Watab
Township Community Survey
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TABLE
OF CONTENTS:
1.0 General Questions.....................................................................................................2
1.1. Residency............................................................................................................
2
1.2 Length of
Residency ...........................................................................................
3
1.3 Location of
Dwelling ..........................................................................................
3
1.4 Proximity
to U.S. Highway 10............................................................................
3
1.5 Community
Appeal of Watab Township ............................................................
3
1.6 Feel Safe
in Watab Township.............................................................................
4
1.7 Use of
Land..........................................................................................................
4
2.0 Land Use Questions
...................................................………......................................5
2.1
Satisfaction with Current Growth .......................................................................
5
2.2 Various
Growth &
Development........................................................................
5
2.3 Land Use
Desirability .........................................................................................
6
2.4 Residential
& Housing Development .................................................................
6
2.5 Commercial
& Industrial Development..............................................................
8
2.6 Natural
Resources & Open Space.......................................................................
8
3.0 Facilities
and Services Questions..............................................................................
10
3.1 Level of
Service ................................................................................................
10
3.2 Community
Website .........................................................................................
11
3.3 Zoning
Administration......................................................................................
11
3.4 Need for a
New Town Hall...............................................................................
11
3.5
Comprehensive Plan Development...................................................................
11
3.6 Annexation,
Special Districts, and Incorporation.............................................
12
3.7 General
Comments............................................................................................
12
Introduction to the Watab
Township Community Survey
In the summer of 2005 the Watab
Township Board of Supervisors secured the professional services of the Region
Five Development Commission to conduct a township-wide community survey. Rather
than a limited sampling of property owners, the Township Board chose to submit
a survey questionnaire to all 1,184 property owners on record with the Benton
County Assessor’s Office. The Watab Township Community Survey yielded an
excellent overall response rate with nearly 43%, or 507 of 1,184 property
owners responding to the survey.
Important Note on Survey
Data
It is important to note that all
percentages corresponding with these findings are calculated based on the
collected responses of all survey participants whom indicated a response for
that particular question on the survey questionnaire and that not all answers
will add to 100% due to rounding and missing responses.
1.0 General Questions
1.1. Residency
Respondents
were asked to indicate their residency status or business ownership within the
Township according to one of the four following classifications:
1
Permanent Resident
(Reside in Township over 6 months out of the year)
2
Seasonal Resident
(Reside in Township under 6 months out of the year)
3
Recreational
Resident (Dwelling primarily for recreation, weekends, etc.)
4
Business Owner (Own
or operate a business within the Township)
The vast majority of all property
owners responding to the survey reported themselves as permanent residents with
89% reporting as such. Six percent of
survey respondents identified themselves as owners of business within the
Township. Table 1.1 provides a
distribution of survey respondents by status of residency.
Table 1.1: Residency Status Reported by
Respondents
|
Type of Residency |
Number
|
Percent
(%) |
|
Permanent |
452 |
89% |
|
Seasonal |
11 |
2% |
|
Recreational |
29 |
6% |
|
Business Owner 1 |
30 |
6% |
1 Respondents to the survey had the option of selecting
“Business Owner” with any of the residency types listed within the survey
questionnaire. As a result, the
percentages provided will be greater than 100.
1.2 Length of Residency
The average length of residency
reported by Watab Township landowners is nearly 19 years with the median
response being 15 years.
1.3 Location of Dwelling
The majority of respondents to the
survey indicated they owned property off of the lakeshore and riverfront areas
of the Township with 58% indicating non-lakeshore property ownership. Conversely, 24% indicated they owned
lakeshore property within the Township and 16% indicated they owned property
immediately adjacent to the Mississippi River. Of the respondents indicating
lakeshore property ownership, most reported the location of their property as
“Little Rock Lake” and “Harris Channel.”
Table 1.2 shows the distribution of property locations reported by
survey respondents.
Table 1.2: Lakeshore vs. Non-lakeshore Property Ownership
|
Location of Dwelling |
Number
|
Percent
(%) |
|
Lakeshore |
122 |
24% |
|
Mississippi River |
83 |
16% |
|
Non-Lakeshore |
295 |
58% |
1.4 Proximity to U.S. Highway
10
When
asked if they own property adjacent to U.S. Highway 10, 19% indicated they did
own property adjacent to the Highway and 80% indicated they did not.
1.5 Community Appeal of Watab
Township
Survey participants were asked to
select the most appealing aspects of Watab Township from a list of nine possible
attributes. Participants were asked to
also write in community attributes they found most appeal if not included
within the list. It is important to note
that percent results will not add to 100% since participants were asked to
“check all answers that apply.” Table 1.3 shows the results of respondents’
opinions on the most attractive qualities of Watab Township.
Table 1.3: Watab Township Community Appeal
|
Attribute |
Number
|
Percent
(%) |
|
Location |
445 |
88% |
|
Community Atmosphere |
159 |
31% |
|
Lakes & Natural Resources |
231 |
46% |
|
Employment Opportunity |
22 |
4% |
|
Recreation |
99 |
19% |
|
Size |
142 |
28% |
|
Services Available |
33 |
7% |
|
Business Opportunity |
11 |
2% |
|
Schools/Youth Programs |
84 |
17% |
Other responses provided by survey participants included various qualities of the Mississippi River, and the peacefulness and rural qualities of the Township.
1.6
Feel Safe in Watab Township
Overall
survey respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, “I feel safe
in my township.” Table 1.4 shows the distribution of results of this question.
Table 1.4: Public Perception of Safety
|
Question: “I feel safe in
my township” |
Number
|
Percent
(%) |
|
Strongly Agree |
137 |
27% |
|
Agree |
328 |
65% |
|
Disagree |
25 |
5% |
|
Strongly Disagree |
12 |
2% |
1.7 Use of Land
Survey participants were asked to
indicate in what ways they used their land based on a list provided within the
survey questionnaire. Table 1.5 shows the distribution of the responses
provided.
Table 1.5: Use of Land
|
Land Use Type |
Number
|
Percent
(%) |
|
Lakeshore residential |
146 |
29% |
|
Less than 2.5 acre residential |
187 |
37% |
|
Greater than 2.5 acre residential |
136 |
27% |
|
Agriculture with farm or pasture |
28 |
6% |
|
Commercial or small business |
19 |
4% |
|
Industrial or storage |
2 |
0% |
|
Open space including forest |
20 |
4% |
|
Wildlife Management/Wetlands |
11 |
2% |
|
Other |
9 |
2% |
The majority of “other” responses indicated property owners use their land primarily for rural residential or recreational purposes.
2.0 Land Use Questions
2.1 Satisfaction with Current
Growth
Overall,
respondents to the survey reported they were generally satisfied with current
growth within Watab Township. This
response was based on a distribution of answers with 1 being “very satisfied”
through 4 being “not satisfied.” The
distribution shows the average response was 2.4 with the most common response
being 2.0.
2.2 Various Growth &
Development
Survey participants were also asked
to provide their opinion on a variety of growth issues including community
change, new subdivision development, installation of private versus centralized
sewer systems for new development, restriction of housing development to areas
adjacent to existing cities, and unrestricted housing development. Table 2.1 provides the responses to these
questions based on a ranking with 1 being “strongly agree and 4 being “strongly
disagree.” 2
Table 2.1:
|
Statement |
Mean
3 |
Mode 4 |
Definition |
|
I am pleased with the type of
change occurring within Watab Township |
2.5 |
2 |
The mean indicates an even split
between “Agree” and “Disagree.” The mode suggests respondents tend to agree
with the statement. |
|
I think new sub-divisions, whether
residential or commercial, should be encouraged to be close to existing city
limits. |
2.2 |
2 |
Both the mean and mode suggest
respondents tend to agree with the statement. |
|
I think privately owned and
managed central sewer systems are fine for new housing developments. |
2.1 |
2 |
Both the mean and mode suggest
respondents tend to agree with the statement. |
|
New housing developments should
only be permitted near existing cities where public sewer and water are
available. |
2.2 |
1 |
The mean suggests respondents tend
to agree with the statement. The mode suggests respondents strongly agree
with the statement. |
|
I feel that a person should be
able to put a housing development anywhere in the township if they have
suitable soils. |
3.1 |
4 |
Both the mean and mode suggest
respondents tend to disagree with the statement. |
2 Note: The original survey questionnaire stated
this information conversely which may have impacted the data provided within
section 2.2. The data provided within
section 2.2 should be used for general discussion purposes only.
3 Mean refers to the average of all responses.
4 Mode refers to the most frequently indicated
response.
2.3 Land Use Desirability
Survey participants were also asked
to provide their opinion on a variety of growth issues including community
change, new subdivision development, private versus centralized sewer systems
for new development, potential restricting of housing development to areas
adjacent to existing cities, and unrestricted housing development. Table 2.2 provides the responses to these
questions based on a ranking with 1 being “strongly agree and 4 being “strongly
disagree.”
Table 2.2: Land Use Desirability
|
Land Use Type |
Mean 5 |
Mode 6 |
Definition |
|
Lakeshore residential |
2.1 |
2 |
Both the mean and mode suggest
respondents feel the use is somewhat desirable. |
|
Residential under 2.5 acre lot
size |
2.4 |
2 |
Both the mean and mode suggest
respondents feel the use is somewhat desirable. |
|
Residential over 2.5 acre lot size
|
2.0 |
2 |
Both the mean and mode suggest
respondents feel the use is somewhat desirable. |
|
Agriculture |
2.2 |
2 |
Both the mean and mode suggest
respondents feel the use is somewhat desirable. |
|
Commercial |
2.6 |
2 |
The mean suggests respondents feel
the use is somewhat not desirable. The
mode suggests respondents feel the use is somewhat desirable. |
|
Open Space |
1.7 |
1 |
The mean suggests respondents feel
the use is somewhat desirable. The
mode suggests respondents feel the use is very desirable. |
2.4 Residential & Housing
Development
In
the first of a line of questions related to residential growth and development,
respondents were asked if they would like to see increased residential
development within Watab Township. Of
the survey participants responding to the question, 39%
5 Mean refers to the average of all responses.
6 Mode refers to the most frequently
indicated response.
indicated
they would like to see increased residential development within the Township
while 57% indicated they would not.
Respondents
were further asked to indicate in what ways new growth should be addressed
based on the following ranking system:
1 =
Increased Growth
2 = Slow
Growth
3 =
Limited or Restricted Growth
4 = Need Redevelopment of Existing Homes
Tables 2.3 through 2.9 provide
survey participants’ responses to the need of various types of residential
development within Watab Township.
Table 2.3: Single-family Housing Growth &
Development
|
Single-family Housing |
Number
|
Percent
(%) |
|
Increased growth |
165
|
33%
|
|
Slow growth |
177
|
35%
|
|
Limited or restricted growth |
111
|
22%
|
|
Need redevelopment of existing |
25
|
5%
|
Table 2.4: Town Home Growth &
Development
|
Town Houses |
Number
|
Percent
(%) |
|
Increased growth |
49
|
10%
|
|
Slow growth |
95
|
19%
|
|
Limited or restricted growth |
249
|
49%
|
|
Need redevelopment of existing |
39
|
8%
|
Table 2.5: Apartment Growth &
Development
|
Apartments |
Number
|
Percent
(%) |
|
Increased growth |
19
|
5%
|
|
Slow growth |
54
|
11%
|
|
Limited or restricted growth |
288
|
57%
|
|
Need redevelopment of existing |
63
|
12%
|
Table 2.6: Condominium Growth &
Development
|
Condos |
Number
|
Percent
(%) |
|
Increased growth |
35
|
7%
|
|
Slow growth |
91
|
18%
|
|
Limited or restricted growth |
243
|
48%
|
|
Need redevelopment of existing |
55
|
11%
|
Table
2.7: 55+ Community Housing Growth & Development
|
55+ Communities |
Number
|
Percent
(%) |
|
Increased growth |
102
|
20%
|
|
Slow growth |
149
|
29%
|
|
Limited or restricted growth |
156
|
31%
|
|
Need redevelopment of existing |
28
|
6%
|
Table 2.8: Assisted Living Facility
Development
|
Assisted Living Facilities
|
Number
|
Percent
(%) |
|
Increased growth |
71 |
14% |
|
Slow growth |
126 |
25% |
|
Limited or restricted growth |
195 |
39% |
|
Need redevelopment of existing |
35 |
7% |
Table 2.9: Mobile Home Park Growth
& Development
|
Mobile Home Parks |
Number
|
Percent
(%) |
|
Increased growth |
9 |
2% |
|
Slow growth |
27 |
5% |
|
Limited or restricted growth |
242 |
48% |
|
Need redevelopment of existing |
140 |
28% |
2.5 Commercial &
Industrial Development
In the line of questions related to
commercial and industrial development, respondents were asked if they would
like to see increased commercial and industrial development within Watab
Township. Of the survey participants
responding to the question, 40% indicated they would like to see increased
commercial and industrial development within the Township and 57% indicated
they would not.
2.6 Natural Resources &
Open Space
Respondents indicated by a large
majority of 80% that they would like to see the preservation of open space
areas of the Township and 18% of respondents indicated they would not.
Respondents were asked to rank a series of statements
addressing parks, open space, natural beauty, and recreation based on their
agreement or disagreement with the statements.
Table 2.10 provides the responses to these questions based on a ranking
with 1 being “strongly agree” and 4 being “strongly disagree.”
Table 2.10: Natural Resources & Open Space
|
Statement |
Mean 7 |
Mode 8 |
Definition |
|
There are adequate parks and open
space in our township now. |
2.3 |
2 |
Both the mean and mode suggest
respondents tend to agree with the statement. |
|
I think we need to conserve more
of our township’s natural beauty for generations to come. |
1.7 |
1 |
Both the mean and mode suggest
respondents tend to strongly agree with the statement. |
|
I feel that there are adequate
community recreational opportunities in the township. |
2.3 |
2 |
Both the mean and mode suggest
respondents tend to agree with the statement. |
7 Mean refers to the average of all responses.
8 Mode refers to the most
frequently indicated response.
3.0 Facilities and Services
Questions
3.1 Level of Service
Respondents to the survey were asked
to rank a series of community services according to their level of satisfaction
with each service. The following defines
these rankings:
1 = Very
Satisfied
2 =
Satisfied
3 =
Somewhat Satisfied
4 = Not
Satisfied
Table 3.1 provides results on the
level of service provided within Watab Township.
Table 3.1: Level of Service
|
Service |
Mean 9 |
Mode 10 |
Definition |
|
Fire Protection |
2.0 |
2 |
Both the mean and mode suggest
respondents are satisfied with the service. |
|
Ambulance Service |
2.2 |
2 |
Both the mean and mode suggest
respondents are satisfied with the service. |
|
Law Enforcement |
2.2 |
2 |
Both the mean and mode suggest
respondents are satisfied with the service. |
|
Road Maintenance |
2.4 |
2 |
Both the mean and mode suggest
respondents are satisfied with the service. |
|
Parks and Recreation |
2.4 |
2 |
Both the mean and mode suggest
respondents are satisfied with the service. |
|
Environmental Services |
2.6 |
2 |
Both the mean and mode suggest
respondents are somewhat satisfied with the service |
|
Public Transportation |
2.8 |
3 |
Both the mean and mode suggest
respondents are somewhat satisfied with the service |
|
Planning and Zoning |
2.9 |
3 |
Both the mean and mode suggest
respondents are somewhat satisfied with the service |
9 Mean refers to
the average of all responses.
10 Mode refers to the most
frequently indicated response.
3.2 Community Website
A narrow margin of survey
participants indicated they would use a Website established by Watab Township
if the Township were to do so. Of the
responses, 51% indicated they would use the Township’s Website and 47% indicated
they would not.
3.3 Zoning Administration
When
asked if they felt Watab Township should administer a Township zoning
ordinance, 46% indicated they felt the Township should and 49% indicated they
felt the Township should not.
Survey
participants who indicated Watab Township should administer a Township zoning
ordinance were further asked if they would be willing to pay for the ordinance
administration through an increased tax levy.
Of those respondents, 21% indicated they would be willing to pay for the
administration while 46% indicated they would not.
3.4 Need for a New Town Hall
When asked if Watab Township needs a
new town hall, 25% indicated a new town hall was necessary while 72% indicated
the new facility was not. 18% of
respondents who indicated a need for a new Watab town hall further indicated
they would be willing to pay for the new facility while 39% indicated they
would not.
3.5 Comprehensive Plan
Development
Survey participants were asked if Watab Township should
develop a Township comprehensive plan or remain under the jurisdiction of the
county comprehensive plan. It is assumed
that a “yes” response to the question indicates the need for Watab Township to
develop a Township specific comprehensive plan, however because of the duality
of the question the answers must be given less validity. 40% of survey respondents indicated “yes” in
response to the question, and 45% indicated a “no” response. Of the respondents who answered “yes” to the
question, 21% indicated they would be willing to pay for the development of a
Watab Township comprehensive plan through and increased tax levy while 43%
indicated they would not.
3.6 Annexation,
Special Districts, and Incorporation
In
order to ascertain community feelings related to annexation, special district
creation, and incorporation the following question was asked:
In
the future would you like to see Watab Township:
A. Develop
orderly annexation agreements with adjacent Cities: Yes No
B. Create a
special district to monitor private septic systems: Yes No
C.
Incorporate some or all of Watab
Township as a city: Yes No
Table
4.1 provides the results of this multiple-part question.
Table 4.1: Annexation, Special Districts and
Incorporation
|
Topic |
“Yes”
Percent |
“No”
Percent |
|
Development of orderly annexation
agreements |
34%
|
55%
|
|
Creation of special district to
monitor private septic systems |
34%
|
53%
|
|
Incorporate Watab Township as a
city |
18%
|
69%
|
3.7 General
Comments
Comments
provided by survey respondents generally focused on the topics provided below.
A complete list of survey comments is on file with the Watab Township Clerk.
1
Zoning
administration: Comments present differing views on planning and zoning administration of Benton County and
potential local planning and zoning administration by Watab Township.
2
General growth
& development: Comments present differing views on growth and development within the Township
including comments on large plat development.
3
Redevelopment:
Several comments were received generally supporting the redevelopment of several commercial properties within the
Township.
4
Community Services:
Comments present differing views on several different community services.
5
Infrastructure:
Comments present differing views on infrastructure options for existing and future development within the
Township.
6
Annexation and
incorporation: Comments present differing views on the annexation of portions of Watab Township as well as the
incorporation of the Township.
7
Nuisance issues:
Comments provided examples of nuisances such as speeding, animal control issues, junk and waste issues,
vandalism, and other issues.
8
Environmental
protection: Comments indicated a need for environmental protection measures, especially water quality
protection of the Mississippi River, Little Rock, and other waters.