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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 Focus Group Discussions 2010/11 http //www.lexingtonma gov/committees/2020focusgroups cfm Focus Group Discussions 2010/11 Background In fall of 2010, roughly ten years after a vision statement and set of _goals were developed, the Lexington 2020 Vision Committee wanted to check back with the community. They sought to confirm or revise the goals, and to identify issues where there is agreement or difference of opinion. The Committee planned a series of small focus groups to engage residents in discussing what issues they see as important for Lexington both now and in the future. The Committee contacted a number of organizations in town and asked each to assemble a small but diverse group of 6-10 people to discuss several open-ended questions. Focus Group Questions What do you value about Lexington? What would you like to see different? What specific goals do you think the Town should accomplish over the next 10-15 years? Groups Sponsoring Focus Group Discussions Graduates of Lexington's 2009 Citizens' Academy Indian Americans of Lexington (IAL) Lexington Interfaith Clergy Chinese American Association of Lexington (CAAL) Global Warming Action Coalition (GWAC) Lexington Chamber of Commerce LexFun (formerly Lexington Preschool PTA) Lexington Rotary Club Focus Group Input Prioritization of Oriainal Goals Things Liked and Would Like Different about Lexinaton =ocus Group Priorities -# of sticker votes LCA gra IAL Clergy CAAL GWAChambe_exFur Rotary Avg Number of attendees 4 5 7 10 8 14 3 6 I 8 68 Theme I. Promote and Strengthen Community Character 1111 Design and promote community gathering places and : events 5 4 5 5 6 13 2 0 6.33 2 Develop criteria and mechanism for preserving the physical character of residential neighborhoods 0 0 2 0 3 2 1 6 1 84 3 Provide increased housing options to promote diversity of income and age 3 4 6 0 2 2 3 4 2 65 4 Create strong incentives to maintain and expand affordable housing 3 0 7 0 1 0 1 1 137 5 Integrate transportation infrastructure and/or environmental aesthetics with commercial districts and historic and housing characteristics 1 3 1 1 0 4 0 2 182 6 Preserve and maintain historical areas, and celebrate the 1 Town's place in national history for residents and tourists 2 0 1 3 2 11 1 3 414 1 7 Ensure public safety 0 0 0 5 0 0 1 4 1 35 Theme II Foster Educational Excellence 1 Ensure that all citizens are aware of and have access to life- long education and learning opportunities 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 2 0 88 2 Continuously update and modify the programming, grounds and facilities, and materials&equipment and learning facilities 3 2 2 6 0 2 2 0 2 28 3 Provide sufficient funding for educational and learning opportunities 4 3 5 11 2 7 2 3 5 51 4 Develop and implement a town-run partnership program to promote the concept of community partnerships with all educational and learning facilities(with business involvement, intergenerational learning, all governing bodies, students, families) 1 3 1 8 1 9 0 1 4.32 5 Develop and implement an ongoing evaluation process for all systems associated with life-long learning 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 Theme III. Sustain and Enhance Physical Character&the Larger Environment 1 Improve traffic and parking conditions in the Center 1 3 7 0 0 20 1 15 7 74 2 Increase protected open space 1 0 3 5 0 0 1 1 1 47 3 Preserve and enhance local air quality 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 05 4 Reduce the environmental impact of households and businesses 1 0 5 0 7 0 1 1 182 5 Limit traffic, noise and pollution from Hanscom Field 2 0 0 2 2 2 3 0 1 42 6 Increase alternatives to single occupancy vehicles 1 0 6 2 4 0 0 0 1 72 7 Encourage economic development 4 2 1 6 0 21 2 4 7 32 8 Improve town aesthetics 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 Theme IV Reinforce Connections between Residents, Civic Organizations &Town Government 1 Expand information dissemination options for civic activities 0 1 0 1 1 3 0 0 114 2 Provide approaches to inspire the uninvolved of all ages to become involved 1 3 4 3 2 1 3 2 2 25 3 Increase accessibility/availability of government buildings, agencies, officials, materials and services 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 77 4 Encourage increased resident participation in and 0 3 0 2 0 0 1 2 0 88 5 Promote use of volunteers(including students)and connect them with those needing services 1 3 6 9 0 4 0 1 3 74 6 Address anger/divisiveness 0 0 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 72 Theme V. Establish Open and Accessible Processes for Town-Wide Decision-Making, Planning and Conflict Resolution 1 Enhance and refine the fiscal process to make it useful and accessible 0 1 0 5 0 0 1 0 102 2 Conduct and/or influence long-range studies, policies and regulations in the areas of fiscal,transportation, technology and environmental planning 0 3 1 6 2 3 1 2 2 72 Focus Group Priorities-#of sticker votes(cont) LCA gra IAL Clergy CAAL GWAChambe Avg 3 Initiate and/or participate in regional groups to resolve common problems, address common needs, capitalize on common strengths, and share services and resources in the areas of transportation planning, open space, environmental quality/monitoring, and fiscal planning 3 4 3 2 4 2 0 5 2 86 14 Re-evaluate,through a participatory structure, the 2020 vision and planning processes periodically 1 3 0 2 0 2 1 1 1 33 IIStrengthen and support existing democratic processes for town decision-making. 0 1 0 7 0 9 0 0 3 53 "Extras" ICC Promote economic development and balance in the outlying commercial districts 18 n/a Make Lexington a model for developing a sustainable 8 GV community n/a " Reduce energy consumption in town 7 n/a • More vibrant downtown and more diverse businesses 5 n/a Reduce and/or prohibit pesticide use, noise (from lawn 3 companies) and encourage native species lawns in place " of grass n/a End of"McMansionazation"with large, unsustainable 3 " houses n/a More agricultural awareness, an official Agriculture 2 • Committee n/a " Increase use of agriculture 2 n/a Add to schools education about the future of climate 2 " changes in Lexington n/a " More awareness of the future effects of climate 1 n/a " Community meeting places 1 n/a • More bike lanes 1 n/a " Become a model town for alternative energy use 1 n/a " Pay As You Throw 1 n/a Encourage and educate citizens to increase participation 1 • in town affairs n/a " Improve/increase communication in town 1 n/a Totals 40 50 68 95 79 139 30 60 T ^ What participants like about Lexington. Resources in town Cary Library(excellent); arts and crafts, workshops, lectures, listsery information; much stimulation, intellectual resources and knowledgeable residents, Hayden Recreation (ice skating mentioned); bike path, Town pool CAAL Good sense of town/community: fit in well with schools and neighbors,have nice sense walking around town, stores,restaurants provide what we want; peace of mind (safety), Patriots' Day and other activities CAAL Conservation lands and other open space of great value CAAL Town Center attractive design; ice cream shop CAAL Diversity. positive aspect of Lexington; meet interesting people of different backgrounds; culture and activities CAAL Strong Chinese community–helpful/support CAAL Schools have good quality, education is important Highly educated citizens, university professors in Lexington(authors, poets,Nobel Prize winners), art as well as other required classes are important CAAL People trust town—trust the Selectmen's decisions CAAL Like historical nature of town CAAL Proximity to Boston and what it provides is good CAAL Property values CAAL Lexington life style characterized by education, arts&culture and open space Chamber of Commerce Perimeter of the town well planned and getting increasing attention Chamber of Commerce Sense of community and small-town feeling. Chamber of Commerce People, heritage,town culture, commitment of business to make it better Chamber of Commerce Pride of ownership Chamber of Commerce Center of town is a social meeting place number of coffee spots in town seen as positive in this regard. Chamber of Commerce Lexington Center is still viable despite turnover of businesses. Chamber of Commerce Business community is well networked Chamber of Commerce Welcoming place for ethnic minorities Chamber of Commerce Lexington is aligned with science and humanities culture Chamber of Commerce Quality of schools is major factor investment in education priority attractiveness of the town all starts with the schools as the core Chamber of Commerce Good garbage pick up Chamber of Commerce Boards do not dominate the town Chamber of Commerce Preservation of historic element important while allowing progress to continue Chamber of Commerce Good transportation access to Boston and other areas Chamber of Commerce Great library Chamber of Commerce Great place to raise a family Old fashioned values Cars stop for pedestrians Chamber of Commerce Rural atmosphere and pride in gardening outlets Chamber of Commerce Walkability of Lexington, specifically regarding the bikepath Chamber of Commerce Access to transportation & roads Citizens Academy graduates Bike path Citizens Academy graduates Community involvement Citizens Academy graduates Open space Citizens Academy graduates Diversity Citizens Academy graduates Schools _ Citizens Academy graduates Town staff response \)'`j4- Citizens Academy graduates Historical nature/tourists Citizens Academy graduates Intellectual Citizens Academy graduates Library/resources Citizens Academy graduates Progressive/liberal Citizens Academy graduates Amenities. Hayden,bike path,Town pool, library, movie theater,town Center, Farmers' Market, community farms GWAC Small town feel no big box stores, small gathering places(Depot Square,the Green, coffee shops) GWAC Involved citizens GWAC Lack of divisive institutions: e.g. Country Club GWAC Lexington Interfaith Association GWAC Conservation GWAC Education GWAC Responsiveness of town officials,both elected and paid staff GWAC Professionally run Town GWAC Hstorical character GWAC Politically liberal GWAC Safe, low crime, police force GWAC Recreation–especially children IAL Welcoming IAL Pride IAL Active residents–89 Town IAL Town Center–lively IAL Diversity IAL Involved parents IAL Parks/concerts IAL Parades IAL Committees,more than 150 civic associations IAL Historic houses IAL Location IAL Open/curious IAL Well-informed IAL Library IAL Diverse activities important in bringing people together- sports,band concerts Interfaith Clergy Lexington is a community of people that work together to make Lexington better Interfaith Clergy People supporting others—a community rather than Just residents Interfaith Clergy People feel they are in something together—making connections Interfaith Clergy "It's not suburban;not a bedroom community" Interfaith Clergy Interfaith garden brings town together Interfaith Clergy Town with vitality Interfaith Clergy Green places many places to walk and run, like commitment to conservation lands Interfaith Clergy Downtown area dynamic- library,meet for coffee/lunch Interfaith Clergy Nice feeling of tolerance of other groups(ethnic,religious differences)- Despite the tolerance, some groups have a harder time fitting in Interfaith Clergy Good schools are an important part of Lexington that draws people-people value education; "best move for children" Interfaith Clergy Lexington Reads unifies people intellectually and socially Interfaith Clergy Interesting lectures Interfaith Clergy Many volunteers on committees–"Share responsibility of being a citizen" Interfaith Clergy Like the history of the town Interfaith Clergy Progressive environment Interfaith Clergy Citizens take recycling very seriously Interfaith Clergy Town programs- soccer(LUSC private uses Town fields), recreation programs, Little League parade LexFun Sense of community—people have sense of identify, "belonging" LexFun Community groups, such as Garden Club LexFun Green space (Willard's Woods, Great Meadow)-well maintained, programs(Big Backyard), trails LexFun Attention to schools LexFun Tax dollars are spend on things that are important—Town resources and programs LexFun Hayden Recreation Center Rotary Supportive dental community, specialties Rotary Great Rotary Club Rotary Bike path Rotary Public Works building Rotary Commitment to open space Rotary People have varied amount of time here Rotary Quality of schools Rotary Quality of volunteers in Town Rotary Town well run Rotary Problems get attention, are addressed Rotary Well-respected Rotary Arts&culture—symphony, lectures, Monroe Center for the Arts,National Heritage Museum, Historical Society Rotary Library Rotary Quality of life Rotary Safe neighborhoods Rotary Good place for kids to grow up Rotary Town has unique aspects(not homogeneous suburb) Rotary Good things happening Rotary People are friendly Rotary What participants would like to be different about Lexington: Not enough playgrounds for children CAAL Sidewalks and Roads Not enough of them,Not kept up, Sometimes have to walk on CAAL Need better public transportation, including buses in Lexington on Sunday CAAL Keep and increase conservation land, less development CAAL More involvement by Chinese community important, language barrier is a problem CAAL Others need to understand the Asian culture CAAL School decisions should be made in a more open way, problems include School CAAL School curriculum and choices of classes—need more flexibility CAAL Art classes in demand and many students cannot take the classes they want—more CAAL Regression of quality of schools from elementary to middle school to high school CAAL School lunch too expensive CAAL Not clear who to talk to when there is a bad experience with a teacher CAAL Question of cost vs. benefit for school field trips in middle and high school CAAL High school too big—teachers don't know the kids CAAL Would like better teachers at all levels of schools CAAL Should not have to pay for school bus or after-school program (both too expensive) CAAL Parent-teacher conferences are held only if there is a problem, they should be held for CAAL Lexington High School does not have adequate communication(quality and CAAL Town budgeting process and priorities CAAL Concern about so many retirees in Town Meeting—seems that Lexington is trying to CAAL Asian community would like to increase their participation in committees in town - CAAL People living in Lexington are not in the real world CAAL Loss of Lexington Gardens(nursery and farm)was unfortunate for people living near CAAL Decide about the future of the town CAAL Residential/Commercial proportion Town budget poor, Taxes paid mainly by CAAL Certain segments of the Lexington population not being reached out td! Chamber of Commerce More restaurants and bars in the Center would serve employees of companies in the Chamber of Commerce There is need to enable more independent business owners to locate in town Chamber of Commerce The rent cost structure is less of an issue if the customer traffic could be higher. Chamber of Commerce Not small business friendly type of town Chamber of Commerce Parking is more of an issue than the tax base. Businesses do not come into town Chamber of Commerce No sidewalks in the corporate commercial districts on the periphery Chamber of Commerce Hartwell Avenue's companies not well integrated Need to get them to be more Chamber of Commerce Make Lexington a Life Sciences Hub(not just Boston/Cambridge) Chamber of Commerce Length of permitting process is too demanding(number of parking spaces Chamber of Commerce Promote economic development and balance in the outlying commercial districts Chamber of Commerce Town needs more consistency and clarity in the zoning process Chamber of Commerce Commercial tax base and commercial property rental costs are higher than Chamber of Commerce No immediate train connection Chamber of Commerce Need to tap human capital. Chamber of Commerce Infrastructure(want a better plan) Citizens Academy graduates Streets are deteriorating(Marrett& Bedford St) Citizens Academy graduates Dedicated to community/promote general welfare Citizens Academy graduates Senior/community center(wanted a separate community center) Citizens Academy graduates Better Town Center Citizens Academy graduates Longer time on meters Citizens Academy graduates Little machines to use for meters Citizens Academy graduates Better parking Citizens Academy graduates Subsidize rents in center of town Citizens Academy graduates (more)welcome to additional ethnic and lower socio-economic groups Citizens Academy graduates More ethnic diversity Citizens Academy graduates More economic diversity Citizens Academy graduates Do more to help economically disadvantaged more into town so our school system is Citizens Academy graduates Maintain or improve school system Citizens Academy graduates Solve Estabrook school issue Citizens Academy graduates Selectmen need to be more strategic(stay away from managing minutia and allow Citizens Academy graduates Want Town Manager to be more forward thinking strategically with more vision Citizens Academy graduates Public employee benefits reform/GIC Citizens Academy graduates Restructuring Citizens Academy graduates Look at ways to raise taxes/more commercial development Citizens Academy graduates Recalculate property tax Citizens Academy graduates LLizage civic engagement Citizens Academy graduates Mail from Town comes late Citizens Academy graduates Need money to plow bike path Citizens Academy graduates Where did wreaths appropriation come from ? Citizens Academy graduates Promote sustainable, integrated and affordable Citizens Academy graduates Reconcile Lexington comprehensive plan"The Lexington We Want"with the 2020 Citizens Academy graduates More public transportation, both within and outside of Lexington GWAC More bike lanes GWAC Become a model town for alternative energy use GWAC Reduce energy consumption in town GWAC Community meeting places GWAC Improve/increase communication in town GWAC Senior center GWAC More vibrant downtown and more diverse businesses GWAC More vibrant downtown and more diverse businesses GWAC More economic and racial variety GWAC More technical education in schools GWAC Add to schools education about the future of climate changes in Lexington GWAC Encourage and educate citizens__Uo_increase participation in town affairs GWAC Emergency planning(related to natural disasters) GWAC More agricultural awareness, an official Agriculture Committee GWAC More awareness of the future effects of climate GWAC End of"McMansionazation"with large, unsustainable houses GWAC Strong sustainability campaign,with sustainability education in schools GWAC Reduce and/or prohibit pesticide use,noise(from lawn companies)and encourage GWAC Pay As You Throw GWAC Increase use of agriculture GWAC Institute reward system for environmental awareness GWAC Lack of resources for elderly IAL Cost of rental for Dewali(Bedford has concession for residents) IAL Technology—connect school in India with Lexington IAL Not enough ethnic programs to integrate into mainstream IAL More ethnic celebrations/outreach to include(example. Lexington Historical Society) IAL Introduce Hindi as a world language IAL Dewah as vacation day IAL Outreach from groups IAL Celebration of diverse cultures in schools—more authentic representation of religion, IAL Quality of teachers/courses IAL Athletics—nothing for non-varsity athletes, intramurals—stress IAL (Insufficient) preparation for global citizenship(celebration of diversity) IAL More diversity in school staff&curriculum IAL t . Town Meeting–unsure,need more information IAL Cost of government/education–accountability, efficiency,transparency IAL Town could be more frugal IAL Cost of living IAL Traffic/roads IAL Drug use IAL (Need)more environmental awareness–"green" IAL No good yoga programs in Lexington to alleviate the stress(except"Yoga with a Interfaith Clergy New residents in Lexington are not engaged in activities—How can they be Interfaith Clergy Suggest parking structure under(part of)the current large parking lot on the north Interfaith Clergy Bringing people together Interfaith Clergy Although Asians make up a substantial part of Lexington's residents,they don't Interfaith Clergy 1 No participation in interfaith activities by clergy serving Asian communities Interfaith Clergy Some people are not so friendly—how can young families be brought in with older Interfaith Clergy No place for teenagers Interfaith Clergy Need a community center Interfaith Clergy Some residents of East Lexington feel like 2nd class citizens,concerned over loss of E Interfaith Clergy There are some blue-collar workers, many of whose families have lived in the area Interfaith Clergy Hayden not as much a community center as would like "Just a gym now"-broaden Interfaith Clergy Hard to get to conservation lands, need more signs, better trails Interfaith Clergy Suggest focusing on each of the conservation lands 1 day each year Interfaith Clergy Need more variety in Center retail stores, for example,more craft shops, would bring Interfaith Clergy Not much after 9 p.m. Interfaith Clergy Not enough diversity in Town Meeting Interfaith Clergy People from some cultures say"no"one or a few times to something others suggest, Interfaith Clergy More Affordable Housing-Though Lexington has made some effort on affordable Interfaith Clergy House costs are preventing additional groups to live in Lexington, such as young Interfaith Clergy Most people who work in Lexington cannot afford to live there Interfaith Clergy Too many huge houses have been built "It's like two houses!" "Any limits9" Interfaith Clergy School bus charge is too high; Buses allowed to drop off kids at only at homes, not at Interfaith Clergy Schools appear to be oriented around stay-at-home moms Interfaith Clergy Need after-school programs for middlechool students Interfaith Clergy IDifficult for parents working to pick kids up from activities Interfaith Clergy Frequently people come to Lexington with children in 8`n.grade and leave after 121n Interfaith Clergy Driven, Type A personality "It's the most stressed-out community I've ever seen" Interfaith Clergy ee stress in kids due to parents' expectations–"I can't keep up!""I hate school!" Interfaith Clergy alpable difference between Lexington kids and kids at neighboring communities. Interfaith Clergy Need more improvement on the environment-Take the"greening"and recycling Interfaith Clergy Would like businesses to come back- Strengths not played up enough, Ideas from LexFun Disconnect between landlords and Town–get more data LexFun School bus–cost,time LexFun Town-wide festivals with street closures, eg. Arts Festival- Dates(July 4`n, Memorial LexFun Alignment of goals HDC vs environmental goals such as Sustainable Lexington LexFun Repair"Welcome to Lexington"signs LexFun Parking is a major problem–parking is terrible, need longer meter times(4 hours) Rotary Snow removal–snow gets plowed into driveways,people have to walk in street Rotary Center traffic–too many people injured, pedestrians jump out from between cars Rotary Need enforcement of jaywalking or jay-biking Rotary Huge houses, almost castles–need to have size restrictions Rotary Asian community not very involved in volunteer life of Town Rotary