Though the community meeting on the proposed master plan had to be called off Tuesday evening, the Dorr Township Planning Commission had a discussion about responses to a survey of residents.
Commissioner Terri Rios reported a whopping 349 people replied to the survey, both written and on-line. Consultant Nathan Mehmed of Williams & Works told them a good response would be more than 100.
“There’s a lot of information in there (in the survey),” said Commissioner Dan Beute. “It seems like a lot of people want to keep Dorr’s small town and agricultural feel.”
Indeed, two of the most popular choices in a wish list for the township were a farmers’ market and agribusiness, along with a sit-down restaurant.
A good chunk of those surveyed also wanted a dog park, assisted living facility, fast-food restaurant, a drive-through car wash and sidewalks along 144th Avenue and 18th Street,
However, Vice Chairman Robert Traxler commented, “Sidewalks are horribly expensive.”
It was noted that a surprising number of people expressed interest in municipal sewer and water services and worry over failing septic systems and potential groundwater contamination.
Commissioners expressed relief over the passage March 10 of a proposed 0.6-mill levy for the library after it had been turned down twice before.
Rios explained, “A lot of people were scared that the library would close (if the millage failed).”
Chairman Robert Wagner asked, “When you have something of value like the library, why would you get rid of it? They’ve got more than just books; they’ve got computers and wi-fi.”
Beute added, “I’m old-fashioned. I use the library because I like the printed word.”
Traxler added that he believes the close proximity of health care is another huge positive for Dorr Township, noting that Metro and Mercy hospitals are only 15 minutes away. He said that was one reason why he and his wife chose to come here to live from Illinois.
There also is much interest in high-speed residential Internet, but that continues to be dependent on services from just three providers, A T & T, Comcast and Spectrum.
Copies of the survey results will be made on the township’s web site and at the township office.
The Planning Commission hasn’t given up on having a community input meeting at a later date, after the Coronavirus fears have abated.