Hermon survey has few surprises Residents desire a rural character

HERMON – Residents find the town’s tax rate and community safety very attractive, but the roads leave something to be desired.

In a survey that went out to all 5,000-plus Hermon homes and businesses, residents identified the strengths and weaknesses of their bedroom community. Out of the 386 surveys returned, about 65 percent of respondents said that in 10 years they would like the town to be a suburban community with rural character.

Responses to “the items I was tuned into didn’t surprise me – that being growth, the village, things like that,” said Ron Harriman, the town’s business and economic developer. “The survey is an integral part of the comprehensive plan process. The comp plan does provide that blueprint for growth for the next several years and certainly can be tailored to the desires of the residents.”

The town has worked all year to update its comprehensive plan, and hired Eastern Maine Development Corp. to assist in the project. As part of the update, the surveys were distributed to gather opinions about town services, growth, character and resident involvement.

The 386 completed surveys represented 966 individuals. A final summary of the results prepared by EMDC will go in the town’s September newsletter, but the final results were tallied in late August.

“I think I knew already that people didn’t want big box stores and I think they are pretty satisfied with the types of business that have opened up in Hermon in the business parks,” Harriman said. “I do sense some uneasiness about the village and they don’t want to see things go too fast and change too quickly, and that’s what the comp plan is all about. It gives us a chance to stop and catch our breath.”

In the surveys, more than 80 percent of respondents said they would like the town to promote and retain existing businesses, while about 70 percent would like to recruit additional businesses. Respondents, however, did not want to attract heavy industry or large retail businesses and wanted to focus more on small retail and medical or professional services.

Hermon does an excellent job providing town office, fire and rescue services, responders said, but poor road maintenance, winter road maintenance, sewer services and street lighting.

The survey asked residents whether they knew the rescue squad was a private organization and if they would support its merger with the town. Nearly 70 percent indicated they knew it was separate, and about 70 percent said they would support the merger.

The Town Council has given the rescue squad a Nov. 1 deadline to present a 24-hour coverage contract, plan and budget figures. The issue will arise in council meetings and workshops, beginning with tonight’s at the Municipal Building.