Skip to content

SHIRLEY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NEEDS SURVEY 2018

1.In general, how would you rank community needs for the following in Shirley?
High Need
Moderate Need
Low Need
Unsure
Childcare centers
Community centers (i.e., youth, senior, or cultural centers)
Community parks, gyms, and recreation fields
Healthcare facilities
Public safety offices (fire, police, emergency management)
Road & street repairs and improvements
Sidewalk repairs, improvements, additions
Open space for walking, hiking
Access to Nashua River & other waterways
2.For the municipally owned buildings and properties listed below, please indicate the level of maintenance/improvements needed (from low to high) in order for them to better serve the Shirley community. Please feel free to add comments about the needs of these or other facilities.
High Need
Moderate Need
Low Need
Unsure
Town Offices
Hazen Memorial Library
Police Station
Ayer-Shirley Regional Middle School
Lura A White Elementary School
Fire Station (Leominster Road)
War Memorial Building
Senior Center
Center Cemetery
Village Cemetery
Whitely Park
Town Common (Shirley Center)
Center Town Hall (Shirley Center)
Fredonian Park
Fredonian Nature Center
Benjamin Hill Park
Conservation Land / Open Space / Trails
Squannacook River Trail
Pumpkin Brook Link
Holden Road / Ronchetti Conservation Area
Townsend Road Conservation Area
Hunting Hill Wildlife Management Area
MBTA Commuter Rail Station (Owned by MBTA)
3.In residential areas, what are the transportation and infrastructure needs in Shirley on the basis of low, moderate or high need?
High Need
Moderate Need
Low Need
Unsure
Street reconstruction
Sidewalk reconstruction
Water improvements (improve water lines)
Sewer improvements (Improve sewer lines)
Drainage improvements (Improve drain lines and/or catch basins)
Additional (new) sidewalks
Railroad crossing improvements
Additional Railroad Station parking
Improvements to existing Railroad Station parking
Shelter for Railroad Station
Addition of bike lanes
4.Please rank the following economic / community development needs for 2018-2021 in Shirley on a scale ranging from a low need to a high need.
High Need
Moderate Need
Low Need
Unsure
Improvements for storefronts/commercial facades
Financial assistance for community organizations
Financial assistance for entrepreneurs and small business
Historic preservation efforts
More building code enforcement
Development of underutilized commercial or industrial properties
Demolition of abandoned properties
5.Please rank the following public social service needs for 2018-2021 in Shirley on a scale ranging from a low need to a high need.
High Need
Moderate Need
Low Need
Unsure
Child abuse prevention
Childcare
Domestic violence services
Drug/alcohol abuse education (public schools)
Crime prevention
Employment training
Food banks/community meals
Housing counseling
Adult education / literacy
Senior care services
Mental health care (counseling and treatment)
Youth services
Public transportation (bus, van, etc.)
Drug/alcohol abuse counseling & treatment
Fire prevention education 
Health services (i.e. flu shots)
Legal aid services
Veterans' services
Fuel assistance
6.What are the greatest unmet housing needs in Shirley? Please select all that apply.
7.In your opinion, what are the three most important housing challenges in Shirley?
The following information is being requested to help us better understand the composition of the Shirley community and the needs of its residents. It will be consolidated for use when applying for grants to support community programs and services. It will never be used to describe specific individuals or households.
8.Please indicate the number of people in your household for each gender listed below. This information will enable Shirley to seek grants and provide programs that better serve the needs of our community.
9.Please indicate the number of people in your household for each race or ethnicity listed below. This information will enable Shirley to seek grants and provide programs that better serve the needs of our community.
10.Please identify the total number of permanent residents of your household.
11.Please check the box that best describes your annual household income. This information will enable Shirley to seek grants and provide programs that better serve the needs of our community.
12.For the person filling out this survey, please indicate your educational level, below.