[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                                   A[SURVEY OF LOCAL OFFICIALS
                                CONCERNING ISSUES RELATING TO
                                            LONG-RANGE. PLANNING
                                                                   IN
                                                LEELANAU COUNTY


                                              Growth  Management    Plan Working  Paper  #3


















                                                                b cV






                                                                                          Prepared By
                                   Prepared  for                            Anderson, Niebuhr, and Associates, Inc.
                       Leelanau County Planning Department                            1885 University Ave.
                                        and                                           St. Paul, IVIN 55104
                     Leelanau County Board of Commissioners                             (612) 645-5577


                                                              June 25, 1990


                                                                   #0
                                                                   J a '0



                                                              This Document is
                                                           Printed on Recycled Paper









                           A(SURVEY OF LOCAL OFFICIALS
                         CONCERNING ISSUES RELATING TO

                    LONG-RANGE PLANNING IN LEE4qLANAU COUNTY


                      Growth Management Plan Working Paper #3




                                      Prepared for:

                         Leelanau County Planning Department
                             and Board of Commissioners
    @qo
     q@
    \q4i


                                      Preapred by:

                             Andemon, Nql0qebuhr & Associates, Inc.
                                  1885 University Avenue
                                    St. Paul, IVIN 55104
                                     (612) 645-4qS8qS4qW




                                      June.1990
 












                                                                            LEELANAU COUNTY



                                                     Summary of Results for the Survey of Local Officials





                                                                          TABLE OF CONTENTS




                                       1. Results of Descriptive Statistics                 .................................................................. 1

                                            Figures 1 - 10      ................................................................................................. 5

                                            Tables I - 7      ................................................................................................... 10

                                            Suggestions Regarding Improving the Quality of Ufe
                                            in Leelanau County           ...................................................................................... 20

                                            Residents' Opinions Regarding What Most Threatens
                                            the Quality of 1-ife in Leelanau County              ........................................................... 24



                                      11.   Results of Comparative Analyses                   ............................................................... 27




                              APPENDIX: Survey Questionnaire






                                                          LEELANAU COUNTY                                                 OF

                                SUMMARY OF RESULTS FOR THE SURVEY OF LOCAL OFFICIALS



                               In conjunction with the survey of residents conducted by the County of Leelanau,

                       a survey of local officials was also conducted, using the same questionnaire. A total of

                       118 officials responded to the survey of local officials in Leelanau County.   Presented in

                       this report are summaries of the descriptive results for the local official survey and

                       results of statistically significant analyses comparing responses of local officials with

                       responses of County residents. A copy of the questionnaire used in the survey of local

                       officials may be found in the Appendix.



                                                   1. Results of Descriptive Statistics



                               The descriptive results of the survey of local officials are summarized below.

                       This information is also illustrated in Figures 1 through 12 and Tables 1 through 7.



                               A majority of the local officials are over 40 years of age (71 %), have lived in

                               Leelanau County for over 20 years (57%), and live on a farm or in a rural area

                               (56%). Nearly one-half of the officials (47%) are college graduates, and nearly all

                               (97%) indicated they own their home. The majority (65%) do not own lakeshore

                               property, and nearly three quarter (72%) are employed in Leelanau County.

                               (Figures 1 through 8)

                               One-half of the local officials indicated they believe the Townships and Villages

                               should be responsible for enforcement of development controls. (Figure 9)

                               Approximately two-thirds of the officials (64%) prefer to restrict the population of

                               Leelanau County to under 50,000 residents. (Figure 10)








                                                                                                                      2


                               The actions local officials feel are most important for Leelanau County to take

                               are: coordinating planning efforts between County, Township and Village

                               governments, maintaining agricultural production in Leelanau County, and

                               developing one or two industrial parks for light industry. The actions that county

                               officials tend to feel are the least important are supporting creation of a qnew

                               townn instead of more suburban development in the southeastern part of

                               Leelanau County and encouraging the development of more resorts, such as

                               The Homestead or Sugar Loaf. (Table 1)

                               The actions that local officials tended to feel should be taken even if it raises their

                               taxes are: installing an effective emergency radio communications system for

                               requesting medical, police, or fire services; operation of a County-wide program

                               to collect and recycle materials such as newspaper, glass, and cans;

                               establishing stricter sanitary codes related to sewage disposal, including

                               individual septic tanks; sponsorship of more recreation and youth programs for

                               children; and encouraging the County Road Commission to develop more

                               bicycle paths. Approximately one-half to nearly two-thirds of the local officials

                               indicated they feel the following actions should be taken if they do not raise their

                               taxes:    encouraging the development of affordable single family housing;

                               encouraging the development of affordable apartment buildings, condominiums,

                               or other multi-family housing; taking steps to improve the quality of Leelanau

                               County's inland lake fisheries; initiating a County effort to monitor water quality;

                               and initiating a policy to promote the preservation of open space. Over one-third

                               of the local officials feel Leelanau County should not build a new "central

                               corridor" highway between Traverse City and Suttons Bay and should not build

                               more public recreation facilities such as swimming pools, recreation centers, or

                               ballfields. (Table 2)







                                                                                                                 3


                               Local officials expressed the greatest satisfaction with the following aspects of

                               Leelanau County: the fire protection provided, the recreational opportunities

                               available for people in their household, the health care services provided, the

                               police protection provided, the quality of the roads in Leelanau County, and the

                               enforcement of local zoning ordinances. The greatest dissatisfaction was

                               expressed regarding the number of year-round jobs available for County

                               residents, the types of jobs available for County residents, the capacity of the

                               roads in Leelanau County for handling traffic and the availability of housing they

                               can afford. (Table 3)

                               Local officials have had the least experience with the County Board and the

                               County Building Inspections Department. The majority of local officials who have

                               received information or-services from the County Officials specified in Table 413

                               indicated these officials have been very or somewhat helpful. Over one-third of

                               the local officials (38%) indicated the County Board has not been helpful in

                               providing them with information or services. (rabies 4A and 413)

                               A majority of local officials (64%) indicated they receive very much of their news

                               and information from the Leelanau Enterprise. The information source used

                               least often by local officials is radio. (Table 5)

                               Nearly two-thirds of the local officials (62%) feel the level of property tax in

                               Leelanau County is a maior problem. Other issues that local officials tend to feel

                               are major or minor problems in the County are: pollution of ground water, the

                               rapid rate of population growth, pollution of surface water, the increasing number

                               of tourists who visit Leelanau County, traffic congestion, and the development in

                               southeastern Leelanau County. A majority of local officials feel that access to

                               emergency services and lack of affordable recreation opportunities for Leelanau

                               County residents are not problema, (Table 6)









                             Local officials tend to strongly favor or favor increased development in Leelanau

                             County if this development meant: a few more jobs, many more jobs, a little

                             more tourism, or a little less land for agriculture. Local officials indicated they

                             would gpgose or strongly oppose increased development if the following

                             consequences were to occur: much more water or air pollution, much less land

                             for agriculture, a little more water or air pollution, fewer opportunities to view the

                             scenic features of Leelanau County, or much more tourism. (Table 7)







                                                                                                                  5




                                                               FIGURE 1

                                                         Age of Respondents

                                                                                  Percent
                                                                                 LN = 1j.4
                                      Age

                                      30 years or younger                             2

                                      31 to 40 years                                27

                                      41 to 50 years                                29

                                      51 to 64 years                                27

                                      65 years or older                             15

                                                                                    100


                       Average age is 50 years; median is 47 years, and mode is 45 years;    ages range from 23
                       to 80 years.



                                                               FIGURE 2

                                  Highest Level of Education Completed by Survey Respondents



                                                                                                 Percent
                       Level of Education                                                       LN = 115)

                       Attended elementary school                                                    0

                       Attended high school                                                          3

                       Graduated from high school or received GED                                  29

                       Attended a four-year, two-year, or technical college                        20

                       Graduated from a four-year, two-year, or technical college                  29

                       Attended graduate school or received graduate degree                        18

                       Refused                                                                       1

                                                                                                  100







                                                                                                             6



                                                            FIGURE 3
                                        Respondents' Household Income Before Taxes         Percent
                                   Income                                                 ALI = IM

                                   Less than $10,000                                         2

                                   $10,000 but less than $25,000                             25

                                   $25,000 but less than $40,000                             36

                                   $40,000 but less than $55,000                             16

                                   $55,000 but less than $70,000                             7

                                   $70,000 but less than $90,000                             6

                                   $90,000 or more                                           5

                                   Refused                                                   3

                                                                                            100





                                                           FIGURE 4

                          Number of Years Respondents Have Been Residents of Leelanau County

                                                                           Percent
                                   Number of Years                        LN = 11 5j

                                   Less than 5 years                           3

                                   5 to 10 years                               9

                                   11 to 15 years                             12

                                   16 to 20 years                             19

                                   Over 20 years                            -57

                                                                             100

                    Average number of years is 32; median is 28; mode is 20; number of years ranges from
                    3 to 70 years.








                                                                                           7






                                                  FIGURE 5

                                  Current Area of Residence in Leelanau County

                                                                Percent
                              Area of Residence                LN = 11

                              A farm                             17

                              A rural area, but not a farm       39

                              A town or village                  42

                              A city                               2

                                                                100












                                                  FIGURE 6

                                               Home Ownership


                                                                Percent
                              Ownership                        (N = 11%

                              Ownhome                            97

                              Rent home                            3

                                                                100













                                                           FIGURE 7

                                               Lakeshore Property Ownership


                                                                           Percent
                                   Proge2qf2qt Ownershqi4qg                      q(N = 116q)

                                   Owns lakeshore property                   35

                                   Does not own l2qakeshore property           65

                                                                           100






                                                           FIGURE 8

                                        County of Employment or Employment Status


                                                                           Percent
                                   Counq!qy or Status                       0qLN = 118)

                                   Leelanau                                  72

                                   Grand Traverse                            q1q1

                                   Retired                                     3

                                   Not employed                                q1

                                   Glen Arbor                                 I

                                   Does not apply                              q1

                                   No response given                         q11

                                                                           100
 





                                                                                           9



                                                  FIGURE 9

                              Responses of Local Officials Concerning Who Should
                            Be Responsible for Enforcement of Development Controls


                                                               Percent
                              Besgonse                        LN = 11M

                              The County                         36

                              The Townships and Villages         50

                              Both the County and the
                              Townships and Villages              9

                              Don't know                          2

                              No preference                       3

                                                                100



                                                 FIGURE 10

                        Responses of Local Officials Concerning Their Choice for Changes
                        in Current Zoning Regulations Designed to Limit Population Growth


                                                                     Percent
                       Besl2onse Option                             LN = 118)

                       Keep the current zoning regulations
                       which would permit the population
                       to increase to 300,000 residents                 8

                       Change the zoning regulations
                       to permit the population to increase
                       to 50,000 to 100,000 residents                 15

                       Change the zoning regulations
                       to permit the population to increase
                       to 25,000 but less than 50,000 residents       41

                       Change the zoning regulations
                       to permit the population to increase
                       between the current population level
                       but less than 25,000 residents                 23

                       No preference                                    4

                       Don'tknow


                                                                      100










                                                                          TABLE 1

                                                 Responses of Local Officials Concerning the Importance of
                                                    Selected Actions Which Leelanau County Could Take


                                                                                               Response


                                                                      Very       Somewhat          Not          Don't
                                                                   Important     Important      Important       Know         TOTAL
                       Selected Action                                 %             %              %             %          % No.


                       Maintain agricultural production
                       In Leelanau County                              71            26              3              0        100 116

                       Stimulate the development of
                       more businesses related to
                       tourism In Leelanau County                      24            38             37              1        100 117

                       Encourage the development of
                       more resorts, such as The
                       Homestead or Sugar Loaf                         13            32             53              2        100 117

                       Plan for the development of more
                       commercially operated harbors
                       for recreational boating                        28            39             33              0        100 117

                       Develop one or two Industrial
                       parks for light industry                        54            35             11              0        100 116

                       Prevent development at the west
                       end of the proposed Traverse City
                       beltline highway (intersection of
                       Gray Road and M-72 In Elmwood Township)         27            26             27             20        100 116

                                                                            (cont.)















                                                                        TABLE I (cont.)

                                                  Responses of Local Officials Concerning the Importance of
                                                     Selected Actions Which Leelanau County Could Take


                                                                                                Response


                                                                      Very        Somewhat         Not           Don't
                                                                    Important     Important     Important       Know          TOTAL
                       Selected Action                                  %             %             %             %           % No.


                       Coordinate planning efforts between
                       County, Township, and Village governments        83            16             1             0         100 117

                       Restrict development of small
                       residential lots to only those
                       areas supplied with sewer and
                       water utility services                           27            29            38             6         100 116

                       Support creation of a "now town" Instead
                       of more suburban development in the
                       southeastern part of Leelanau County              9            21            53            17         100 118



                                                                                                                                          Mir

                                                                              TABLE2
                           Responses of Local Officials Concerning Whether Selected Actions Should be Taken In Leelanau County


                                                                                                    Response


                                                                                     Yes, only if it
                                                                     Yes, even if it does not raise                  Don't
                                                                   raises my taxes     my taxes         No           Know           TOTAL
                        Selected Action                                   %                %            %               %           % No.


                        Encourage the development of
                        affordable single family housing                  17               62           18              3           100 116

                        Encourage the development of                                                                                -
                        affordable apartment buildings,
                        condominiums, or other
                        multi-family housing                              15               55           28              2           100 116

                        Build public recreation facilities,
                        such as swimming pools, recreation
                        centers, or ballfields                            31               32           36              1           100 117

                        Sponsor more recreation and
                        youth programs for children                       44               38           15              3           100 118

                        Encourage the County Road
                        Commission to develop
                        more bicycle paths                                44               29           25              2           100 118

                        Establish more open space
                        areas for the public, such
                        as County parks                                   31               42           25              2           100 117

                        Increase the number of public
                        access points to lakes                            30               35           31              4           100 118

                                                                                (cont.)







                                                                                TABLE 2 (cont.)

                             Responses of Local Officials Concerning whether Selected Actions Should be Taken In Leelanau County


                                                                                                            Response


                                                                                            Yes, only if it
                                                                          Yes, even if it does not raise                      Don't
                                                                         raises my taxes      my taxes          No            Know            TOTAL
                         Selected Action                                        %                 %             %                %           % No.


                         Establish stricter sanitary
                         codes related to sewage
                         disposal, including individual
                         septic tanks                                           44                38            12               6           100 118

                         Take steps to improve the quality
                         of Leelanau County's Inland
                         lake fisheries                                         27                52            14               7           100 118

                         Initiate a policy to promote
                         the preservation of open space                         31                47            14               8           100 118

                         Build a new 'central corridor"
                         highway between Traverse City
                         and Suttons Bay                                        28                24            39               9           100 117

                         Install an effective emergency
                         radio communications system
                         for requesting medical, police,
                         or fire services                                       58                35              6              1           100 118

                         Initiate a County effort
                         to monitor water quality                               37                48              9              6           100 118

                         Operate a County-wide program
                         to collect and recycle materials
                         such as newspaper, glass, and cans                     47                46              6              1           100 118



                                M M M M M M                                                    M M M M M M M 4r
                                                                                     TTALE 3

                             Responses of Local Officials Concerning Satisfaction with Selected Services Provided In Leelanau County


                                                                                                         Response


                                                                                                                                  Does not
                                                                     Very                                            Very       apply/Have
                                                                  Satisfied       Satisfied     Dissatisfied    Dissatisfied      not used         TOTAL
                       Selected Service                               %              %                %                %               %           % No.


                       The availability of housing
                       they can afford                                10             42               25                 8             15          100 118

                       The number of year-round
                       jobs available for County
                       residents                                       3             21               44               28                4         100 117

                       The types of jobs available
                       for County residents                            3             25               43               25                4         100 117
                       The police protection provided                 17             70               10                 3               0         100 118
                       The fire protection provided                   46             47                 3                0               4         100 117

                       The health care services available             24             60               13                 1               2         100 118

                       The recreational opportunities
                       available for people in
                       their household                                33             58                 6                2               1         100 118

                       The quality of the roads
                       in Leelanau County                             20             52               20                 8               0         100 118

                       The capacity of the roads
                       in Leelanau County for
                       handling traffic                               10             47               31               11                1         100 118

                       The enforcement of local
                       zoning ordinances                               7             66               18                 9               0         100 118



















                                                                      TABLE4A

                                  Responses of Local Officials Concerning the Helpfulness of Selected County Officials


                                                                                          Response


                                                                  Very       Somewhat         Not       Have Not
                                                                 Helpful      Helpful       Helpful       Used        TOTAL
                      Selected County Officials                    %             %            %            %          % No.


                      The County Board                             11            33           27           29        100 117

                      County administrative offices,
                      such as the County Clerk,
                      Treasurer, or Register of Deeds              64            29             2            5       100 117

                      County Planning Commission                   38            37             8          17        100 117

                      County Building Inspections
                      Department                                   33            37           10           20        100 117

                      County Road Commission                       39            33           10           18        100 115






                                                                                                                                         Ln



















                                                                      TABLE413

                                  Responses of Local Officials Concerning the Helpfulness of Selected County Officials
                                    (Based on Responses of Local Officials Who Have Experience with These Officials)


                                                                                           Response


                                                                         Very       Somewhat         Not
                                                                        Helpful       Helpful      Helpful      TOTAL
                             Selected County Officials                    %             %            %          % No.


                             The County Board                             16            46           38        100 83

                             County administrative offices,
                             such as the County Clerk,
                             Treasurer, or Register of Deeds              67            31             2       100 ill

                             County Planning Commission                   47            44             9       100 97

                             County Building Inspections
                             Department                                   41            46           13        100 94

                             County Road Commission                       47            40           13        100 95



















                                                                         TABLE5

                                      Responses of Local Officials Concerning How Much of Their Information About
                                         What Happens In Leelanau County They Receive from Selected Sources


                                                                                              Response


                                                                     Very                       Only a
                                                                    Much          Some           Little        None         TOTAL
                      Selected Source                                 %             %             %               %         % No.


                      Traverse City Record Eagle                       20           52            21               7       100 116

                      Leelanau Enterprise                              64           27              6              3       100 118

                      Television                                        9           55            28               8       100 116


                      Radio                                             7           35            36              22       100 117



                                                                                   W



                                                                                 TABLE 6

                                                        Responses of Local Officials Concerning the Extent to
                                                      Which Selected Issues Are Problems In Leelanau County


                                                                                                        Response


                                                                        Yes, a Major Yes, a Minor           No            Don't
                                                                          Problem        Problem         Problem          Know          TOTAL
                         Selected Issue                                      %              %               %               %           % No.


                         Access to emergency medical services                   6           30              58                6         100   118

                         Pollution of ground water                           36             41              13               10         100   118

                         Pollution of surface water                          32             48              11                9         100   117

                         The increasing number of tourists
                         who visit Leelanau County                           31             33              36                0         100   118

                         Traffic congestion                                  30             53              17                0         100   118

                         Lack of affordable recreation
                         opportunities for Leelanau
                         County residents                                       9           40              51                0         100   116

                         The level of property tax                           62             30                 7              1         100   118

                         The development In southeastern
                         Leelanau County                                     26             38              20               16         100   118

                         The rapid rate of population
                         growth In the County                                34             42              21                3         100   118



                                                                                                                                                                co


















                                                                                       TABLE7

                                                    Responses of Local Officials Concerning Their Views About Possible
                                               Consequences If Increased Development Were to Occur In Leelanau County


                                                                                                           Response


                                                                   Strongly                                         Strongly          Don't
                                                                    Favor            Favor          Oppose          Oppose            Know           TOTAL
                       Possible Consequence                            %               %               %                %               %            % No.


                       Much more water or air pollution                 0                .2            39               58              1           100    118

                       A little more water or air pollution             2              14              45               39              0           100    118

                       Much less land for agriculture                   2                9             46               41              2           100    118

                       A little less land for agriculture               6              36              37               15              6           100    117

                       Much more tourism                                5              27              39               26              3           100    117

                       A little more tourism                           12              56              19               12              1           100    118

                       Many more jobs                                  37              41              16                 4             2           100    117

                       A few more jobs                                 33              .52             9                  4             2           100    115

                       Fewer opportunities to view the
                       scenic features of Leelanau County               2                7             39               43              9           100    113

                                         IIIIIIIIN                                     AL







                                                                                                                  20


                             Local officials were asked to indicate if they had any suggestions regarding how

                             the quality of life in, Leelanau County could be improved. Responses to this

                             question are reported below.



                                                             FIGURE 11

                                   Suggestions Given By Local Officials Concerning How the
                                     Quality of Life in Leelanau County Could Be Improved*


                                                                                                    Number of
                                                                                                   Respondents
                                                                                                     LN = 11M

                     Development Issues                                                                  (28)

                     More positive and controlled development                                               3

                     Keep the small town atmosphere by holding down development                             2

                     Support small and clean industry                                                       2

                     Encourage family farm operations                                                       2

                     Stop the M-72 commercial sprawl                                                        2

                     Keep an agricultural community or discourage industry                                  1

                     Hold down the population                                                               1

                     Keep out low cost developers of small houses and condos                                1

                     Develop mufti-family housing to conserve property         -                            1,

                     Develop well-planned bedroom communities near Traverse City                            1

                     Encouraging tourism isn't the answer; this only
                     helps a few businesses or establishments                                               1

                     Control the size of buildings that are within 200
                     feet of lakes and the bay                                                              1

                     Waterfront houses built at least 75 feet back from the shoreline                       I

                     Restrict property divisions to 10 acres per family                                     1
                     Realize that commerce is not the "be all"and end all"                                  1

                     More beautification to entrances to villages and parks                                 1






                                                                                                                    21


                      No commercial food chains or fast food places                                          1

                      Developers have to be more responsible to the community                                1

                      The EDC should make life easier for the businesses that
                      already operate in the County                                                          1

                      Too much concern with farming                                                          1

                      Maintain a balance between agriculture and tourism                                     1

                      There should be public purchase of waterfront and agricultural
                      property to prevent developers and downstate seasonal
                      residents from taking it                                                               1



                      Environmental Issues                                                               (25)

                      Maintain the quality of the environment                                                3

                      Make recycling a priority; have a mandatory recycling program                          3

                      Restrict or regulate septic systems                                                    2

                      Add ordinances to keep roadsides free of litter                                        2

                      Control junkyards and landfills, including allowing only residents to use landfills    2

                      Work to solve pollution problems, including curbing agricultural poisons               2

                      Preserve what exists now                                                               2

                      Reduce pollution of lakes in the County                                                1

                      Umit businesses that have a negative impact of the environment                         1

                      Stop filling the wetlands                                                              I

                      Sewers are needed in each town                                                         1

                      Incineration of waste materials                                                        1

                      There should be sewers around all lakes                                                1

                      Inspect septic systems and wells at the time property is sold                          1

                      Better preservation of necessary agricultural land                                     1

                      Control and. coordinate growth, but within our natural resources                       1






                                                                                                                   22


                     Government Issues                                                                   (25)

                     Improvements in zoning, including stronger zoning controls, better
                     coordination between the County and Townships regarding
                     zoning, and reducing restrictions for businesses                                      10

                     Reduce government control or regulation                                                3

                     Better law enforcement                                                                 2

                     Improvements in government, including improving
                     the helpfulness of County officials                                                    2

                     Better and more effective planning for the future                                      2

                     Improving the effectiveness of the County Board                                        1

                     Centralized planning and zoning at the County level                                    1

                     Control County spending                                                                1

                     Eliminate unnecessary positions in the courthouse                                      1

                     Fewer studies and more common sense on the part of the
                     commission with regard to spending                                                     1

                     Keep a watchful eye on the National Park Service                                       1


                     Highwayliraffic Issues                                                               (8)

                     Improve and repair the roads                                                           4

                     Realize that we have an adequate highway network                                       2

                     Improve signs so tourists know where they are going                                    1

                     Need for a better mass transit system                                                  I


                     Recreation-related issues                                                            (7)

                     Put in more and wider bicycle paths                                                    3

                     Maintain public recreation opportunities                                               I

                     More tourist and public activities                                                     1

                     More public parks along the lakeshore                                                  I

                     Establish a County-owned golf course                                                   1








                                                                                                                      23


                       JobIssues                                                                             (7)

                       Provide more jobs, including more good jobs                                              7


                       Taxissues                                                                             (7)

                       Tax reduction, including lower property taxes and stabilizing taxes                      6

                       Tax boaters and use the money to enforce boating laws                                    1


                       Communi1y Service Issues                                                              (4)

                       Provide services for senior citizens such as building senior citizens centers            1

                       More low income housing is needed                                                        1

                       Improve fire protection                                                                  1

                       Open schools to communities                                                              1


                       Otherlssues                                                                           (12)

                       Betterschooling                                                                          2

                       A radio system                                                                           1

                       Clean up the swimmers' itch in the lakes                                                 1

                       Continue your concern for "backhomem residents                                           1

                       Encourage resort owners to offer County residents reduced rates
                       for using resort services                                                                1

                       Tourists should help support our schools and maintain our roads                          1

                       Restrict nighttime lighting                                                              I

                       Deal with the trespassing problem                                                        1

                       Two high schools are. needed in the County                                               1

                       Identify clearly what we value                                                           1

                       We need more balance in household incomes                                                1

                       No response given                                                                     46


                       *More than one suggestion could be mentioned per respondent.







                                                                                                                   24




                             Local officials were also asked to consider what most threatens the quality of life

                             in Leelanau County. These results are summarized in Figure 12.



                                                              FIGURE 12

                                       Responses of Local Officials Concerning What Most
                                        Threatens the Ouality of Life in Leelanau County*

                                                                                                     Number of
                                                                                                    Respondents
                                                                                                      LN = 118)

                     Environmental Issues                                                                 (46)

                     Pollution, including water pollution                                                  15

                     Problems with sewage, including lack of public sewage systems,
                     lack of septic system control, and improper disposal of wastes                        10

                     Harm to the ecosystem, including shrinking of open spaces
                     and erosion of the natural habitat due to development                                   7

                     Water contamination, including misuse of water
                     and pollution with agricultural chemicals                                               6

                     Need for more recycling or mandatory recycling                                          4

                     Overuse or misuse of land                                                               1

                     Junkyards and other eyesores                                                            1

                     Overuse of landfills                                                                    I

                     Gypsy moth invasion                                                                     I


                     Development Issues                                                                  (26)

                     Overdevblopment, including encouraging industrial development, large
                     scale development, too much resort development, too much tourist
                     development, overbuilding of lakeshores, and
                     overcommercialization                                                                 11

                     Residents who are anti-development                                                      3

                     Congestion in waterfront areas and on lakes                                             2

                     Nonresidents and seasonal residents trying to control development                       2






                                                                                                                      25


                      The development along M-22                                                              2

                      The development of a central corridor highway                                           2

                      Outside developers                                                                      1

                      Lack of an area where a dense level of housing could be developed                       1

                      Lack of industry                                                                        1

                      Development of multi-housing units on small pieces of land                              1


                      Economic Issues                                                                        (24)

                      Job problems, including lack of jobs, low wages, lack of high-paying jobs              11

                      High taxes, including property taxes                                                    9

                      Property inflation                                                                      2

                      Poor or unbalanced economy                                                              1

                      Efforts to increase job opportunities                                                   1


                      Government/Planning Issues                                                            (20)

                      Zoning, including lack of uniform zoning and regulations                                6

                      Lack of planning or centralized planning,
                      inconsistency in planning, and enforcement                                              6

                      The National Park Service or park systems                                               3

                      Governing bodies not joining together to improve the County                             2

                      County spending                                                                         1

                      Government take over of land                                                            1

                      Weak County leadership or politicians                                                   1


                      Population Issues                                                                     (17)
                      Overpopulation, congestion, or growth                                                  17


                      Tourism ISeasonal Resident Issues                                                     (15)

                      The increasing number of tourists and seasonal residents                               10

                      Increased prices during tourist season                                                  2







                                                                                                                    26



                      Encouragement of more tourism                                                           1

                      Negative attitude toward summer people                                                  1

                      The one-day tourists                                                                    I


                      Agricultural Issues                                                                     (3)
                      Decrease in'agricultural production or potential                                        I

                      Lack of agricultural policies                                                           1

                      Depressed agricultural prices                                                           1


                      Otherissues                                                                         (19)

                      Traffic problems, including heavy traffic and safety                                    6

                      Drugs, drinking, or increases in liquor licenses                                        2

                      Lack of patrol cars                                                                     1

                      Poor schools                                                                            1

                      Greed or greedy people                                                                  1

                      Rich people who do not contribute to local emergency services                           1

                      There is nothing for young people to stay for                                           1

                      Human ignorance                                                                         1

                      Downstate people with their ideas                                                       1

                      Trying to make Leelanau County a playground                                             1

                      The emphasis that what is good for business is good for the County                      I

                      Trespassing problems

                      Trying to take care of minority requests

                      No response given                                                                     23



                      *More than one response could be given per respondent.







                                                                                                                   27


                                                11. Results of Comparative Analyses



                              Additional statistical analyses were conducted to determine whether significant

                      statistical differences in responses to the survey exist between local officials and County

                      residents. Responses of local officials and residents were compared for the following

                      questions: importance of selected actions (Question #1), actions that Leelanau County

                      could take (Questions #2 and #3), opinions regarding enforcement of development

                      controls (Question #4) satisfaction with selected aspects of Leelanau County (Question

                      #5), helpfulness of selected County Officials (Question #6), amount of information

                      obtained from selected sources (Question #7), problems in Leelanau County (Question

                      #8), opinions regarding the consequences of increased development in the County

                      (Question #9), and opinions regarding changes in zoning to limit population growth

                      (Question #10). Significant findings from these additional analyses are presented

                      below.



                              Local officials are significantly more likely to feel the following actions are YM or

                              somewhat iml2ortant, while residents are more likely to feel these actions are not

                              important: stimulating the development of more businesses related to tourism,

                              encouraging the development of more resorts, planning for the development of

                              more commercially operated boat harbors, development of one or two industrial

                              parks for light industry, and coordinating planning efforts between County,

                              Township, and Village governments. Local officials are more likely to indicate

                              that preventing development at the west end of the proposed Traverse City

                              beltline highway is somewhat important and residents are more likely to indicate

                              they do not know if this is important. A summary of these differences is shown in

                              Figure 13.







                                                                                                                          28



                                                                  FIGURE 13

                                            Significant Findings Regarding the Importance of
                                              Selected Actions Leelanau County Could Take

                                                                     . Local
                                                                    Officials                       Residents
                                                                   (N    118)                       (N    322)


                                                              Very              Not            Very             Not
                                                           Important       Important        Important       Important
                        Selected Action                        %                %               %               %

                        Stimulate the development
                        of more businesses related
                        to tourism                             24               37              15              52

                        Encourage development
                        of more resorts                        13               54              9               73

                        Plan for development of more
                        commercially operated
                        boat harbors                           27               33              18              45

                        Develop one or two
                        industrial parks for
                        light industry                         54               11              31              36

                        Coordinate planning efforts
                        between County, Township,
                        and Village governments                83               1               71              6





                                Local offigials are significantly more likely than residents to indicate that the

                                following actions should be taken in Leelanau County even if it raises their taxes:

                                encourage the development of affordable apartment buildings, condominiums,

                                or other multi-family housing, increasing the number of public access points to

                                lakes, and building of a new ncentral corridor" highway between Traverse City

                                and Suttons Bay (Figure 14).








                                                                                                                    29



                                                                FIGURE 14

                                           Significant Findings Regarding Whether Selected
                                            Actions Should Be Taken In Leelanau County



                                                                   Local
                                                                 Officials                     Residents
                                                                 (N   118)                     (N    322)


                                                         Yes, with                      Yes, with
                                                          Increase           No         Increase           No
                        Selected Action                      %               %              %              %

                        Encourage development of
                        affordable multi-family
                        housing                              15              29             8              56

                        Increase the number of
                        public access points
                        tolakes                              31              33             17             53

                        Build a new 'central corridorw
                        highway between Traverse City
                        and Suttons Bay                      31              43             15             56





                                Local officials (50%) are significantly more likely than residents (38%) to indicate

                                that the Townships and Villages should be respon        sible for enforcement of

                                development controls in Leelanau County.



                                Regarding satisfaction with selected services provided in Leelanau County, local

                                officials are significantly more likely than residents to indicate they are

                                dissatisfied with the following: the number of year-round jobs available for

                                County residents, the types of jobs available for County residents, the quality of

                                the roads in Leelanau County, and the capacity of the roads in the County for

                                handling traffic (Figure 15).








                                                                                                                      30




                                                                 FIGURE 15

                                            Significant Findings Regarding Satisfaction with
                                            Selected Services Provided in Leelanau County



                                                                    Local
                                                                   Officials                      Residents
                                                                  (N    118)                      (N   322)


                                                          Satisfied       Dissatis.       Satisfied       Dissatis.
                        Selected Service                      %               %               %              %

                        The number of year-round
                        jobs available for
                        County residents                      24              72              31             41

                        The types of jobs available
                        for County residents                  27              69              27             44

                        The quality of the roads
                        in Leelanau County                    72              28              85             15

                        The capacity of the roads
                        to handle traffic                     57              43              76-            24




                               Local officials are significantly  more likely than residents to indicate that the

                               County officials asked about in the questionnaire are yM or somewhat helpful.

                               In contrast, residents are more likely to indicate they have not received

                               information or se rvices from these officials (Figure 16).







                                                                                                                  31



                                                               FIGURE 16

                                       Significant Findings Regarding Helpfulness of Selected
                                        County Officials In Providing Information or Services



                                                                  Local
                                                                Officials                     Residents
                                                                (N   118)                     (N   322)


                                                          Very/                         Very/
                                                       Somewhat           Have        Somewhat          Have
                                                         Helpful       Not Used         Helpful       Not Used
                       Selected Counly Officials            %              %              %              %

                       The County Board                     44             29             29             58

                       County administrative offices,
                       such as the County Clerk,
                       Treasurer or Register of Deeds       93               5            74             23

                       County Planning Commission           75             17             29             59

                       County Building
                       Inspections Department               70             20             51             41

                       County Road Commission               72             18             58             37




                               Regarding sources of information about what happens in Leelanau County,

                               residents (19%) are significantly more likely than local officials (7%) to indicate

                               they do not receive information from the Traverse City Record Eagle. Residents

                               (19%) are also significantly more likely than local officials (9%) to indicate they

                               receive "ve!y much" information from television.



                               Local officials are significantly more likely than residents to indicate that

                               pollution of surface water is a MWor or minor 12roblem in Leelanau County.

                               Residents are more likely than local officials to indicate they do not know if this

                               is a problem as shown in Figure 17.








                                                                                                          32



                                                          FIGURE 17

                                      Significant Findings Regarding Whether Selected
                                           Issues Are Problems in Leelanau County



                                                             Local
                                                           Officials                    Residents
                                                           (N = 118)                   (N = 322)


                                                  Major/Minor       Don't     Major/Minor       Don't
                                                    Problem         Know        Problem         Know
                     Selected Issue                    %             %             %             %


                     Pollution of
                     surface water                     80            9             66            17





                            Local officials are significantly more likely than residents to indicate they

                            strongly favo or favor increased development in *Leelanau County if this

                            development meant the following: a little less land for agriculture, much more

                            tourism, a little more tourism, many more jobs, and a few more jobs (Figure 18).







                                                                                                        33




                                                         FIGURE IS

                                     Significant Findings Regarding Views About Possible
                                Consequences of Increased Development In Leelanau County



                                                            Local
                                                           Officials                  Residents
                                                          (N   118)                   (N   322)


                                                     Favor        Oppose         Favor       Oppose
                      Consgguence                      %             %            %             %

                      A little less land
                      for agriculture                  45            55           29            71

                      Much more tourism                33            67           22            78

                      A little more tourism            68            32           46            54

                      Many more jobs                   79            21           67            33

                      A few more jobs                  87            13           -R            23



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  I                               APPENDIX
                              Survey Questionnaire
  10
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                                                           LEELANAU COUNTY
                                                         SURVEY OF RESIDENTS



          1. How important do you feel it is for the County of Leelanau to do the following: (Please circle one response
              for each item)

                                                                          Very        Somewhat           Not        Don't
                                                                       Important      Important      Important      Know

              a.  Maintain agricultural production
                  in Leelanau County?                                       V1             51            N1          DK


              b.  Stimulate the development of
                  more businesses related to
                  tourism in Leelanau County?                               V1             Sl            NI          DK


              c.  Encourage the development of
                  more resorts, such as The
                  Homestead or Sugar Loaf?                                  V1             Sl            NI          DK


              d.  Plan for the development of
                  more commercially operated
                  harbors for recreational
                  boating?                                                  V1             Sl            NI          DK


              e.  Develop one or two industrial
                  parks for light industry?                                 V1             Sl            NI          DK


              f.  Prevent development at the
                  west end of the proposed
                  Traverse City belfline highway
                  (intersection of Gray Road,
                  and M-72 in Elmwood Township)?                            V1             Sl            NI          DK


              g.  Coordinate planning efforts
                  between County, Township, and
                  Village governments?                                      V1             Sl            NI          DK


              h.  Restrict development of small
                  residential lots to only those
                  areas supplied with sewer
                  and water utility services?                               V1             S1            NI          DK


              i.  Support creation of a new town
                  instead of more suburban
                  development in the southeastern part
                  of Leelanau County?                                       V1             sl            N1          DK






           2. Do you believe the County of Leelanau should do the following with regard to local residents: (Please circle
               one response for each item)


                                                                                                Yes, only if it
                                                                          Yes, even if it       does not raise               Don't
                                                                          raises my taxes          my taxes          No      Know


               a.   Encourage the development of
                    affordable @ family housing?                                YE                    YO             N        DK


               b.   Encourage the development of
                    affordable apartment buildings,
                    condominiums, or other
                    multi-family housing?                                       YE                    YO             N        DK


               c.   Build public recreation
                    facilities, such as swimming
                    pools, recreation centers, or
                    ballfields?                                                 YE                    YO             N        DK


               d.   Sponsor more recreation and
                    youth programs for children?                                YE                    YO             N        DK


               e.   Encourage the County Road
                    Commission to develop more
                    bicycle paths?                                              YE                    YO             N        DK


               f.   Establish more open space
                    areas for the public, such as
                    County parks?                                               YE                    YO             N        DK


               g.   Increase the number of public
                    access points to lakes?                                     YE                    YO             N        DK


               h.   Establish stricter sanitary
                    codes related to sewage
                    disposal, including individual
                    septic tanks?                                               YE                    YO             N        DK


               i.   Take steps to improve the quality
                    of Leelanau County's inland
                    lake fisheries?                                             YE                    YO             N        DK


               j.   Initiate a policy to promote
                    the preservation of open space?                             YE                    YO             N        DK





           3. Do you believe the following actions should be-taken in Leelanau County: (Please circle one response for
               each item)


                                                                                           Yes, only if it
                                                                      Yes, even  if it,   does not raise              Don't
                                                                      raises my taxes        my taxes         No      Know


               a.  Build a new "central corridor"
                   highway between Traverse City
                   and Suttons Bay?                                          YE                  YO            N       DK


               b.  Install an effective emergency
                   radio communications system
                   for requesting medical,
                   police, or fire services?                                 YE                  YO            N       DK


               c.  Initiate a County effort
                   to monitor water quality?                                 YE                  YO            N       DK


               d.  Operate a County-wide program
                   to collect and recycle
                   materials such as newspaper,
                   glass, and cans?                                          YE                  YO            N       DK







           4. Which one of the following do you believe should be responsible for enforcement of development controls
               in Leelin--a-u County? (Check one)


                                                    a.        The Townships and Villages


                                                    b.        The County


                                                    c.        No preference


                                                    d.        Don't know



                                                    e.        Other (Please specify:






         5. How satisfied are you with the following in Leelanau County: (Please circle one response for each item)



                                                                                                                     Does not
                                                           Very                                         Very        apply/Have
                                                        Satisfied    Satisfied    Dissatisfied     Dissatisfied      not used



             a.  The availability of housing
                 you can afford?                            VS            S              D              VD              NA


             b.  The number of year-round
                 jobs available for County
                 residents?                                 VS            S              D              VD              NA



             C.  The types of jobs available
                 for County residents?                      VS            S              D              VD              NA


             d.  The police protection
                 provided?                                  VS            S              D              VD              NA


             e.  The fire protection provided?              VS            S              D              VD              NA


             f.  The health care services
                 available?                                 VS            S              D              VD              NA


             g.  The recreational
                 opportunities available
                 for people in your
                 household?                                 VS            S              D              VD              NA



             h.  The quality of the roads
                 in Leelanau County?                        VS            S              D              VD              NA


             i.  The capacity of the roads
                 in Leelanau County for
                 handling traffic?                          VS            S              D              VD              NA,


             j. The enforcement of local
                 zoning ordinances?                         VS            S              D              VD              NA






         6. How helpful are the following in providing you with information or services: (Please circle one response for
             each item)


                                                                  Very      Somewhat         Not      Have Not
                                                                 Helpful      Helpful      Helpful      Used


             a. The County Board?                                  VIA          SH           NH          NU


             b. County administrative offices,
                such as the County Clerk,
                Treasurer, or Register of Deeds?                   VH           SH           NH          NU


             c. County Planning Commission?                        VH           SH           NH          NU


             d. County Building
                Inspections Department?                            VH           SH           NH-         NU


             e. County Road Commission?                            VH           SH           NH          NU





         7. How much of your information about what happens in Leelanau County do you get from the following
             sources: (Please circle one response for each item)


                                                                      Very              Only a
                                                                    Much      Some       Little    None


             a. Traverse City Record Eagle?                           VM        S          L         N


             b. Leelanau Enterprise?                                  VM        S          L         N


             c. Television?                                           VM        S          L         N


             d. Rad io?                                               VM        S          L         N






          8. Do you feel the following are problems in Leelanau County: (Please circle one respon             se for each item)

                                                                   Yes, a Major      Yes, a Minor         No         Don't
                                                                      Problem          Problem         Problem       Know

               a.  Access to emergency
                   medical services?                                   MAJ                MIN             N           DK
               b.  Pollution of ground water?                          MAJ                MIN             N           DK

               c.  Pollution of surface water?                         MAJ                MIN             N           DK

               d.  The increasing number of
                   tourists who visit
                   Leelanau County?                                    MAJ                MIN             N           DK

               e.  Traffic congestion?                                 MAJ                MIN             N           DK

               f.  Lack of affordable
                   recreation opportunities
                   for Leelanau County
                   residents?                                          MAJ                MIN             N           DK

               g.  The level of property tax?                          MAJ                MIN             N           DK
               h.  The development in
                   southeastern Leelanau
                   County?                                             MAJ                MIN             @N          DK
               i.  The rapid rate of population
                   growth in the County?                               MAJ                MIN             N           DK



          9. How would you feel about increased, development in Leelanau County if this development meant: (Please
               circle one response for each item)                  Strongly                           Strongly       Don't
                                                                    Favor       Favor     Oppose      Oppose         Know

               a.  Much more water
                   or air pollution?                                  SF          F          0            so          DK

               b.  A little more water
                   or air pollution?                                  SF          F          0            so          DK

               c.  Much less land for
                   agriculture?                                       SF          F          0            so          DK

               d.  A little less land
                   for agriculture?                                   SF          F          0            so          DK

               e.  Much more tourism?                                 SF          F          0            so          DK

               f.  A little more tourism?                             -SF         F          0            so          DK

               g.  Many more jobs?                                    SF          F          0            so          DK

               h.  A few more jobs?                                   SF          F          0            so          DK

               i.  Fewer opportunities to view
                   the scenic features of
                   Leelanau County?                                   SF          F          0            so          DK






        10. Current local zoning regulations would permit the population of Leelanau County to increase to 300,000
            residents. The current population is between 15,200 and 18,500 residents. Based on this information, which
            one of the following do you believe Leelanau County should choose: (Check one)


                                          a.         Keep the current zoning regulations which would permit the
                                                     population to increase to 300,000 residents.


                                          b.         Change the zoning regulations to permit the population to
                                                     increase to 50,000 to 100,000 residents.


                                          c.         Change the zoning regulations to permit the population to
                                                     increase to 25,000 but less than 50,000 residents.


                                          d.         Change the zoning regulations to permit the population to
                                                     increase between the current population level but less than
                                                     25,000 residents.


                                          e.         No preference


                                          f.         Don't know


        11. What other suggestions do you have regarding how the quality of life in Leelanau County
           could be improved?











        12. What do you believe most threatens the quality of life in Leelanau County?










         13. How many years have you  been a year-round or seasonal resident of Leelanau County?

                                                            years






          14. Which of the following best describes the area where you currently live in Leelanau County?
              (Check only one)
                                                 a.          On a farm
                                                 b.          Rural area, but not a farm
                                                 c.          A town or village
                                                 d.          A city


          15. Do you currently own or rent your home in Leelanau County?
                                                 a.          Own your home
                                                 b.          Rent your home


          16. Do you own lakeshore property in      Leelanau County?
                                                 a.          Yes
                                                 b.          No


          17. If you are currently employed, in what county do you work?                                                    County


          18. What is your age?                              years


          19. Are you:                           a.          Female
                                                 b.          Male


          20. Please indicate the highes level of education you have completed: (Check one)
                                                 a.          Attended elementary school
                                                 b.          Attended high school
                                                 c.          Graduated from high school or received GED
                                                 d.          Attended a four-year, two-year, or technical college
                                                 e.          Graduated from a four-year, two-year, or technical college
                                                 f.          Attended graduate school or received graduate degree


          21. What was your total household      income in   1989 before taxes? (Check one)
                                                 a.          Less than $10,000
                                                 b.          $10,000 but less than $25,000
                                                 c.          $25,000 but less than $40,000
                                                 d.          $40,000  but less  than $55,000
                                                 e.          $55,000  but less than $70,000
                                                 f.          $70,000  but less  than $90,000
                                                 g.          $90,000 or more


                                                               THANK YOU!
                                                              Please return to:
                                                  Anderson, Niebuhr & Associates, Inc.
                                                          1885 University Avenue
                                                        St. Paul, Minnesota 55104
                                                                1-800-678-5577



                                                                                                                        NOAA COASTAL SERVICES CTR LIBRARY                 I
                                                                                                                        3 6668 14111899 4




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