THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 30, 1995 TAG: 9511300383
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY ANNE SAITA, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CURRITUCK LENGTH: Medium: 52 lines
In an effort to better evaluate public opinion on issues facing Currituck County, 800 people who live here or own property in the county will receive a survey in the mail this week.
The results, combined with comments from recent public meetings, will be used to update a document that will direct development during the next decade.
``It is extremely important for anyone who receives that survey to return it,'' Jack Simoneau, the county's director of planning and inspections, said Wednesday.
``We desperately need their input,'' he said. ``I know it's the holiday season, and people have a lot of things going on in their lives, but the input we receive from this survey - and from the meetings we held - are going to be the basis for the land-use plan that guides growth for the next 10 years.''
More than 100 people turned out at seven public gatherings in various parts of the county this fall.
``Surprisingly, the smallest area - Gibbs Woods - had the highest attendance,'' Simoneau said of the 30 participants.
The Griggs Elementary School meeting drew the fewest, with six people; however, stormy weather and Halloween may have been factors, he said.
``Just about every meeting we had, people talked about growth and keeping growth under control,'' Simoneau said.
Other issues of importance:
County water. Residents wanted an assurance that future water supplies would remain adequate.
Commercial development. People wanted more shopping areas to purchase goods locally and more industries closer to home.
Recreation. More is needed on the mainland, citizens said. Public boating access was another big topic.
The survey is being done for about $5,000 by East Carolina University Regional Development Services of Greenville. Simoneau said a state grant will pay for most or all of the costs.
The survey of 800 households will be drawn from the county's tax records.
``You have to do a random sample survey to be able to say the responses you receive are within X percent of what you could expect for the entire county,'' he said.
The surveys should be returned in postage-paid envelopes to the county planning office within several weeks, Simoneau said. by CNB