BY LUCIE KRISMAN
Maintaining roads and infrastructure, expanding youth programs, downtown improvements, farm and agriculture protection, and stormwater and flooding issues should be top priorities for Eudora, according to the results of a recent community survey.
Earlier this year, the city of Eudora asked for input as city officials continue to gather data to form its next comprehensive plan, which will serve as a guide for city priorities over the next 20 years.
The survey yielded 942 responses, nearly 90% of which came from Eudora residents. Others came from Eudora Township and surrounding cities.
Among the top concerns for respondents for challenges facing Eudora are managing growth and development and providing what people want while keeping costs manageable.
Respondents also indicated they would like to see more development in entertainment/restaurants, public outdoor recreation and single-family homes. Natural resource areas, retail, senior services and medical services were also top responses.
In the open-ended responses, many respondents voiced a need for more sidewalks, crosswalks and pedestrian connections, like a bridge across K-10 and to schools.
Comments also indicated a need for funding public safety, and loan and grant programs for small businesses.
Assistant City Manager Leslie Herring said these responses help influence future goals for the comprehensive plan and reinforce previously voiced concerns, such as providing things residents want and diversifying the tax base.
"I think that's something that's on everybody's minds," Herring said about keeping costs manageable. "I think that's spot on, and people are picking up on that. Growth and development is what helps offset some of those costs. Those things do go hand in hand. One happens because of the other. That's why projects like Nottingham are important to the community. We have to be able to try to attract and create an environment that is attractive for those businesses to come into our market."
Eudora's School District was the primary answer given for why respondents live in Eudora, followed by family ties to Eudora, having been born or originally from Eudora, and the city's affordable housing.
Nearly 23% of the survey respondents indicated they work in Eudora, while 25% work in Douglas County, nearly 35% of respondents work outside of Douglas County and 18% do not work.
The comprehensive plan is in its third phase, the public engagement phase, which included the online survey.
Herring said there will likely be another town hall, but plans for future public meetings are up in the air due to COVID-19.
Phase 4 will include drafting the comprehensive plan document, and the final phase will include presenting the plan to the Planning Commission and City Commission for final and formal adoption.
"The way that things seem to be lining out, I think we're probably looking at late summer for final and formal adoption," Herring said.
Reach reporter Lucie Krisman at eudoratimes@gmail.com.
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