Residents say Jaffrey’s downtown and community interactions are the best part of town, while taxes represent the worst, according to recently released survey results from an Election Day questionnaire.
Selectman James “Cush” Moore said Monday that almost 900 handwritten surveys were filled out last Tuesday, roughly one-third of the 2,656 who voted.
“I think we did the best we could do with the survey. We were just asking people to write what came to mind,” said Selectmen Frank Sterling, at Monday’s Select Board meeting. “I think this helps give us some idea as to some of the other businesses and things we may want to bring to town.”
The survey had two simple questions, asking residents to name the best and worst parts of Jaffrey. The Select Board intentionally left the questions vague, hoping to get a variety of answers.
Residents declared community interactions and downtown, scenic character, town services, emergency services and schools the best part of Jaffrey. Taxes, lack of businesses in the downtown area, town services, roads, traffic, and the need of a grocery store, more middle school activities, broadband access, and a dog park were listed as the worst of Jaffrey.
The Select Board said Monday that items listed in the worst category will be added to the Select Board’s goals for next year.
Director of Planning and Economic Development Jo Anne Carr told the board Monday that the items listed in the survey results mimic issues listed in previous master plan discussions and surveys.
Nicholas Handy can be reached at 924-7172 ext. 235 or nhandy@ledgertranscript.com.