Town Common SurveyPreliminary ResultsBolton Town Common ProjectDecember 15, 2014

Bolton Town Common Survey Results

Statistically Significant Response

• 544 responses to Town Common survey• Responses > 400 considered significant

• 3 narrative questions received 197-267 responses

• Key age groups represented• Good distribution of length of time in town• Most respondents said they would

drive (73%) or walk (11.4%) to theTown Common

Bolton Town Common Survey Results

Q2: Percent Seeing Potential Benefits of a Town Common

Relative Importance 1 - 5

Improving the aesthetics of Bolton centerIncreased Home Values

More Commerce

Planned Activities

Gathering Place

Improved Aesthetics

0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5

4.46

4.23

4.02

3.68

3.64

88.57%

79.32%

74.01%

62.22%

57.35%

Bolton Town Common Survey Results

Q3: Likelihood of Use of Common For…

Top 7 Choices – Extent of Use

Public markets (e.g. farmers’ market, plant sale, art fairs)

Walking or jogging on trails

Organized activities/events

82.39%

79.17%.

72.73%

72.16%

69.16%

62.12%

62%

Concerts

Holiday festivities

Strolls on paved paths

Relaxing, conversation, reading

Bolton Town Common Survey Results

Q5: Frequency of Use

42% would use the Common at leastonce per month.

40.58%

34.81%

17.5%

7.12%

Bolton Town Common Survey Results

Q6: Common Design Ideas

• 242 narrative responses• Most frequently suggested design elements:• Parking (33 recommended)• Coffee Shop (30 recommended)• Gazebo/Performance Space (26 recommended)• Trails and Paths (16 for trails, 7 for paved paths)• Benches (26 recommended)

• Because the Common land is residential zoning, should explore collaboration with abutting business property for coffee shop ideas.

Bolton Town Common Survey Results

Q7: Other Model Commons

• 197 narrative responses• Most mentioned commons• Harvard (29.44%)• Concord (10.66%)• Lexington (7.11%)• Clinton (5.08%)• Westford (4.57%)

• Respondents like the “village-like” atmosphere of these commons; in particular, several respondents noted proximity of the Harvard General Store to Harvard’s Common.

Bolton Town Common Survey Results

Q8: Concerns about the Common• 267 narrative responses

• Key concerns• Traffic/Safety (25.84%)

• Parking (22.10%)

• Tax Impacts (7.12%)

• Cost (4.87%)• Respondents are concerned about

interactions between the Common, traffic and pedestrian safety.

• Some expressed concerns over costs to town.

Bolton Town Common Survey Results

Q9: How long have you lived in town?

38% have lived in town fewer than 10 years

62% have lived in town more than 10 years

Bolton Town Common Survey Results

Q10: Household Size

2.14 adults per household

1.50 children per household

Bolton Town Common Survey Results

Q11: Respondent Age Range

55+ yrs

35-54 yrs

18-34 yrs

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Percent of Respondents

Consistent with town demographics: 40% age 40-64)

55.27%

Bolton Town Common Survey Results

Q12: Likelihood of Financial Contribution to the Common Project

40%

14.9%

37.25%

7.84%

Over 200 respondents

said they would contribute, with another 180 still

undecided

Bolton Town Common Survey Results

For more information, visit www.boltontowncommon.org