Miami Township Resident Perception Survey Center for Urban & Public Affairs Wright State University 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy Dayton, OH 45435 (937) 775-3725
Table of Contents Table of Figures... ii Introduction... 3 Survey Methodology... 3 Data Analysis... 3 Demographics... 3 General Public Sentiment... 7 Source of News... 8 Township Services... 9 Police Services... 10 Fire and Emergency Medical Services... 11 Parks and Recreational Services... 12 Physical Planning & Economic Development... 14 Residents Concerns and Goals for Miami Township... 15 Housing... 17 Economic Development... 18 Dayton Wright Brothers Airport... 21 Development around the Dayton Mall... 21 Infrastructure... 21 Appendix A: Survey Instrument... 23 Appendix B: Frequency Tables... 29 I
Table of Figures Figure 1: Age and gender of survey respondents.... 4 Figure 2: Number of Children Residing with the Respondent... 4 Figure 3: School District Attendance... 5 Figure 4. Employment Status and Income levels of survey respondents.... 5 Figure 5: Housing Tenure and Type of Residence... 6 Figure 6: General Public Sentiment about Miami Township as a Place to Live... 7 Figure 7: Reasons that Respondents Chose to Live in Miami Township.... 8 Figure 8: Frequency Respondents Read the Township Newsletter... 9 Figure 9: Township Service by Budgetary Priority... 10 Figure 10: Satisfaction with Police Services... 10 Figure 11: Importance of Existing Police Services to Residents... 11 Figure 12: Proposed Police Department Programs... 11 Figure 13: Willingness to Pay to Increase or Expand Police Department Services... 11 Figure 14: How Often Do You Use Miami Township Parks?... 12 Figure 15: How Important Are Each of These Parks and Recreation Planning Activities?... 13 Figure 16: Parks and Recreational Services/Amenities Residents Would Like... 13 Figure 17: Where Residents Feel That Miami Township Government Should Focus the Most Attention. 15 Figure 18: Preserving the Township's Natural Features... 16 Figure 19: Top Three Areas the Township Should Address in the New Plan... 17 Figure 20: Do you feel Miami Township Has an Adequate Supply of Housing? (By Type)... 18 Figure 21: Residents Perception of Business Supply... 19 Figure 22: How Important Are Each of the Following Economic Development Ideas... 20 Figure 23: Resident Priority for Economic Development Activities... 20 Figure 24: Planning for Development around the Dayton Mall over the Next 20 Years... 21 Figure 25: How Much Attention Should Be Paid to Transportation Goals?... 22 Figure 26: Respondent Interest in Adding Sidewalks, Curbs, and Gutters... 22 Figure 27: Respondent Willingness Support a New Resurfacing Levy to Improve the Township's Streets 22 II
Introduction Citizens are customers of government services, and measuring customer opinions of services and satisfaction levels is good business practice. 1 As one means of tracking data about customer needs, the Township provides the opportunity for citizens to share their opinions on government and services, and to assess residents desires for the future of Miami Township. In 2014, the Center for Urban and Public Affairs (CUPA) at Wright State University (WSU) conducted the public opinion survey for the Township. This report summarizes the perceptions of Miami Township s residents. Survey questions have been grouped into topical areas, such as General Public Sentiment and Views of City Services, representing the chapters in this report. In each section, the results from the 2014 survey are described in detail, and statistical differences between demographic cohorts is noted whenever applicable. Survey Methodology The survey instrument was designed by Miami Township officials and employees with guidance from researchers at Wright State University s Center for Urban and Public Affairs. The questionnaire was developed with two purposes in mind: first to gauge public sentiment; and second to garner public input to update the comprehensive plan. To view the survey instrument, see Appendix A. Data collection lasted from November 1 to December 13, 2014. Interviewers used a Computer Aided Telephone Interviewing (CATI) software program that displays the questionnaire on a computer screen and allows the interviewer to enter the response directly into the database. Such a system helped to minimize errors while gathering the data. A total of 406 individuals were interviewed to obtain a 95 percent confidence level and a ±4.85% sampling error for the Township as a whole. Data Analysis Demographics The following presents a demographic profile of survey respondents. The data were weighted by age and gender to provide more accurate estimates and to adjust the distribution of the sample data to reflect the demographics of the adult population of the City. By weighting the data, the responses of persons in various subgroups are adjusted to compensate for the overrepresentation or under-representation of these persons in the survey sample. Just over half of respondents are female. One-quarter of respondents (26.2%) are adults between the ages of 18 and 34 and 20.8% are senior adults 65 years of age or older. All other age groups are nearly equally distributed at 16.6-18.6% of respondents. Refer to figure 1 for a detailed look at respondents by age or gender. 1 Michigan s Quality Improvement Guidebook, 2008. Prepared by the Center for Urban & Public Affairs, Wright State University Page 3
Figure 1: Age and gender of survey respondents. Over half of respondents do not have children living in their household. One-third of respondents report that 1-2 children live in the household, while 8.4% of household respondents have 3 or more children living in the household. Of the households reporting children living in their home, forty-one percent of households send their children to Miamisburg City Schools and 28.5% attend West Carrollton City Schools. Figure 2: Number of Children Residing with the Respondent Prepared by the Center for Urban & Public Affairs, Wright State University Page 4
Figure 3: School District Attendance Approximately two-thirds (64.2%) of respondents are employed. Nearly one-third of responding households (32.0%) had an income of $75,000 or more a year. Conversely, nineteen percent (19.3%) make less than $25,000 a year. Refer to figure 2. Figure 4. Employment Status and Income levels of survey respondents. Two-thirds of respondents (66.5%) also own their home in Miami Township. Eighty-three percent of home owner respondents live in a single-family dwelling and eight percent own a condominium. Onethird of respondents rent their primary residence and over half (55.2%) of renters report that they rent a single-family home, while 28.4% of renters indicated that they lived in an attached apartment. Prepared by the Center for Urban & Public Affairs, Wright State University Page 5
Figure 5: Housing Tenure and Type of Residence Prepared by the Center for Urban & Public Affairs, Wright State University Page 6
General Public Sentiment This section summarizes the perceptions of Miami Township residents, and studies differences in perceptions between groups of people. Survey questions have been grouped into topical areas, such as General Public Sentiment, (satisfaction with) Township Services, and Planning for the Future representing the sections in this report. The appendices provide additional detail. The survey first established how respondents feel about living in Miami Township. Nearly all respondents (97.8%) indicated that they are very satisfied (43.6 percent) or satisfied (54.1 percent) with the Township as a place to live. Nine out of ten respondents indicated that Miami Township is a good or excellent place to go out to eat (91.3%) or shop (90.0%). In addition, seven out of eight respondents indicated that the Township was a good or excellent place to entertain out-of-town guests (86.6%) or raise children (84.8%). Three-quarters indicated that Miami Township is a good/excellent place to live as a professional or enjoy recreation. Finally, two-thirds (66.9%) of respondents felt that the township was a good/excellent place to live as a senior citizen or work. Respondents between the ages of 18 and 34 years of age and residents who have lived in Miami Township fewer than 10 years were significantly more likely to indicate that Miami Township was a fair or poor place to work. Figure 6: General Public Sentiment about Miami Township as a Place to Live Overall, 87.6% of respondents rate the quality of life in Miami Township as excellent (30.8%) or good (56.7%) and the majority of respondents (60.1%) believe that the quality of life not changed in the last five years or improved (21.7%). Respondents between the ages of 18 and 34 years of age were more likely to indicate that that the quality of life was fair or poor, but has improved over the past five years the their older cohorts and this finding is statistically significant. Male and renter respondents were also significantly more likely to indicate that the quality of life has improved over the last five years. When asked to consider what obstacles the Township may face when trying to achieve its goal of providing a high quality of life for its residents, over half of respondents indicated that increasing taxes, (limited) job opportunities in the county, crime, and increasing traffic congestion as the major obstacles the Township faces. Prepared by the Center for Urban & Public Affairs, Wright State University Page 7
The most common reason that respondents chose to live in Miami Township is the ability to find the right house or apartment within their budgeted means (23.9%), while 21.2% said they chose to live in the Township because of its convenient location. The third most common reason, is that the respondent has always lived in Miami Township and this finding is significantly different by gender. Male respondents are more likely to report that they have always lived in Miami Township. For a detailed look at all responses, refer to the graph below. Figure 7: Reasons that Respondents Chose to Live in Miami Township. Source of News The Miami Township newsletter is mailed twice a year to residents. Forty-four percent of respondents read the Township newsletter every time they receive one. Nearly one-third of respondents do not read the newsletter either because they choose not too (10.9%) or because they are unaware that the Township has a newsletter (20.3%). Respondents between the age of 18 and 34 years of age are less likely than their older cohorts to know that the Township had a newsletter or to read the newsletter and these findings are statistically significant. When the respondent was asked if they would prefer to receive the newsletter electronically, just over one-quarter (23.6%) of respondents indicated that electronic delivery of the newsletter was their preference. Adults ages 18 to 44 are also significantly more likely to prefer an electronic copy of newsletter. Prepared by the Center for Urban & Public Affairs, Wright State University Page 8
Figure 8: Frequency Respondents Read the Township Newsletter Township Services Residents are customers of government services, and measuring customer opinions of services and satisfaction levels is good business practice. This survey is one means of assessing data about customer needs. The Township provides the opportunity for citizens to share their opinions on Township government and services, and to assess citizen satisfaction with provided services and desires for the future services in Miami Township and these opinions are detailed in the following section of the report. Respondents were asked if they had used police, fire, planning and zoning, or public works services in the last year. Very few respondents had 22.1% requested police service, 7.3% used fire service, 6.5% indicated that they had used a public works service (includes road, parks, and public building maintenance), and 1.3% used planning and zoning services. Of those respondents who had used these Township services, almost all were satisfied or very satisfied with the service they received 95.9% indicated satisfaction with police services and 96.9% indicated satisfaction with all other services. All residents were asked to prioritize services provided by Miami Township for future budgeting purposes. Respondents selected fire and ambulance services (66.4%) as their highest budgetary priority, followed by police services (41.6%), and street maintenance and resurfacing (39.8%). Residents considered park facilities and additional pedestrian and bike trails the lowest budgetary priorities of the group. The percentage of respondents who considered each service a high priority and the mean priority score is presented in the following table. Prepared by the Center for Urban & Public Affairs, Wright State University Page 9
Figure 9: Township Service by Budgetary Priority Police Services All respondents were asked how they would rate the perception of the police department, 79.0% indicated that they would rate the Miami Township Police Department as excellent or good. Respondents between the ages of 18 and 34, residents who have lived in Miami Township less than five years, or renters were more likely to rate their perception of the police department as fair or poor and these finding is statistically significant. Slightly more than one-fifth of respondents (22.2%) indicated that they had requested service from the police department at least once in the past 12 months. Of those respondents, 95.9% were satisfied or very satisfied with police services, as seen in the figure below. Figure 10: Satisfaction with Police Services All respondents were then asked how satisfied they were with the response time and staffing levels of the local police department based on what they had seen or heard. Nearly all respondents were satisfied with these performance markers, with 93.3% indicating that they were satisfied or very satisfied with the police department s response time and 92.4% indicating that they were satisfied or very satisfied with the police department s staffing levels. Prepared by the Center for Urban & Public Affairs, Wright State University Page 10
All respondents were also asked about the importance of various services provided by their local police department, including National Night Out, Neighborhood Watch, and vacant house checks. Respondents placed the lowest importance on National Night Out, with 62.2% indicating that it was important or very important, while nearly all of respondents indicated that Neighborhood Watch (94.9%) and vacant house checks (94.2%) were important or very important. The chart below details these responses. Figure 11: Importance of Existing Police Services to Residents All respondents were asked what programs, if any, they would like to see added to the police department. While 30.2% said they would not like to see programs added to the police department, 42.7% said that they would like to see a senior call-in service added, 29.6% said they d like to see citizen volunteers, and 30.2% said they wanted to see a citizen police academy. When asked if they would be willing to pay to increase or expand local police department services, 61.4% indicated that they would be willing to pay more, as the figure below details. Figure 12: Proposed Police Department Programs Figure 13: Willingness to Pay to Increase or Expand Police Department Services Fire and Emergency Medical Services When asked about fire and emergency services, less than ten percent (7.3%) of respondents used fire services in the past year, but respondents feel that Miami Township should place a higher priority on fire and ambulance services in future budgets. Two-thirds of respondents (66.4%) indicated that these services should receive high priority. Prepared by the Center for Urban & Public Affairs, Wright State University Page 11
Parks and Recreational Services Respondents were asked why they chose Miami Township as a place to live and three percent indicated that parks and recreation was what drew them to the Township, but 72.8% did indicate that Miami Township is a good or excellent place to enjoy recreation. When asked if Miami Township has an adequate supply of parks and open space, 77.1% of respondents indicated that it did, while 63.0% indicated that Miami Township has an adequate supply of recreational trail networks. All respondents were asked how well they thought parks and recreation services were being provided and the majority feel that the Township recreation services (82.2%), park facilities (80.4%), and walking and biking trails (87.0%) meet or exceed their expectations. Respondents were then asked about their utilization of Miami Township parks and recreation. When asked how often they use Miami Township parks, 86.5% indicated that they used parks, with 15.3% using parks at least once a week. The figure below details the frequency of park usage. Figure 14: How Often Do You Use Miami Township Parks? When asked to select the planning goals, recreation was not considered one of the top three priorities. However, 72.4% of respondents indicated that the Township should give a lot of attention to providing parks and outdoor recreation. Later, when asked how important parks were in helping Miami Township achieve its goal of providing high quality of life for its residents through vibrant communities, productive business, and preservation of environmentally sensitive areas, almost all respondents (99.1%) indicated that maintaining parks and preserving open areas or green spaces (96.6%) is very important or important. The majority of respondents indicated that building parks (78.9%), building connection bike paths or trails (80.5%), and preserving Miami Township s cultural, historical, and architectural heritage (87.7%) would also be very important or important. Prepared by the Center for Urban & Public Affairs, Wright State University Page 12
Figure 15: How Important Are Each of These Parks and Recreation Planning Activities? Next, respondents were asked what services they would like to see Miami Township place priority on in the Township s future budgets. Half of respondents (49.9%) indicated that they would like a medium or high priority to be placed on additional pedestrian and bike trails and 69.9% of respondents indicated that they would like a medium or high priority to be placed on park facilities. However, when ranked against other Township services, Park facilities and recreation use trails were not considered high priorities in future budgets. Respondents were then asked what parks and recreational services they currently do not have but would like, the majority of respondents had no opinion about additional or future parks and recreation services. The most frequently selected service or amenity was a recreation center 14.8% of respondents indicating they would like a rec center. A detailed look at responses is provided in the Figure 15 below. Of the 114 respondents who said they would like to see one of the services, 89.7% said they would be willing to support new services financially. Figure 16: Parks and Recreational Services/Amenities Residents Would Like Prepared by the Center for Urban & Public Affairs, Wright State University Page 13
When asked about the township s transportation goals, 61.4% of respondents indicated that a lot of attention or some attention should be given to building and maintaining bike lanes and 61.0% of respondents indicated that a lot of attention or some attention should be given to expanding and improving access to bike facilities, such as bike lanes, trails, and parking facilities. However, neither were considered high priority when compared to the other transportation goals. Physical Planning & Economic Development In order to have a successful plan that is supported by the community, it is crucial to invite participation representative of the whole community. Physical planning is concerned with the general pattern of landuse, the character and location of public buildings and structures, the design of streets, the location and development of transit and transportation systems, and all other physical facilities which are necessary or desirable to promote the economic betterment, comfort, convenience, and the general welfare. 2 In November of 2014, the public opinion survey was prepared to incorporate physical planning and economic development planning questions for Miami Township as a means of gathering input from residents. It provided an opportunity in the planning process for the public to provide their opinions on various planning topics and issues, such as services; traffic and commuting; housing; quality of life; roads, water, sewer, and other public infrastructure; community appearance; and economic development. As mentioned earlier, nearly ninety percent (87.6%) of residential respondents believe that the quality of life in Miami Township today is good or excellent and sixty percent believe that the Township has maintained or improved the quality of life for residents over the past five years. The highlights are presented below. 3 Residents felt that the Township should focus most of its attention on planning for the future, and improving communication and increasing collaboration with the County and other local jurisdictions. Residents also felt strongest about supporting planning goals, which address: Living in Miami Township as a young professional Living in Miami Township as a senior adult Raising children in Miami Township Over all, respondents feel that Miami Township has an adequate supply of nationally recognized retail chains and chain restaurants 93% and 92% of respondents, respectively. Eight out of ten respondents also felt that there is an adequate supply of Professional office/commercial services, apartments/rental housing, hotel accommodations, personal services businesses, and business parks. However, respondents felt that there could be a better supply of mixed-use development and low-income housing. Finally, respondents felt that the Township has an inadequate supply of industrial/manufacturing facilities or businesses and senior housing options. 2 (Webster, 1958) 3 For detailed survey results, refer to Appendix A: Citizen Input Prepared by the Center for Urban & Public Affairs, Wright State University Page 14
Over two-thirds of respondents also felt that it is most important to address the following issues to help Miami Township achieve its goal of providing a high quality of life for its residents. Improve overall community character Provide or maintain parks and other outdoor recreation Preserve/manage water resources Work with local businesses to help them expand Preserve open areas or green spaces Manage traffic/improve vehicular traffic circulation Increase employment opportunities in Miami Township Capitalize on our low cost of living Improve and redevelop existing areas Encourage people to buy local products and foods However, seven out of eight respondents (84.5%) felt that it is important to control or limit residential, commercial, and industrial growth to areas where services, like water and sewer, already exist. Additionally, respondents identified increasing taxes, limited job opportunities in the county, crime, and increasing traffic congestion as the major obstacles most likely to prevent Miami Township from achieving its goal of providing a high quality of life for its residents through vibrant communities, productive business, and preservation of environmentally sensitive areas. Residents Concerns and Goals for Miami Township Residents were asked to select the planning goals where Miami Township government should focus most of its attention. The top three goals selected by residents for the Township s future planning focus were: planning for future growth; increasing collaboration between the county, townships, and cities; and improving communication between the county, municipal governments, etc. Figure 17: Where Residents Feel That Miami Township Government Should Focus the Most Attention Prepared by the Center for Urban & Public Affairs, Wright State University Page 15
Twenty-eight percent see the loss of open spaces and community character as a major obstacle to achieving its goal of providing high quality of living to its residents. Three-quarters of respondents (73.3%) also feel that improving overall community appearance and character, and 68.1% of respondents feel maintaining Miami Township s agricultural and rural character should also be areas where the government focuses much attention. They not only believe that it is important to improve and redevelop existing areas (93.6%), and encourage new development at the edge of existing development (84.5%), but also to preserve Miami Township s cultural, historical, and architectural heritage (87.3%), and its agricultural resources and farmland (87.7%). Nearly all respondents believe that it is important to preserve open areas or green spaces (96.6%) and water resources (98.2%). In particular, residents believe it is important to preserve the Township s natural features, like forests and woodlands (82.2%), and large specimen trees (82.3%).. Refer to the following figure for a complete breakdown by natural feature. Figure 18: Preserving the Township's Natural Features Residents were asked to select the three things they felt the Township should address when preparing the new plan that maintains or enhances the quality of life for residents. The three most frequently selected topics to address are planning for young professionals, senior adults, and raising children. Refer to the following figure for a complete breakdown by topic. Prepared by the Center for Urban & Public Affairs, Wright State University Page 16
Figure 19: Top Three Areas the Township Should Address in the New Plan When asked what their biggest concerns were or what obstacles the Township would face, greater than ninety percent (93.7%) of the respondents cited some level of concern about job opportunities in the county: 60.5% indicated this was a major obstacle and 33.2% indicated it was a minor obstacle. Twothirds of respondents indicated that increasing taxes was also a major obstacle. Finally, crime was the third most frequently cited major obstacle for the Township. Respondents over the age of 55 were significantly more likely to consider crime as a major obstacle than the younger cohorts. Increasing traffic congestion and loss of agricultural land to development were also common concerns listed by residents. Refer to Appendix B for a complete breakdown. Housing Overall, the majority (78.8%) of respondents felt that the quality of available housing in Miami Township was good or excellent (56.7% and 22.0%, respectively). While seven out of eight residents (84.9%) feel that providing affordable housing for all incomes is important, they feel strongly that there is adequate affordable housing (85.8%) in Miami Township. Respondents also feel strongly that there is adequate supply of apartments and rental housing (81.0%), and single family homes (72.4%). In addition, twothirds of respondents feel there is an adequate supply of condominiums (62.8%), while half believe there is adequate low-income housing (52.3%). However, just over half of respondents (53.4%) feel there is an inadequate supply of senior housing. Prepared by the Center for Urban & Public Affairs, Wright State University Page 17
Figure 20: Do you feel Miami Township Has an Adequate Supply of Housing? (By Type) Forty-four percent of respondents feel that residents leaving the area and neighborhood decline are major obstacles to providing a high quality of life for its residents. In terms of housing choice, the majority of respondents do not feel that housing choice is limited for any income level and consider housing choice a minor obstacle to providing a high quality of life in Miami Township. Economic Development Overall, respondents believe Miami Township is an excellent/good place to shop, dine out, or have overnight guests. Almost all of the respondents to the survey also believe that the Township has an adequate supply of nationally recognized retail and restaurant chains. Two-thirds of residents feel the Township to be an excellent or good place to work and live as a young professional and feel strongly (82.1%) that the Township has an adequate supply of professional offices and commercial services. Over three-quarters of respondents also feel that Miami Township has an adequate supply of business parks and personal service businesses, while half (49.3%) feel that there needs to be more industrial/manufacturing businesses in the Township and mixed-use development incorporated in the plan. Prepared by the Center for Urban & Public Affairs, Wright State University Page 18
Figure 21: Residents Perception of Business Supply Over ninety percent of respondents feel it is important for the Township to develop strategies with local businesses to encourage area residents to buy local products and foods; increase employment opportunities within the Township; and encourage and/or aid in business retention and expansion. Ninety percent of respondents also feel that Miami Township should develop strategies to recruit businesses from outside the Township to establish a location within. In particular, residents indicate that the top three economic development activities where the Township should focus a lot of attention are 1) focusing on business retention activities, 2) recruiting more events which attract visitors who may stay in hotels, and 3) recruiting more manufacturing businesses. Recruiting more office. Prepared by the Center for Urban & Public Affairs, Wright State University Page 19
Figure 22: How Important Are Each of the Following Economic Development Ideas In particular, residents indicate that the top three economic development activities where the Township should focus a lot of attention are 1) focusing on business retention activities, 2) recruiting more events which attract visitors who may stay in hotels, and 3) recruiting more manufacturing businesses. Figure 23: Resident Priority for Economic Development Activities The greatest economic development obstacles identified by respondents were increasing taxes (62.2%) and business district decline 44.4% feel this is a major obstacle. Respondents over the age of 35 are significantly more likely to indicate that business district decline is a major obstacle than the 18-34 years of age cohort. Less than one-quarter of respondents feel that finding retailers of interest (24.6%) or additional shopping opportunities in the Township poses a major obstacle to planning for the future. Homeowners and residents of ten or more years are more likely to indicate that finding retailers of interest is a major obstacle and these findings are statistically significant. Prepared by the Center for Urban & Public Affairs, Wright State University Page 20
Dayton Wright Brothers Airport When asked, Do you personally or do you have friends or family that utilize the Dayton Wright Brothers Airport? 75.8% of respondents indicated that they do not, but 73.1% of response indicate that it is very important/important to protect the ability of the Dayton Wright Brothers Airport to function in the community. Development around the Dayton Mall When asked their opinions about how the area surrounding the Dayton Mall should develop over the next 20 years, respondents were first asked how they felt about traffic around the Dayton Mall 71.0% feel that traffic conditions around the Mall are fair (44.0%) or poor (27.0%). Residents who have lived in Miami Township fewer than ten years are more likely to indicate that traffic conditions are fair or poor than residents that have lived in the Township ten or more years. Over two-thirds of respondents (68.9%) feel that Miami Township should keep the current development pattern and this is significantly more likely of male respondents or respondents 55 years of age or older. However, the majority of respondents do not feel that more big-box single-use developments should be encouraged in the area. In addition, residents believe that the Township should encourage greater mixed-use development in the area and incorporate more public spaces, such as parks, plazas, and trails, which alters the landscape around the Mall. For a complete breakdown, refer to the following figure. Figure 24: Planning for Development around the Dayton Mall over the Next 20 Years Infrastructure Finally, residents were asked questions pertaining various infrastructure planning needs and goals for the future. Nearly all respondents feel that improving vehicular traffic circulation (92.7%) and managing traffic (95.5%) are important in helping Miami Township achieve its goal of providing a high quality of life for its residents. When asked to consider what transportation obstacles the Township may face when trying to achieve its goal of providing a high quality of life for its residents, over half of respondents indicated that increasing traffic congestion on Miami Township roads is a major obstacle. Forty-three percent (42.7%) of respondents also feel that slow or lack of road maintenance and improvements also poses major obstacles to reaching its goal. Prepared by the Center for Urban & Public Affairs, Wright State University Page 21
The highest priorities where respondents feel the Township should focus a lot of attention were identified as improving pedestrian safety (51.4%) and repairing township roads (49.8%). Just under half of residents also feel that improving vehicular traffic circulation (47.1%) and improving congestion on township roads (45.6%) are areas where the Township should focus. For a complete breakdown by transportation planning goals, refer to the following figure. Figure 25: How Much Attention Should Be Paid to Transportation Goals? Forty percent of respondents (39.8%) feel that street maintenance and resurfacing should be a high priority for the Township and when asked only 34.7% of residents are interested in adding sidewalks, curbs, and gutters. 4 However when respondents were asked if they would you support a new resurfacing levy to improve the Township's streets, over half indicated that their support would depend on the resurfacing project s cost and one-third (32.0%) indicated that they would support the project. Figure 26: Respondent Interest in Adding Sidewalks, Curbs, and Gutters Figure 27: Respondent Willingness Support a New Resurfacing Levy to Improve the Township's Streets 4 Respondents were asked if they would like a sidewalk and curb and gutter, as some residents do not have them. Prepared by the Center for Urban & Public Affairs, Wright State University Page 22
Appendix A: Survey Instrument 1. How long have you been a resident of Miami Township? 1 4 years 5 9 years 10 or more years 2. Where do you currently live when you are asked? West Carrollton Miamisburg Miami Township Dayton Centerville 3. How satisfied are you with Miami Township as a place to live? Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Satisfied Very Satisfied 4. Why did you choose Miami Township as a place to live? Close to family Always lived in Miami Township Quality of life School system Job opportunity Other Parks and Recreation Convenient location Found house/apt at the right price 5. How would you rate the overall quality of life in Miami Township today? Poor Fair Good Very Good Excellent 6. How has the quality of life in Miami Township changed in the past 5 years? Much worse now Somewhat worse now No Change Somewhat better now Much better now Prepared by the Center for Urban & Public Affairs, Wright State University Page 23
7. How would you rate Miami Township as a place to (Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor): Raise children Enjoy recreation Work Shop Go out to eat Live as a senior citizen or retiree As a place to have out of town guests Live as a young professional 8. What are the top 3 improvements you would like to see to address any deficiencies in the areas noted above? 9. How satisfied are you with Miami Township as a place to shop? Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Satisfied Very Satisfied Don t know 10. How would you rate the quality of the available housing in Miami Township? Excellent Good Fair Poor Don t know 11. Please rate how well you think the following services are being provided? (Police Protection, Snow Removal, Permit processing services and Park Services) Far short of expectations Short of expectations Exceeds expectations Far exceeds expectations 12. For each of the following, please indicate if you feel Miami Township has an adequate supply? Locally owned restaurants Locally owned retail Professional offices and commercial services Senior housing Entertainment establishments Mixed-use development Hotel/Lodging Personal service businesses Professional Offices Prepared by the Center for Urban & Public Affairs, Wright State University Page 24
Business Parks Parks & open space Nationally recognized chain restaurants Nationally recognized retail chains Recreational trail network Apartments/Rental housing Condominiums Single family homes Industrial/Manufacturing Low-income housing 13. Please rate how well you think the following services are being provided? (Parks/Recreation, Trails, bike, walking, Park Facilities) Far short of expectations Short of expectations Exceeds expectations Far exceeds expectations 14. Do you think there is adequate affordable housing in Miami Township? Yes No 15. How often do you use Miami Township parks? Recreational Trails, Park Shelters (seasonal)? Never Less than Once a Month Once a Month 2 3 Times a Month Once a Week 2 3 Times a Week Daily 16. What is your age? 18 24 years old 25 34 years old 35 44 years old 45 54 years old 55-64 years old 65 years old 17. What is your gender? Male Female 18. How many children under the age of 18, reside with you and what school district do they attend? Prepared by the Center for Urban & Public Affairs, Wright State University Page 25
19. Do you own or rent your home? 20. Which of these best describes your residence in Miami Township? Single family home Condominium Apartment Manufactured Home Other 21. Are you currently employed and where are you currently employed? 22. Residents who felt Miami Township Government should give a lot of attention to each of the following planning goals? Planning for future growth Maintaining Miami Township s agricultural/rural character Improving communication between the county, municipal governments etc. Increasing collaboration between the County, townships, and cities Improving overall community appearance and character Managing conflicting land use interest across the county Providing parks and outdoor recreation 23. What was your approximate annual gross household income from all sources for last year (2013)? 24. Importance in helping Miami Township achieve its goal of providing a high quality of life for its residents through vibrant communities, productive business, and preservation of environmentally sensitive areas. Increasing employment opportunities in Miami Township Working with local businesses to help them expand Preserving/managing water resources Encouraging people to buy local products and foods Recruiting businesses from outside Miami Township to locate here Preserving Miami Township s cultural, historical, and architectural heritage Preserving agricultural resources and farmland in Miami Township Improving and redeveloping existing areas Maintaining Parks Encouraging new development at the edge of existing development Capitalizing on our low cost of living Utilizing our waterways Preserving open areas or green spaces Preserving historical/archaeological resources Providing affordable housing for all incomes Building/connection bike paths or trails Managing Traffic Improving vehicular traffic circulation Building Parks Prepared by the Center for Urban & Public Affairs, Wright State University Page 26
25. In the past 12 months, have you or any member of your house hold used the following Township services? Planning and Zoning Police Department Public Works Fire Department 26. How satisfied are you with the service you used? Very Satisfied Satisfied Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied 27. I am going to read a list of options please tell me if you would like Miami Township to place a low, medium, or high priority in the Township s future budgets. Please take into consideration the reduced level of State funding to cities. Police Service Fire and Ambulance Service Street maintenance and resurfacing Building improvements, including public works, police and fire stations? Additional pedestrian and bike trails Park Facilities 28. Would you like a sidewalk and curb and gutter? 29. Would you support a resurfacing levy? 30. Is there a service that you currently do not have that you would like? Recreation Programing Senior Citizen Center Park District Rec Center 31. Are you willing to support service financially? Yes No Prepared by the Center for Urban & Public Affairs, Wright State University Page 27
32. How important is it that residential, commercial, and industrial growth be controlled and/or limited to areas where services, like water and sewer already exist? Not at all Important Very Unimportant Very Important Extremely Important 33. How much attention should Miami Township give to each of the following economic development activities? Recruiting more manufacturing businesses Recruiting more retailers Marketing the township to outside groups or visitors Recruiting more events which attract visitors who may stay in Miami Township hotels Recruiting more office tenants Focusing on existing businesses - business retention 34. How much attention should Miami Township give to each of the following transportation goals? Improving congestion on township roads Building/maintaining bike lanes Improving vehicular traffic circulation Improving pedestrian circulation and safety Transit 35. Miami Township may face obstacles to achieving its goal of providing a high quality of life for its residents. Please say if you thing the following is a Major Obstacle, Minor Obstacle or Not an Obstacle. Increasing taxes Loss of open spaces Too many levels of government Loss of agricultural land to development Crime Residents leaving area Job opportunities in the county Business district decline Flooding Storm water runoff Loss of community character Finding retailers of interest Shopping opportunities in the township Neighborhood decline Sewage treatment and disposal Maintaining and improving the existing roads Increasing traffic congestion Noise Limited housing choices for lower or moderate Limited housing choice for upper income Prepared by the Center for Urban & Public Affairs, Wright State University Page 28
Appendix B: Frequency Tables Appendix B: Frequency Tables How long have you been a resident of Miami Township? Valid Less than 1 year 7 1.8 1.8 1.8 1 to 4 years 70 17.4 17.4 19.2 5 to 9 years 52 13.0 13.0 32.2 10 or more years 271 67.8 67.8 100.0 100.0 What do you typically say when you are asked where you currently live? Valid West Carrollton 53 13.2 13.2 13.2 Miamisburg 212 53.1 53.3 66.5 Miami Township 58 14.4 14.5 81.0 Dayton 58 14.5 14.5 95.5 Centerville 3.6.6 96.2 Other 15 3.8 3.8 100.0 Total 398 99.5 100.0 Missing Don't know 1.3 Refused 1.2 Total 2.5 What do you typically say when you are asked where you currently live? Other, please specify Carlisle Chautauqua (2) Hamilton Village Kettering Moraine (10) Sycamore Glenn housing How satisfied are you with Miami Township as a place to live? Valid Very satisfied 174 43.4 43.6 43.6 Satisfied 215 53.9 54.1 97.8 Dissatisfied 8 1.9 1.9 99.7 Very dissatisfied 1.3.3 100.0 Total 398 99.6 100.0 Missing Don't know 1.3 Refused 0.1 Total 2.4 Prepared by the Center for Urban & Public Affairs, Wright State University Page 29
Why did you choose Miami Township as a place to live: Close to family Valid No 372 93.2 93.2 93.2 Yes 27 6.8 6.8 100.0 100.0 Why did you choose Miami Township as a place to live: Always lived in Miami Township Valid No 328 82.1 82.1 82.1 Yes 72 17.9 17.9 100.0 100.0 Why did you choose Miami Township as a place to live: Quality of life Valid No 367 91.8 91.8 91.8 Yes 33 8.2 8.2 100.0 100.0 Why did you choose Miami Township as a place to live: School system Valid No 339 84.9 84.9 84.9 Yes 60 15.1 15.1 100.0 100.0 Why did you choose Miami Township as a place to live: Job opportunity Valid No 356 89.1 89.1 89.1 Yes 44 10.9 10.9 100.0 100.0 Why did you choose Miami Township as a place to live: Parks and recreation Valid No 387 97.0 97.0 97.0 Yes 12 3.0 3.0 100.0 100.0 Why did you choose Miami Township as a place to live: Convenient location Valid No 315 78.8 78.8 78.8 Yes 85 21.2 21.2 100.0 100.0 Prepared by the Center for Urban & Public Affairs, Wright State University Page 30
Why did you choose Miami Township as a place to live: Found house/apartment at the right price Valid No 304 76.1 76.1 76.1 Yes 95 23.9 23.9 100.0 100.0 Why did you choose Miami Township as a place to live: Other Valid No 339 84.9 84.9 84.9 Yes 60 15.1 15.1 100.0 100.0 Why did you choose Miami Township as a place to live: Other? A lot of kids in the area for my child to play with Access to the highway, Route 75 Affordable Born and raised here Built house here, bought land to build house. Cheaper than surrounding area Close to friends. Close to our church Cost of living, safe Didn't like Huber Heights Entertainment Found a vacant lot and built God put me here. Government husband chose it as a place to live, very happy with it Husband decided, I didn't have any say in the matter. Husband grew up here Husband's business is here I grew up close to here. I just prefer the township. I knew the builder who works in the area and the people who live here are friendly. I liked the area and builder that build my home. I liked the area. (5) I liked the general area, there is no income taxes within the township I live in a trailer park and it's cheaper. I wanted to live in Miamisburg and that happened to be in the township. I'm in the country and out of city. I left the city for the country. I'm out of Dayton. In 2005, the police department Inherited parent's house It is a clean, family-friendly place. It just happened to be where they were building houses at the time. It was affordable. (2) It's where my partner lived Just kind of wound up here Just wanted to go to a different town Liked the police force Location Logistics Medical care/alzheimer s care Moved here with parents, took over their house later when they passed away Moved out of Miamisburg and moved into township. My daughter lived here with her husband. She died and so I moved in with my son inlaw to take care of the kids. My mother-in-law chose it My son bought a condo My wife's choice to live here. My wife's hobby is shopping No reason, really Parents moved here when I was little and I have always stayed here. People here are nice. Personal Property values were higher at the time. Quiet, nice neighborhood Retirement Retirement community (2) Safe place to live Safest place Liked the community. Shopping opportunities Prepared by the Center for Urban & Public Affairs, Wright State University Page 31
Small quiet area Small town, not big city like Dayton. Sold home and moved to a retirement community The police and fire services are good. The residents They're efficient, and they don't allow goofing off Wanted a condominium We liked the area the homes were being built in When I moved from Youngstown, this is where I ended up With parents Taxes o Don't have to pay city taxes o I don't like to pay taxes o Lower taxes (2) o Lower taxes than Washington township o No income tax o No local taxes o No payroll tax o Taxes (3) o They had low taxes when I moved in. How would you rate the overall quality of life in Miami Township today? Valid Excellent 123 30.8 30.8 30.8 Good 227 56.7 56.7 87.6 Fair 50 12.4 12.4 100.0 100.0 How has the quality of life in Miami Township changed in the past 5 years? Valid Much worse now 5 1.3 1.4 1.4 Somewhat worse now 76 19.1 20.3 21.7 No change 145 36.2 38.4 60.1 Somewhat better now 128 32.0 34.0 94.1 Much better now 22 5.6 5.9 100.0 Total 377 94.3 100.0 Missing Don't know 17 4.1 Refused 6 1.6 Total 23 5.7 How would you rate Miami Township as a place to? Raise children Valid Excellent 142 35.5 35.5 35.5 Good 197 49.3 49.3 84.9 Fair 42 10.6 10.6 95.4 Poor 2.4.4 95.9 Don't know 13 3.3 3.3 99.1 Refused 4.9.9 100.0 100.0 Prepared by the Center for Urban & Public Affairs, Wright State University Page 32
Enjoy recreation Valid Excellent 92 23.1 23.1 23.1 Good 199 49.7 49.7 72.8 Fair 94 23.6 23.6 96.4 Poor 8 2.1 2.1 98.5 Don't know 5 1.2 1.2 99.7 Refused 1.3.3 100.0 100.0 Work Valid Excellent 91 22.9 22.9 22.9 Good 164 41.1 41.1 64.0 Fair 71 17.8 17.8 81.9 Poor 11 2.8 2.8 84.6 Don't know 47 11.7 11.7 96.3 Refused 15 3.7 3.7 100.0 100.0 Shop Valid Excellent 183 45.9 45.9 45.9 Good 176 44.1 44.1 90.0 Fair 27 6.9 6.9 96.9 Poor 7 1.7 1.7 98.6 Don't know 1.3.3 98.9 Refused 4 1.1 1.1 100.0 100.0 Go out to eat Valid Excellent 228 57.0 57.0 57.0 Good 137 34.3 34.3 91.3 Fair 22 5.4 5.4 96.8 Poor 9 2.2 2.2 98.9 Don't know 2.5.5 99.5 Refused 2.5.5 100.0 100.0 Prepared by the Center for Urban & Public Affairs, Wright State University Page 33
Live as a senior citizen Valid Excellent 79 19.8 19.8 19.8 Good 188 47.1 47.1 66.9 Fair 57 14.2 14.2 81.1 Poor 12 3.1 3.1 84.3 Don't know 53 13.3 13.3 97.6 Refused 10 2.4 2.4 100.0 100.0 Have out of town guests Valid Excellent 125 31.2 31.2 31.2 Good 221 55.4 55.4 86.5 Fair 31 7.8 7.8 94.4 Poor 10 2.6 2.6 96.9 Don't know 9 2.2 2.2 99.2 Refused 3.8.8 100.0 100.0 Live as a young professional Valid Excellent 105 26.4 26.4 26.4 Good 194 48.7 48.7 75.0 Fair 57 14.2 14.2 89.2 Poor 11 2.7 2.7 92.0 Don't know 24 5.9 5.9 97.8 Refused 9 2.2 2.2 100.0 100.0 Prepared by the Center for Urban & Public Affairs, Wright State University Page 34