the!
poverty! 4!
2!
0!
1990!
Broome!County!NY!
Triangle!NY!
2000!
Year!
2010!
The graph aboove depicts the trend of poverty in Triangle, NY
compared to the entire county. The poverty rate in Trangle NY
decreased between 2000 and 2010, while poverty in Broome County
is still on the rise.
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 41
This graph illustrates of the age breakdown for Triangle, NY. The
largest age group is 35-64, while the rest of the population is spread
among the oher categories, the smallest being 80+ and under five.
The graph above portrays that housing vacancy rates for Broome
County, Triangle, and Whitney Point NY. Triangle has the highest
rate at 10.3, compared to 8.3 in Whitney and 9.3 in the county as a
whole. Comparatively, although Triangle’s rate is higher, it is still
within 1% of the county average. Please note the scale does not start
at zero and may exaggerate the differences between places. Source:
US Census.
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 42
The graph above breaks down the 10.3% vacancy presented in the
previous graph of the same year. As shown above, nearly half of all
vacancies in Triangle were for sale, while the other half was split
between for rent and other. The “other” category can include
vacation homes.
The above diagram portrays the educational attainment for the
citizens of Triangle, NY in 2010. The majority of people have high
school or some college education.
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 43
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 44
The graph above shows the rates of employment in major industries for Triangle NY compared to
Broome County NY. Triangle exceeds the County in all rates expect for professional, educational
services, arts and other. Nothing stands out as a particular focus of the town.
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 45
The histogram above presents the distribution of median household incomes by county. It shows
the number of counties in each income range. Broome County, with a median household income of
just under $44,000 sits on the lower side of the bubble as one of the state’s poorer counties.
Triangle survey report – June 23, 2014 – page 46