BEDPG Surveys Resident Perspectives on Business Districts
Go directly to for SURVEY RESULTS (This is a PDF file - Please allow several minutes to download)
The article below was written by BEDPG chair Sara Oaklander and summarizes the survey results. It was published as a Guest Perspective in the Belmont Citizen-Herald , 1/29/2004, page 10.
BELMONT GETS DOWN TO BUSINESS
When Belmont residents are asked to talk business, they have plenty to say. Last fall, 525 Belmont residents shared their ideas about the revitalization of our business districts by responding to a survey conducted by the Business and Economic Development Planning Group (BEDPG). Their responses paint a picture of changes that could be made to make our business districts more appealing.
The survey asked about changes that might encourage people to come to our business districts more often. Nearly half or more than half of the respondents named the following as priorities: more stores of interest; sidewalks and streets cleared of trash, snow and ice; more places to sit with friends; more parking; traffic management for greater pedestrian safety; and extended businesses hours. Most respondents gave less importance to wider sidewalks, more plants and flowers, and more street fairs, performers, and other entertainment.
In our effort to find out what kinds of businesses would be considered “desirable” for Belmont, we learned that Belmontians – at least those responding to this survey – like to eat! Many survey respondents indicated they would like to see more restaurants and food shops. Specifically, shops selling fresh breads and produce and prepared foods and meals would be welcome, as would specific types of restaurants: Italian, American, seafood, a deli, and family-friendly restaurants. Sandwich/salad cafes, Mexican, and fine dining or gourmet restaurants were also mentioned, as was the desirability of alcoholic beverages. Other relatively popular ideas for stores included a small grocery store, and stores selling shoes, music, and office supplies.
The clearest message gleaned from the survey was about the types of businesses residents would rather not see more of in Belmont. Nearly half of the respondents don’t want any more banks, and many would rather not see more pizza places, beauty salons, chain drug stores, dry cleaners, or Asian restaurants.
Other types of venues might also be positive additions to our town. Respondents expressed the strongest interest in an arts center offering classes and studio space, a youth center, and a performing arts center. Some interest was indicated for a health club and an outdoor skate park; less was expressed for a bowling alley and a roller skating rink. Other suggestions offered included sports activities such as batting cages and miniature golf, an additional movie venue, and a senior center.
Most respondents agreed that Belmont will benefit in a variety of ways – improved quality of life in terms of convenience and social opportunities and increased commercial tax revenues – if improvements are made to our business districts. About half of the respondents agreed that property values would increase as a result of business district improvements. Respondents also suggested other possible benefits including increased community spirit, an improved town image or reputation, and enhanced aesthetics.
Since traffic and parking concerns are hot topics in town, we explored these issues and learned that most respondents would tolerate modest increases in traffic and parking difficulty if those increases resulted from the revitalization of our business districts.
In their additional comments, respondents consistently placed importance on both pedestrian and bicycle safety and access, including the need for safer crossings and more bike racks. Some respondents recommended cross-town public transportation. Some suggested that something needs to be done about distressed and abandoned buildings (the pink building in Belmont Center was the most cited example), that appearances really do matter (façade and environmental enhancements are needed), and that we need more places to congregate to build community. Some survey respondents re-emphasized their wish that our business districts offered a greater variety of shopping and eating opportunities such as that found in neighboring towns.
Other comments pointed to the very questions that BEDPG is exploring. What role can the Town play in determining what businesses locate here? Can the Town encourage or require façade and signage enhancements? How can small businesses succeed when commercial rents in some parts of Town have increased so much? How will the Town provide the additional services that are needed – adequate parking, better trash pick up, more bike racks, enhanced traffic management and greater pedestrian safety? What is the role of commercial taxes in the Town’s financial health? How do commercial taxes effect small business development? These and other questions will continue to be the focus of BEDPG’s efforts.
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