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* 1. Economic changes that have occurred over many decades, such as online shopping, have made it more difficult to successfully operate small businesses in historic downtowns like Thurmont.  The town is considering ways of improving these types of issues.  The current zoning code allows residential apartments in downtown commercial buildings, but only on the upper floors above street level.  The purpose of this was to help maintain the commercial feel of downtown, where storefronts characterize the streetscape.  However, over time a number of commercial vacancies have lingered where the vacancies may have been able to be filled by a residential use.  Do you think it's prudent now to change zoning rules in the downtown business area to allow apartments on the street level?

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* 2. As a resident of Thurmont, thinking about all of the things that make for a good hometown, how would you rate your quality of life in Thurmont?

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* 3. During a recent public meeting on updating the Thurmont Master Plan, the preservation of green spaces and trees was identified as very important.  To what extent do you agree with the following statement:

If wooded portions of property are removed to accommodate new housing or commercial development, the same amount of wooded area should be planted elsewhere within the town.

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* 4. As a follow up to question 3, to what extent do you agree with the following:

The town should try to increase its total amount of wooded areas and tree cover so that by the year 2040 there will be more forests and trees in Thurmont than today.

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* 5. A current ordinance in Thurmont requires properties to be mowed and kept at certain maximums which has prevented some large properties from becoming more naturalized.  What is the level of your support for allowing the return of some mowed areas to wildland and naturalized areas?

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* 6. Over many decades the town has created parks to meet the recreational needs of the community.  Today there are about 1,500 square feet of parkland for every resident in town, which exceeds the amount typically found in towns and cities throughout America.  Under the town's current development rules, new parkland will be added when future neighborhoods are built.

How important is it that the town now work to connect its parks with new open spaces and trails in order to create an expanded and interconnected network of parks and open spaces throughout Thurmont?

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* 7. During the  public workshop, people said they want to see the town become more economically vibrant and they especially said they want to see a vibrant downtown with shops and pubs.  Attendees also mentioned the need for 5G service, broadband, high speed internet, and both clean industry and small businesses. To what extent do you agree with the statement: 

The town should plan to become more economically vibrant with a strong downtown district and more good paying jobs.

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* 8. What things listed below would most improve the quality of your life as a resident of Thurmont?  You may select up to five.

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* 9. At a recent public meeting on the Thurmont Master Plan, people said they cared about keeping Thurmont's "small town character", which was described as "family centered", "a place where citizens help each other", and "a place with a cozy atmosphere".  In contrast to "small town character", some municipalities have more of a "big city character" where people have greater opportunities for shopping, educational and cultural activities and are more likely to encounter a greater diversity of people, ideas, and places on a daily basis.

On the scale below from 1 to 10, with 1 being the most "small town character" and 10 being the most "big city character", select the number that matches your preference for Thurmont 20 years from now.

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* 10. Which category below includes your age?

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