What Vermonters Think
Vermonter Poll
Need to run to the store for milk? For most of us, that means getting in our car and driving to the supermarket. The same is true for getting to work or school, renting a video, or going out for a meal. In fact, we are spending more and more time in our cars driving to our jobs, strip malls and big box stores. Despite this trend, the annual Vermonter Poll, conducted by the University of Vermont's Center for Rural Studies in cooperation with Smart Growth Vermont, indicates Vermonters do not want sprawl and believe action should be taken to stop it.
The Poll also reveals that homebuyers are finding it difficult to find affordable homes in and around downtowns and village centers. While some people prefer the rural experience, the market is not providing many Vermonters with what they want — communities where they can walk to work and shops.
Have you heard of sprawl development?
Due to a combination of educational efforts and the day-to-day impacts of scattered development, Vermonters are increasingly aware of sprawl. From 1998 to 2005, the percentage of respondents who have heard of sprawl increased from 50% to nearly 80%. That percentage has dropped slightly, to 73%, in 2007.
Do you feel that action should be taken to stop sprawl in Vermont?
Understanding that sprawl is a critical issue, nearly two out of every three respondents (63%) feels that action should be taken to stop sprawl.
How likely is it that current trends in development and land use will lead to sprawl in Vermont?
Not only are the majority of Vermonters aware of sprawl, and feel that action should be taken to address it, but nearly 66% are concerned that existing development patterns will lead to more sprawl in the future.
Given two options — if money were not object — would you purchase a home in an urban or village setting close to transit, work and shopping, or a larger home in an outlying area with more space, but a larger commute?
Vermonters are increasingly aware that our own choices are important in shaping Vermont's development patterns. 1 out 3 Vermonters are willing to trade a larger home in a rural setting for an in-town location closer to services and these numbers are increasing — a trend that will likely continue as people spend more time in their cars and oil prices increase. In fast-growing Chittenden County, 2 out of 3 people would prefer a home in an urban or village setting.
Where do you think residential development should occur?
Regardless of personal preference, Vermonters favor building homes where neighborhoods already are built. Nearly 90% of respondents think residential development should occur in or adjacent to existing downtowns or residential neighborhoods. This overwhelming support for concentrating housing in and adjacent to existing neighborhoods exists both inside and outside of Chittenden County.
Where would you prefer to shop for items you need?
Vermonters indicate a strong preference (over 70% of all respondents) for shopping in their neighborhood or downtown and village centers. Only 10% of respondents statewide prefer to shop at big box stores.
