TOWN OF HOLLIS - MASTER PLAN QUESTIONNAIRE On behalf of the Town of Hollis, we thank you for sharing your thoughts through this Master Plan Questionnaire. Your feedback directly helps guide the long-term vision and priorities that reflect the values of our residents and the future of our Town. Question Title * 1. Name (Optional) Question Title * 2. Address (Optional) Question Title * 3. Email (Optional) Question Title * 4. How long have you lived in Hollis? Less than 1 year 1-5 years 6-10 years 11-20 years More than 20 years Question Title * 5. How long do you plan to continue residing in Hollis? Less than 1 year 1-5 years 6-10 years 11-20 years Indefinitely / No plans to leave Unsure Question Title * 6. Which age group do you belong to? Under 18 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75 or older VISION MASTER PLAN QUESTIONSAs we move into the future, maintaining this atmosphere that Hollis's residents enjoy so much will be a challenge as development pressures continue in our region. Hollis' reputation as an active farming community gives the Town a strong sense of identity to guide decisions in the future. By addressing emerging issues related to growth, Hollis will preserve its rural character for current and future residents. Question Title * 7. What do you like most about living in Hollis? (Select up to three) Scenic rural character (farmland, forests, open spaces) Strong sense of community and small-town feel School system Low crime and overall safety Local farms, orchards, and seasonal events Proximity to Nashua/Boston while staying rural Limited commercial development and quiet atmosphere Outdoor recreation opportunities (trails, conservation land, hiking) No opinion Other (please specify) Question Title * 8. What do you personally find most challenging about living in Hollis? (Select up to three) Property taxes and cost of living Limited commercial development and amenities Traffic congestion or road conditions Access to public transportation Availability of town services (e.g., trash pickup, utilities) Environmental or land conservation issues Town governance and decision-making processes Community events and social engagement opportunities No opinion Other (please specify) Question Title * 9. What would improve your sense of pride in Hollis? (Select up to three) More community events and engagement opportunities. Stronger preservation of rural and historic character. More local business and economic development. Improved public infrastructure (roads, sidewalks, bike lanes). Better access to recreational facilities and green spaces. More affordable housing options. Increased environmental and sustainability efforts. No opinion Other (please specify) Question Title * 10. Are there any environmental issues in Hollis that concern you? (Select up to three) Well water quality and availability Protection of lakes, streams, and wetlands Loss of open space and farmland Development impacting wildlife habitats Increased stormwater runoff and flooding Droughts and water usage Fertilizers and pesticides Waste management and recycling programs No environmental concerns No opinion Other (please specify) The current minimum distance between a principal dwelling and the property line in Hollis is 35 feet. Do you think this requirement should be increased for new developments, and should a vegetative buffer be required to help preserve privacy and aesthetics. Question Title * 11. Should the minimum required distance between a principal dwelling and side or rear property line be increased? No, keep it at 35 feet - The current requirement is appropriate. Yes, increase it to 50 feet - Provides more space between homes. Yes, increase it to 75 feet or more - Maximizes privacy and rural character. Other (please specify) Question Title * 12. Should a vegetative buffer be required between principal dwellings and property lines? Yes, a buffer should be required to prevent clear-cutting and preserve aesthetics. Yes, but only in certain areas (e.g., near roads, scenic views, or high-density areas). No, buffers should be optional and left to property owners. No opinion. Question Title * 13. If a vegetative buffer is required, what should the minimum width be? 10 feet - A small buffer with limited vegetation. 25 feet - A moderate buffer to maintain privacy and aesthetics. 50 feet - A significant buffer to prevent clear-cutting and maintain a rural feel. More than 50 feet - A large buffer to maximize privacy and green space. Other (please specify) Question Title * 14. How would you like to see Hollis manage growth? Slow down residential development. Maintain the current rate of growth. Encourage growth in designated areas while protecting open space. Other (please specify) Question Title * 15. Maintaining the rural character in a small town involves preserving its traditions, landscapes, and community values while allowing for thoughtful growth and modernization. (Choose top 2) Preserve Natural and Agricultural Landscapes- Implement land-use policies that protect farmland, open spaces, and natural areas.- Encourage conservation easements to keep rural land undeveloped.- Support local farmers and ranchers through farmers' markets, farm-to-table programs, and agritourism. Maintain a Small-Town Feel- Keep commercial development focused on locally owned businesses instead of big-box stores.- Designate a historic downtown area and invest in preserving old buildings.- Encourage community gathering spaces like parks, town squares, and farmers' markets. Preserve Historic and Architectural Identity- Restore and repurpose old barns, mills, and main street buildings instead of demolishing them.- Adopt design guidelines that ensure new buildings complement the town's traditional architecture.- Support heritage tourism by promoting historical landmarks and local stories. Enhance Outdoor and Recreational Spaces- Create and maintain parks, trails, and natural areas for residents and visitors to enjoy.- Support outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and camping.- Ensure public access to rivers, lakes, and scenic viewpoints. No opinion Question Title * 16. How would you like to see Hollis promote and protect the preservation of the Town's rural character? (Choose top 2) Strengthen zoning regulations to limit dense development. Increase land conservation efforts. Maintain larger lot size requirements for new homes. Enhance protections for farms, forests, and open space. Purchase land for conservation. No opinion Other (please specify) LAND USE MASTER PLAN QUESTIONSThe Land Use chapter is a critical component of the Hollis Master Plan. Decisions regarding how Hollis uses its land impact everything from its transportation network and community design to its natural resources and economic vitality. The key issue for Hollis' future land use is to balance future development opportunities with the preservation of Hollis' natural resources, rural character, and sense of community. Question Title * 17. How would you recommend changing Hollis' existing Zoning requirements? More restrictive Less restrictive Keep the same Question Title * 18. Do you support requiring single-family dwellings in Hollis, to be on lots larger than 2 acres? Yes, larger lot sizes should be required. No, the current 2-acre minimum is sufficient. No opinion / Need more information. A special event venue is a business that hosts a variety of specialized events such as weddings or corporate meetings and offers amenities and services that facilitates planning and executing an event. Question Title * 19. If special event venues were allowed or expanded in Hollis, what regulations should be in place? (Select up to 3 options) Limit venue size and capacity to reduce traffic and noise implact. Restrict the number of events per year to minimize disturbances. Require noise limits and curfews to maintain rural peace. Mandate traffic and parking plans to prevent road congestion. Allow only in specific zones (e.g., agricultural or commercial areas). Require buffer zones between venues and residential properties. Ensure historical or rural aesthetics for venue structures. No additional regulations needed. No opinion Other (please specify) A Hollis Open Space Planned Development (HOSPD) is a type of land subdivision unique to Hollis where the lot sizes are reduced in exchange for the remainder of the parcel to be placed in permanently protected open space, recreational land, forests, and/or farmland. Question Title * 20. Would you support allowing smaller house lot sizes if the development includes large open space that is directly accessible by every property owner of the development? Yes, I support smaller lots with shared open space. No, I prefer to keep current lot size requirements. No opinion / Need more information. Question Title * 21. What changes, if any, would you like to see in the Hollis Open Space Planned Development (HOSPD) regulations? (Select up to 3 options) Increase minimum setbacks to ensure houses are farther from roads and property lines. Require larger buffers between developments and existing properties to maintain privacy and rural character. Increase the minimum distance between houses to prevent dense clustering. Stronger tree and vegetation preservation rules to reduce clear-cutting during development. Require developments to include walking trails, green space, or community gathering areas. No changes - I believe the current HOSPD regulations are effective. No opinion Other (please specify) During the Towns annual meeting held in March, Zoning changes are proposed by the Planning Board and placed on a ballot for the voters to decide. This is the only opportunity for amendments to be made to the Zoning Ordinance. Question Title * 22. How well do you understand the Planning Board's proposed zoning changes that appear on the Town's annual ballot on voting day each March? Very well - I fully understand the changes and their implications. Somewhat - I have a general idea but need more information. Not well - I find them confusing and unclear. Not at all - I am unaware of the proposed changes. Question Title * 23. What would help you better understand the Planning Board's proposed zoning changes? (Select all that apply) Simplified summaries with key points. Visual aids such as maps and diagrams. Public Forums or Q&A sessions. Online videos or presentations. A dedicated website or webpage with FAQs. Direct mail or newsletters with explanations. No opinion Other (please specify) HOUSING AND POPULATION MASTER PLAN QUESTIONSExamining the profile of community population provides insight into the future changes in local population and the future needs of the Town. Historical trends, age distribution, household size, income, housing supply, type and affordability all combine and form the core of the Town. Question Title * 24. How do you feel about the current rate of growth in Hollis? Growing too fast Growing slightly too fast Growing at an appropriate rate Growing too slowly No opinion Question Title * 25. What is your opinion regarding the amount of each of the following housing types in the current housing supply? Need More Adequate Too Many Single-family homes Single-family homes Need More Single-family homes Adequate Single-family homes Too Many Rental Rental Need More Rental Adequate Rental Too Many Elderly housing (age-restricted communities) Elderly housing (age-restricted communities) Need More Elderly housing (age-restricted communities) Adequate Elderly housing (age-restricted communities) Too Many Workforce housing (affordable) Workforce housing (affordable) Need More Workforce housing (affordable) Adequate Workforce housing (affordable) Too Many TOWN FACILITIES MASTER PLAN QUESTIONSThe Town provides the community with services for the health, benefit, safety, and enjoyment of its residents. Informed planning is essential to meet the current and future needs of the community. Question Title * 26. How satisfied are you with the services provided by the Town of Hollis? Rate your satisfaction for each service below. Satisfied Neutral Dissatisfied Road maintenance and snow removal Road maintenance and snow removal Satisfied Road maintenance and snow removal Neutral Road maintenance and snow removal Dissatisfied Police and emergency services Police and emergency services Satisfied Police and emergency services Neutral Police and emergency services Dissatisfied Fire and ambulance services Fire and ambulance services Satisfied Fire and ambulance services Neutral Fire and ambulance services Dissatisfied Trash and recycling services Trash and recycling services Satisfied Trash and recycling services Neutral Trash and recycling services Dissatisfied Public schools Public schools Satisfied Public schools Neutral Public schools Dissatisfied Library services Library services Satisfied Library services Neutral Library services Dissatisfied Recreational facilities and programs Recreational facilities and programs Satisfied Recreational facilities and programs Neutral Recreational facilities and programs Dissatisfied Conservation and open space efforts Conservation and open space efforts Satisfied Conservation and open space efforts Neutral Conservation and open space efforts Dissatisfied Town communication and public information Town communication and public information Satisfied Town communication and public information Neutral Town communication and public information Dissatisfied Question Title * 27. Which statement below best expresses your opinion on property taxes and municipal services in Hollis? (Note: Town services in 2024 currently make up 23.6% of the total property tax bill; the county tax rate is 5.02%.) I feel that our property taxes should be reduced, even if it means greatly reduced municipal services. I feel that our property taxes should remain the same, even if it means slightly reduced municipal services. I feel that our property taxes should be increased only enough to maintain existing levels of municipal services. I feel our property taxes should be increased to improve municipal services. Don't know / No opinion Question Title * 28. Do you currently have cable TV service at your residence? Yes, I have cable TV service. No, I use a satellite TV provider (e.g., Dish, DirecTV). No, I use streaming services only (e.g., Netflix, Hulu, YouTube TV). No, I do not have any TV service. Please name current provider: Question Title * 29. How reliable is your internet service in the area of Hollis? Very reliable - I rarely experience disruptions. Somewhat reliable - Occasional slow speeds or outages. Unreliable - Frequent connectivity issues or slow speeds. I do not have internet service at my residence. Question Title * 30. How reliable is your cell phone service in your area of Hollis? Very reliable - I rarely experience disruptions. Somewhat reliable - Occasional slow speeds or outages. Unreliable - Frequent connectivity issues or slow speeds. I do not have internet service at my residence. Question Title * 31. What new services or improvements would you like to see in Hollis? (Select 3 options) Town water and sewer infrastructure in select areas Expanded high-speed internet options More road maintenance and traffic improvements Increased public transportation options More recreational facilities Walking/biking trails Playgrounds and family-friendly parks Public sports fields/courts (e.g., soccer, basketball, pickleball) Community center with indoor activities Dog park More senior services and housing options Expanded recycling and waste disposal services Underground electric wires to improve reliability and aesthetics No opinion Other (please specify) Question Title * 32. How satisfied are you with the recreational facilities in Hollis? Very satisfied - The Town has great recreational options. Satisfied - Facilities meet the needs of the community. Neutral - No strong opinion. Dissatisfied - More or improved facilities are needed. Question Title * 33. Would you support increasing annual Town funding for the purpose of purchasing land to preserve and expand open, undeveloped space in Hollis? Yes, I strongly support increasing funding for land conservation. No, I do not support increasing funding for land conservation. Question Title * 34. How concerned are you about the quality of private well water in Hollis? Not concerned Slightly concerned Neutral Somewhat concerned Very concerned Question Title * 35. How do you prefer to receive information from Hollis town services? (Select up to 3 options) Town website Email Social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) Printed mailings (flyers, newsletters, postcards) Local newspaper Text message alerts Public meetings / Town Hall events Community bulletin boards (Library, Town Hall, local businesses) No opinion Other (please specify) Question Title * 36. Would you support Hollis investing in sustainability initiatives, such as solar arrays and energy-efficient upgrades to lower electric cost for Town buildings, community solar and other renewable energy options for residents, and water conservation programs to reduce drought? Yes, I strongly support these initiatives. Yes, but only if they are cost-effective in the long run. I am neutral on this issue. No, I do not support Town investments in sustainability initiatives. Unsure / Need more information Question Title * 37. Which Town events or activities do you participate in? (Select all that apply) Hollis Old Home Days Hollis Strawberry Festival Hollis Apple Festival Farmers Markets Town Meeting and Public Hearings Local parades or holiday celebrations Recreation department sports or programs Library events and programs Conservation or environmental clean-up events School or PTA events Volunteer opportunities with local organizations I do not typically participate in town events No opinion Other (please specify) Thank you for participating in our survey. Your feedback is much appreciated. Done