rate. In general, objectives related to Village character and the environment were selected the most frequently. Rank Characteristic 1 Protecting the natural environment 2 Preserving Croton's historic character 3 Improving the appearance of the Upper Village 4 Providing park/recreational areas along waterfront 5 Improving access to the Hudson riverfront Frequency Percent (%) 546 58.5 455 48.8 326 34.9 316 33.9 303 32.5 Remaining responses are summarized below: Rank Characteristic 6 Improving mix of retail uses 7 Upgrading water system/sewer system Improving the design quality of streetscapes and 8 buildings 9 Expanding trails along Croton River 10 Supporting the arts in Croton Implementing traffic calming/pedestrian safety 11 improvements 12 Expanding parks & recreational facilities Improving all commercial areas (better signs, more 13 variety) Encouraging small scale office development in 14 commercial areas 15 Encouraging more affordable housing units 16 Improving transit connections to RR station 17 Increasing job opportunities in the Village 18 Rehabilitation of existing housing stock 19 Improving traffic circulation 20 Improving transit/bike connections at RR station 13 Frequency Percent (%) 289 31.0 250 26.8 235 229 214 25.2 24.5 22.9 191 180 20.5 19.3 171 18.3 171 160 122 83 83 80 70 18.3 17.1 13.1 8.9 8.9 8.6 7.5 Environmental Concerns Residents were asked to rank their concerns relating to open space and environmental issues on a scale from one to six, with one being the greatest concern. Six categories, plus a write-in option, were provided. These were: • air quality • Hudson River quality • well water quality • solid waste disposal/recycling • noise • open space While 98% of respondents answered this question, only 75% ranked the concerns from one to six. Other respondents used a different ranking system to better express how they viewed the concerns. All responses were incorporated into the analysis. To facilitate analysis, responses were aggregated to show the concerns most frequently ranked 1, 2 or 3 and those most frequently ranked 4, 5, and 6. Only the top three in each category are shown. Three Most Frequently Selected Environmental Concerns Ranked 1, 2, or 3 Well Water Quality 51.9 Hudson River Quality 55.2 Air Quality 64.2 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Percent Responses Three Most Frequently Selected Environmental Concerns Ranked 4, 5, or 6 Solid Waste Disposal/ Recycling 48.5 Open Space 49.1 Noise 49.9 0 10 20 30 40 Percent Responses 14 50 60 3.5 Village Voice: Residents’ Ideas The survey included a section where residents were asked to provide their ideas on Croton’s character and future development. Over 500 written responses were received which addressed a wide range of issues. While responses were too numerous to include in this report, a summary of responses by topic is provided below. Accessibility Recommendations focused on safe and easy access to riverfronts and free access to recreation facilities. Commercial Development and Diversity Many residents addressed this issue, focusing on the need to improve the diversity and quality of retail and commercial opportunities to better accommodate residents and allow for more local shopping. Some residents specified a lack of quality supermarkets, local greengrocers, bakeries and bookstores. Big-box and chain stores and other large complexes were viewed as undesirable. At the same time, some residents also suggested using expanded commercial development to broaden the tax base and reduce the tax burden on residents. Community Facilities Recommendations ranged from additional recreational (swimming, tennis, playgrounds) and youth and senior facilities to improved parks and designated dog parks. The need for improved maintenance at Duck Pond and Senasqua Parks was cited several times. The importance of educational facilities and the possibility of an arts and cultural center were raised as well. Environment Respondents emphasized preservation, including maintaining open space, minimizing tree cutting, and protecting the rivers and riverfronts. Residents also cited noise problems with the railroad station and highways. Housing A variety of recommendations were offered. The majority of recommendations focused on the need for affordable housing, especially seniors. Infrastructure Recommendations ranged from the need for sidewalks to improving lighting and access to recreational facilities, but most focused on the need for repaired and expanded networks of sidewalks and pedestrian linkages. Development Patterns and Village Character As with commercial development and environment, comments centered on preservation, maintaining the small-town and historic character of the Village and preventing overdevelopment, both along the river and throughout the Village. Residents stressed the need for maintaining the quiet, quaint rural nature of the town. On related comments about socioeconomic conditions, respondents cited concern over the cost of living and the impact on population diversity in the Village. Local Government: Taxes and Spending and Code Enforcement Overall, recommendations focused on the need for responsible fiscal planning, concerns about taxes and overspending as well as the need for more community input into local decision-making. Residents expressed concerns that Village codes