Aztalan residents say they like township's affordable housing
Source: Watertown Daily Times, by Rachel Primmer
March 17, 2008
AZTALAN - People say they like living in Aztalan because they can be near friends and family, and they like the agricultural environment of the township, as well as its affordable housing.
More than 600 surveys were mailed out to the residents of the town of Aztalan in January as a part of the Town Comprehensive Plan. Of those mailed, 103 were returned completed, resulting in a 29 percent rate of return.
More than 60 percent of those responding have lived in Aztalan for more than 15 years. More than 75 percent of them do not have children under the age of 18 living at home. The survey consisted of 20 questions and was divided into three parts, opinions on existing conditions, growth and development issues and demographics.
The surveys were tabulated and summarized by Vandewalle and Associates. The town of Aztalan Plan Commission members met and discussed the results of the survey with Vandewalle representative Mark Roffer at their March meeting.
Challenges facing the town, facilities, services and overall appearance of the town were addressed. Top reasons for living in Aztalan included being near family or friends, farming opportunities, accessibility to workplace and attainable housing. Items seen as challenges facing the town included an increase in crime, an increase in taxes, lack of opportunities for youths and unattractive property conditions.
Services and facilities such as ambulance services, drinking water quality, fire protection and park and recreational facilities were consistently rated good. Ratings options were “excellent, fair and poor.”
The appearance of areas of the town were consistently rated as good. The areas rated included rural and open areas, residential and subdivisions, lands and buildings along Highway 26, the Aztalan “hamlet” near the intersection of county highways B and Q, and areas along rivers.
The population of Aztalan has held fairly steady at just under 1,500 residents for the past 20 years. Nearly 81 percent of those responding to the survey said they felt the stable population does not pose a problem or is not of concern.
Looking ahead 20 years, nearly 81 percent of the respondents revealed they feel the town should still be mostly agricultural with open lands, or a mix of agriculture, open lands and housing. The importance of maintaining and retaining prime agricultural land was evident, as was the importance of preserving farming as a significant part of the town's future.
Just over half of the responses indicated about the right amount of planning, along with policies and ordinances directing development, are in place at this time. Approximately 20 percent thought there was too much planning, while just over 28 percent thought there was too little.
Most respondents felt housing developments should be limited to areas that already have development, on non-prime agricultural land, or close to nearby cities and villages. The Highway 26 corridor was chosen as the most convenient place for additional business development to take place.
The town's natural and historic resources, the Crawfish River, the Rock River, the Glacial Drumlin Trail, Aztalan State Park and wetland areas were all viewed as important aspects of the town.
Respondents were concerned with annexation from nearby cities and villages. It was expressed that the town should work to gain more control of land-use decisions.
Additional comments revealed respondents would like to see stronger, more cohesive and more proactive leadership to lead Aztalan into the future.
Several residents indicated they felt stronger leadership is vital to preventing annexation, promoting better budgeting and encouraging better planning.
There is a strong view that planning is very important and is needed to guide business and residential development while preserving the rural character of Aztalan.
The town of Aztalan Plan Commission will meet with Vandewalle and Associates in May to discuss the future land use map.
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