Norfolk Housing Plan Survey
The Norfolk Housing Plan Steering Committee has started work on a town Housing Plan which will consider ways to address the housing needs of current and future residents and workers in our town. To remain a vibrant community, Norfolk needs more housing options that are affordable for young adults, families and seniors.
This Housing Plan is an opportunity to address housing needs while also preserving the town’s rural environment.
Your input is crucial to make the most of this opportunity
. You will also be invited to participate in town forums as part of this planning process. Please note: Individual survey
responses will be ANONYMOUS
; only group summary results will be reported.
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Norfolk Housing Plan Steering Committee:
Thomas Fahsbender (Planning & Zoning Commission), Kate Briggs Johnson (Foundation for Norfolk Living),
Thomas McGowan, and Matt Riiska (Board of Selectmen)
1.
Please select the option that best represents your current housing situation in Norfolk:
Own a single family home
Own a unit within a multiple unit building (townhouse or condominium)
Renting a single family home
Renting in a building with multiple units
Renting an apartment in or on the property of a single family home (over the garage/ backyard, or attached to the home)
Other (please specify)
2.
Are any of the following statements TRUE about your housing situation (check all that apply):
Rent is too expensive (costs more than 30% of your household income)
Rental situation feels unstable (e.g., worried that owner may sell)
Mortgage, taxes, and insurance are too expensive (costs more than 30% of your household income)
Heat and/or electricity is too expensive
Maintenance costs are too high; leading to deferred maintenance issues
House/apartment is bigger than what I/we need
House/apartment is smaller than what I/we need
House/apartment is not as accessible as I would like it to be (1st floor bedroom/bathroom, zero-step entrance)
My home is in foreclosure or in danger of foreclosure
None of the above are true for my household.
3.
If you are currently renting, why have you chosen to do so? (choose all that apply)
N/A
Want flexibility to be able to move when I want
Only planning to be here short-term
Don’t want the responsibilities of home ownership
I can’t afford to buy/own/maintain the type of home I want in Norfolk
The type of home I am looking for is not available in Norfolk
Other (please specify)
4.
If you own a home, would you be interested in converting existing space in your house or building another housing unit on your property (for example over a garage or in the backyard) that you could rent? (these are often referred to as "accessory apartments")
Yes
No
Not sure
N/A
Yes, I would be interested but I have some concerns
My concerns about creating an accessory apartment would be (please specify)
5.
If you already have another housing unit on your property or in your home that you rent, which of the following are true:
I mainly rent it for shorter term stays during the summer months (through Airbnb, VRBO, or other short term rental platforms)
I mainly rent it for long term tenants (a year or more)
I mainly rent it during the school year (9 months)
Only used for family or guests
N/A
6.
Would you be interested in subdividing your land to create a smaller sized parcel that could be used to create an affordable home for a first-time homebuyer?
Yes
No
Not sure, would need more information
N/A
7.
Have you experienced barriers to finding the type of housing you would like to have in Norfolk?
Yes
No
8.
IF YES, what barriers have you experienced (check all that apply)?
Limited/no supply of 1-2 bedroom housing options
Limited/no supply of "senior" housing options- low maintenance + accessible with first floor bedroom
Limited/no supply of rental options I can afford (no more than 30% of household income)
Limited/no supply of homes to purchase in my price range
Not applicable
9.
In thinking about your housing needs 5-10 years from now, which of the following best describes your plans?
Remain in current residence
Move from current residence to a larger house
Move from current residence to a smaller house
Move from current residence to a large apartment
Move from current residence to a small apartment
Move from current residence to senior housing
Other (please specify)
10.
5-10 years from now, how likely are you to move from where you reside now?
Not planning to move in the next 5-10 years
Unsure
Thinking about moving to another location in Norfolk
Thinking about moving to another town in Connecticut
Thinking about moving to another State besides Connecticut
11.
What do you think the Town of Norfolk needs more of? (Check all that apply)
Housing options that allow older adults to "downsize" (smaller sized homes with lower maintenance needs and accessibility features)
Rental housing options that seniors can afford.
Rental housing options that young families and young adults can afford.
Programs that allow older adults to remain in their homes by helping with the costs of rehabilitation and/or accessibility modifications like ramps and accessible bathrooms.
First time homebuyer options that allow renters to purchase their first home.
Other (please specify)
12.
Do you think the cost or availability of housing in Norfolk affects the town's ability to attract/retain younger adults or young families?
Yes
No
Not sure
13.
Do you think the cost or availability of housing in Norfolk affects the town's ability to recruit fire/ambulance volunteers and other municipal volunteers?
Yes
No
Not sure
14.
Do you think the cost or availability of housing in Norfolk affects the town's ability to keep seniors (65 yrs and older) in town?
Yes
No
Not sure
15.
Do you think the cost or availability of housing in Norfolk affects the ability of people who work in town to live here?
Yes
No
Not sure
16.
How long have you lived in Norfolk?
5 years or less
6-10 years
11- 20 years
More than 20 years
17.
How old are you?
under 20
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70-79
80 or older
18.
Please select the option that best describes your current employment status: (check all that apply)
Employed by a Norfolk-based employer
Employed by an employer located outside of Norfolk
Self employed
Retired
Unemployed
Work from home
19.
If you have any other comments or feedback for the Committee related to housing issues, please include them here.
20.
If you would like to receive a direct email inviting you to the public forums that will be held about the Norfolk Housing Plan, please include your email address here. Notice of these meetings will also be posted on the town's website.
Current Progress,
0 of 20 answered