SHELBURNE FALLS — What do residents want most for their village? First, a resilient economy based on local resources, goods and services. Second, readily available housing, healthcare, education, recreational and cultural activities. And third, access to the Deerfield River and the area’s scenic, natural places.
That’s according to a survey taken by at least 100 area residents and discussed last month at a forum hosted by the Shelburne Falls Village Network Steering Committee, a grass-roots group of residents and businesses who want to see the community grow in ways that will preserve the quality of life for those who live here.
Based on public input, survey results and two public forums this year, the Steering Committee listed those three goals as part of a future vision for the village.
The three biggest concerns regarding the Shelburne Falls economy were: business needs and opportunities; cultural and educational programs; and vacant building reuse, with the Mole Hollow and old Lamson & Goodnow buildings especially noted.
When it come to infrastructure improvements, residents want more parking, road improvements, better signs and traffic-calming in this village, strolled by many residents and visitors from May until about November. They want community centers and programs for both youth and for senior citizens along with affordable housing.
Nearly half (49 percent) of respondents said they want parks, trails and river access, with recreational activities on both land and water.
The next steps for the group are to identify and prioritize projects that address the community’s wishes, discuss how to achieve those goals, and to share these survey findings with Buckland and Shelburne town officials.
Meanwhile, the group has started a parking study, to help town officials look at how to resolve parking problems in the village.
Whit Sanford, a Village Network committee member, said parking is becoming an issue with the zoning and planning boards. “New businesses and new or restored buildings on Bridge/State streets … are required to provide parking or must be given a variance,” she said. “At some point, this will be a problem. … It’s one of the reason the Network is doing a parking study this summer.”
Because hiring professionals to do a parking study would be costly, the Village Network is still looking for volunteers who can spend 10 minutes several times a week to record how many cars are parked in various village parking areas. The parked car counting project began in May and will continue through the fall.
There is a map and record keeping chart for volunteers to use. Those who would like to help may email Noah Grunberg at shelburnefallsvillagenetwork@gmail.com and he will provide the details.
Also, residents who have not filled out the survey may still do so by visiting the Shelburne Falls Village Network on Facebook or by requesting a copy, by emailing:
shelburnefallsvillagenetwork@gmail.com