When City is looking for more feedback, the early survey data is highlighted

Milan City's master plan survey is still open – but not long. The residents have until May 31, before the results are presented to the Council. After this time, the city administrator Jim Lancaster said that the municipality would have additional opportunities to provide regular public comments in the periods, which could lead to top surveys or public hearings.

So far, the results of those who answered before the working session in January show trends.

For example, about half of the comment area asked what they wanted to change most in the city in the city, for more restaurants, especially for seating facilities.

When asked what people love about Milan, place, community character and events, everyone is high and have simple access to basic needs and high -quality schools.

If people could change in Milan, they say that they want to invest more in the infrastructure, more shopping and more leisure opportunities. Other improvement categories that received at least 20% of the votes: affordable living space and improved city services.

“Please do not charge any taxes,” added some residents. However, the data showed that around 70 percent of the residents were willing to support Millages for streets, public security or relaxation.

In addition to the ranking, the residents wrote extensive comments to give the city further instructions. However, some of the comments conflicts together and some came against general trends.

Feedback showed concerns about the housing options and the maintenance of a small town feeling and the community, accessibility, transport, internet access and technology.

“The American middle class thrives in Milan,” wrote a resident and added, “with the dangers of inflation and increasing prices that the middle class faces.” Someone else wrote: “We have to have a good mix of living for all income levels. I am most concerned about seniors who have only a few options that are affordable and available.”

There were many comments that showed concerns about the cost of living. Some demanded lower taxes or reduced taxes for seniors. “Taxes become too high without showing services,” complained a questioned. Some demanded a focus on the disabled.

One person wrote: “I choose the infrastructure twice. Please.” The respondents also requested city services such as soft water and longer collection phase for leaves and garden waste.

Others asked for more leisure activities and things for adults, teenagers and children – for bike paths, a BMX or a skate park, a pool with a flat end for children that delivers lessons, interactive activities such as a art studio, ceramic lessons, paint & sip and a larger library.

Others said the city cannot do everything and some things should be left to larger communities. “I think our community doesn't have to appreciate all the shiny and expensive things. We appreciate community, relationships and maintenance of arable land,” said an answer.

More than half of those who answered in the first phase of the survey is between 35 and 54 years old. The answers are well balanced between newer move into and those who have been living in Milan for decades. More than 80 percent of the respondents come from Milan City, but there were also respondents from the communities of Milan and York and other surroundings. About 22 percent are parents of a student in the Milan Area school district.

Mayor Kolar said that the instructions from survey answers will lead how the city uses all remaining money after payment of the regular city costs. The city said the survey will not take more than 20 minutes.

The complete early results of the survey are at the end of the January Council package.