Town of West Hartford Housing Assessment Survey

The Town of West Hartford is conducting a community survey to help inform and guide the preparation of an Affordable Housing Plan. This eﬀort seeks to further many of the goals and strategies outlined in the Plan of Conservation and Development, including encouraging a diversity of housing types and costs to provide access and availability of housing options to current and future residents and will help meet the requirements of the Connecticut General Statutes § 8-30j.

This survey will help gather important information on demographics, community housing needs and preferences to guide future opportunities for housing choice and diversity.

The survey should only take five minutes to complete and will be open through April 30th.

Thank you for participating!

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* 1. What comes to mind when you think of affordable housing? (Select all that apply)

Affordable housing is something that is needed for people who can’t quite afford to live in a town like West Hartford but work here

Affordable housing is a way to increase the diversity of our citizenry

Affordable housing brings up negative connotations for me

Affordable housing could allow current residents to stay in West Hartford who may not otherwise be able to

I don’t know a lot about the topic

Other, please specify

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* 2. Does West Hartford need additional affordable housing options?

Yes

Not Sure

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* 3. If the Town were to encourage more affordable housing options, where do you think the best location(s) for those homes would be? (Select all that apply)

In or within walking distance of West Hartford Center

Along bus routes and CTFastrak Routes

Along major streets and thoroughfares

Walkable to shopping areas and services

Walkable to schools and recreation

On particular streets or in particular neighborhoods (Please specify)

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* 4. Do you think increasing housing options in West Hartford would (Select one):

Improve the Town

Negatively impact the Town

Not much affect on the Town

Unsure

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* 5. In West Hartford, for whom do you think housing options are most needed? (Select top 3)

Seniors (65+)

University students

Young professionals

In-Town workers (trades, service sector, retail, etc.)

Teachers, police, fire, other public employees

Persons with disabilities

Young families

Those who can't currently afford homes in West Hartford

Second home/vacation home

I don't believe we need more housing options

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* 6. When you think about the range of housing options available to current or future residents of West Hartford, do you think the Town: (Select all that apply)

Doesn't need any more housing

Needs more large single-family homes

Needs more small single-family homes

Needs more condominiums and/or townhouses

Needs more 3-bedroom rentals

Needs more 2-bedroom rentals

Needs more 1-bedroom and studio rentals

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* 7. In general, do you believe that towns like West Hartford have a responsibility to encourage housing for individuals and families who would very much like to live here, but cannot afford the high cost of housing?

I believe the town has an obligation to create opportunities for others who may not be able to afford to live here

I do not believe that town has an obligation to those who cannot afford to live here

Not sure

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* 8. Do you think that creating more affordable housing options to encourage residents from a wider range of income levels to reside in West Hartford would:

Add to the quality of life in Town (ie. greater diversity of cultural, culinary and other choices)

Detract from the quality of life in Town.

Won't have much impact on quality of life in Town

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* 9. Similarly, do you think that creating more affordable housing options to encourage residents from a wider range of income levels to reside in West Hartford would:

Be beneficial to the Town’s budget (ie. add more revenues than expenses)

Be harmful to the Town’s budget (ie. add more expenses than revenues)

Have no major impact on the Town’s budget

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* 10. Do you believe that adding more multifamily homes, such as rental apartments, condominiums, townhouses and other housing options would:

Increase property values

Keep property values from falling

Lower property values

Have no significant impact on property values

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* 11. Do you believe that adding more multifamily homes, such as rental apartments, condominiums, townhouses and other housing options would:

Enhance commercial activity in Town (i.e. spark new business and shopping options)

Harm commercial activity in Town (i.e. dampen new business and shopping options)

Have no significant impact on commercial activity

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* 12. Do you believe that adding more multifamily homes, such as rental apartments, condominiums, townhouses and other housing options would:

Increase crime in Town

Reduce crime in Town

Have no significant impact on crime in Town

Unsure

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* 13. Do you believe that adding more multifamily homes, such as rental apartments, condominiums, townhouses and other housing options would:

Increase traffic in Town

Reduce traffic in Town

Have no significant impact on traffic in Town

Unsure

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* 14. Do you know of individuals or families who would like to live in West Hartford but cannot find an affordable housing option?

Yes

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* 15. Do you know of individuals or families who have moved out of West Hartford because the housing options available were unaffordable?

Yes

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* 16. Are you satisfied with your current living arrangements?

Yes

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* 17. If not, please tell us why (Select all that apply)

Too expensive

Too far from transit

Too far from work

Too far from family/friends

Too far from schools

Too far from health care facilities or other services

Too far from shopping areas

Living arrangement is inaccessible

Too small or too few bedrooms

Crime in the area

Dislike the neighborhood

Landlord does not accept Section 8

Not enough outdoor space

Other (please specify)

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* 18. What is your age?

Under 18

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65+

Prefer not to answer

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* 19. How would you describe yourself? (Select all that apply)

White or Caucasian

Black or African American

Hispanic

Latino

Asian or Asian American

American Indian or Alaska Native

Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander

Prefer not to answer

Other (please specify)

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* 20. Do you...? (Select all that apply)

Live in West Hartford

Work in West Hartford

Own a business or commercial property in West Hartford

I don’t live here, but I go to school here or have children that go to school here

None of the above

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* 21. Do you currently rent or own your residence?

Own

Rent

Living with others but not paying rent or mortgage

Living with others and assisting with paying rent or mortgage

Prefer not to answer

Other (please specify)

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* 22. If you would like to stay informed about the next steps regarding the Town’s efforts in creating an Affordable Housing Plan, please share your email.