Copy of Buchanan Community Survey

What Makes Buchanan Buchanan?

The Town’s Planning Commission is in the process of updating the Town’s comprehensive plan. The Comprehensive Plan is designed and published to provide information and to serve as a valuable resource to plan for the future of Buchanan. This Plan will be used as a steering mechanism to provide guidance and continuity among our Town government, our citizens, and the business community. Through the solicitation and involvement of the Town’s citizens, this Plan will be created by encompassing values and identifying characteristics we hope to preserve for years to come.

That’s where you come in!

We need your input!

Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey to let us know what is most important to you.

1.Land Use:
Using the scale of 1 through 5, rate the importance of the following land use issues - 1 being the least important and 5 being the most important.

Open Space Preservation

Park and Riverfront Enhancement

Residential and Commercial Redevelopment such as building and property renovations (ex: Factory Flats reuse, renovating vacant spaces for viable uses).

Availability of Short-Term Rental (Airbnb or VRBO) or lodging (bed & breakfast).

Availability of Long-Term Rental Housing

New Owner-Occupied Housing

2.Housing:
Using the scale 1 through 5, rate the importance of the following aspects of housing - 1 being the least important and 5 being the most important.

Neighborhood Revitalization such as improving housing stock and adding features that support quality of life.

Preservation of Historic Houses

Age-in Place Housing Designs & Features -to allow elderly and disabled to continue to live in their home.

Housing Diversity to include a mix of apartments, rental house and owner-occupied housing.

3.Economy:
Using the scale 1 through 5, rate the importance of the following economic issues or topics - 1 being the least important and 5 being the most important.

Expanding Higher-Paying Jobs

Promoting Job Training

Enhancing Tourism-Related Economic Development

Upgrading and/or Expanding Infrastructure (roads, water, sewer, sidewalks) to Encourage New Development

4.Transportation:
Using the scale 1 through 5, rate the importance of the following transportation issues or topics - 1 being the least important and 5 being the most important.

Enhancing Bicycle & Pedestrian Opportunities and Safety such as sidewalks, trails, & crosswalks

Improve Wayfinding (Directional) Signage

Encouraging Connectivity to Public Facilities such as the school, town park, downtown, and neighborhoods.

Continuing the Town's Street Grid System

Facilitating Ridesharing for Town Residents

Develop Ridesharing Opportunities to Roanoke or Lexington (such as carpool or vanpool to work)

5.Natural Resources and Environment:
Using the scale 1 through 5, rate the importance of natural resource issues or topics - 1 being the least important and5 being the most important.

Preserve and Enhance the Town's Green & Blue Infrastructure such as parks and the river

Preserve and Expand the Town's Tree Canopy

Improve Stormwater Management Facilities such as storm drains and water gardens

Reduce Light Pollution

Offer Curb-side Recycling

6.Community Character:
Using the scale 1 through 5, rate the importance of the following community character issues or topics - 1 being the least important and 5 being the most important.

Landscaping and Beautification

Quality Building Design and Construction

Historic Districts

Reduce Sign Clutter

Promote Town Gateways such as the entrances into Town on Routes 11 and 43

Maintain the Swinging Bridge

Increase Streetscapes such as hanging flower baskets, sidewalk planters, street trees, & benches

Enforcing Building & Property Maintenance Codes to ensure public safety and appropriate usage and maintenance of properties

7.Public Facilities and Parks & Recreation:
Using the scale 1 through 5, rate the importance of the following issues - 1 being the least important and 5 being the most important.

Ensuring Parks are Adequate in Size and have Sufficient Amenities for Residents and Visitors

Connecting to Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail

Using Buchanan's Park & James River as a Regional Destination

Enhancing Park Safety

Ensuring Safe and Affordable Water Supply

Ensuring Safe and Affordable Wastewater (sewer) Operation

Ensuring Adequate Downtown Parking

Developing Trails such as a riverfront trail, trail to connect to the school or Appalachian Trail.