Willow Survey (2004)
272 responses were received--considered a high number
given the nature of the survey and it’s mail in requirement. Additionally,
these responses showed a ratio of 1:28 Resident:Non-Resident reflecting exactly
the ratio of Resident:Non-Resident on the mailing list. Based on the number of
responses we are 95% sure that the frequency reported in the survey are within
5.5% of true Willow population proportions.
The chart below shows the percentage of respondents who either strongly agreed/
agreed or strongly disagreed/disagreed with the survey statements.
| Survey statement | Agree | Disagree |
|---|
| Community a good place to live | 83.87 | 4.03% |
| Community should remain as is now | 56.10 | 25.61% |
| Effects of rapid residential growth need to be addressed | 82.56 | 7.75% |
| Rural lifestyle important | 90.74 | 2.96% |
| More commercial growth needed in Willow | 41.83 | 38.37% |
| Recreational opportunities important to me | 82.95 | 7.75% |
| Willow should become incorporated city | 28.74 | 36.03% |
| More industrial growth is needed | 21.05 | 59.21% |
| Strip development down Parks Hwy a concern | 73.60 | 11.20% |
| Responsible land use regulations important businesses important | 84.79 | 11.03% |
| Organized development road/subdivisions/ | 88.19 | 7.87% |
| More trooper presence needed | 59.04 | 8.43% |
| Tourism important part of community | 57.81 | 20.10% |
Given the degree of importance that is attached to a rural lifestyle and
recreational opportunities, it should come as no surprise that 88% of
respondents favor organized planning.
Some anomalies were detected: a number of those who indicated they were a
resident had postal addresses outside Willow. A number against “organized
planning” also agreed with those questions favoring planning in the table above
(one even suggested lot size minimums.) Clearly, to some planning is a
relatively benign process, while others see “organized” as something more
sinister.
The free form comments were much more difficult to quantify. As an example,
“distance from Anchorage” was seen as a plus by almost the same number as
viewed it a minus. And a number cited “people” as something they liked best
about Willow, while a similar number cited “friendly.” Should these be added
together? The WACO survey doesn’t, as some might argue
that they think residents aren’t friendly and that’s what they like about
Willow!
The sections below list some of the responses where more than a few were in
agreement.
What do you like best/least about Willow?
| Best | Least |
|---|
| Rural/semi | Rural junk |
| Quiet | Uncontrolled development |
| Recreation | Jet Skis and boats |
| People | Strip malls |
| Small community | Lack of stores |
| Unspoilt country | Vandalism |
| Trails | Rapid growth |
How should these issues be addressed by WACO?
- Organized planning
- Community meetings
- Community involvement
- At WACO meetings
- Support zoning
- Become incorporated
Any other comments?
- Too many codes and regulations
- Need planning
- Don’t let Willow become a strip mall
- No flea markets like Pittman
- Growth must be organized
- It’s time for a comprehensive plan
- More community center focus off the highway
Selected quotes
- Maybe we should have a rule that would prohibit people who want rules & regs. from moving out here.
- We are long past the anything goes “homestead” era.
- Protect the “Jewels” of Willow. It’s character, lake, rivers.
- A comprehensive plan for growth should be a priority before Willow ends up a strip mall community like Wasilla.
- Would like to see a town square develop with shops/artists/small businesses.
- We should pattern our development the same way Palmer has done over the years.
- Ban Anchorage week-enders.
Community Development Committee
Meets: 2nd Wednesday/Month, WCC, 7:00PM
