HomeMy WebLinkAboutAs we See It...A Report on a survey from Jan 1958•Jh I1/:■UAi{.
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ITHACA COMMUNITY MEMBERS SPEAK:
--To Their Opvernment Officials
--To Their Planners
--To Their Organization Leaders
--To Interested Citizens
THEOUOH THE ITHACA COMMUNITY SURVEI
A REPORT ON THE SURVEY
January 26^1958
\
Wl’m;58:2319-1
THE STORY OF THE SURVEY
The Itliaca Community Survey had its beginning in ffey of 1957 when
three community leaders suggested that such a Survey be conducted and
inquired if Dr.Reeder and his class would consider doing it as they had
in other cOTimunities.The answer was "Yes"if the community was interested.
In the fall,a small reconnaissance study was done to determine what
Items should be included.In Novermbr,following the United Fund Drive,a group of approximately I5 interested community leaders from the PlanningBoards,the Civic Associations,Chamber of Commerce,United Fund,and other
organizations met and decided that such a Survey should be carjpied out
soon as possible.The city and regional Planning Boards agreed to paythecostsastheprojectispartofplanningresearch.
Schedules were left for adults over I8 at every eighth house in the
Question forms were dropped into
Question forms were also completed byeniorsintheIthacaHighSchoolintheirSocialScienceclasses.
The field work was completed in mid-December by the class in Effective
Community Living and the class in Community Organization,helped in analyzing the open end questions,
punched on I.B.M.cards and tabulated on the I.B.M.machine.
as
city and town and two pick-ups were made,
a box to maintain anonymity,
all O
The class also
The objective questions were
The sample on the objective questions Is composed of:
326 adults from the city
253 adults from the tov/n
116 college students
282 high school seniors
977 TOTAL
A few others filled open-end questions but did not rate the items on
adequacy.
Of those who answered:
47^5 are males
53fj are females
The attempt is made in this report to present the facts as objectivelyaspossible.We recognize that a complete report needs recommendationsbutitisthebeliefofthewriterthatsuchrecommendationsshouldcomefromccomunityleadersandfrom-the Platmlng Boards.
V/Vm:58:2319“2
TABLE OF COl'ITEM’S
Tile Story of the Survey
How Ithacans Feel About Ithaca
Uhat Folks Like Most ''bout Ithaca
What Folks Dislike Most About Ithaca
Ithacans Main Problems and Needs
Services and Opportunities Rated Most InadequateTilingsonI'/hich Community Members Feel Least Informed
1
3
4
5
6
8
10
A Closer Look at Selected y^reas of Community Life
Community Interest and Planning-
Help and Guidance
Recreation
Tiansportation and Cccimunication
Making a Living
Housing and Home Services
Protection
Education
Government
Retail Shopping
Leadership
Community Hospitality
Feelings and Relationships
Beavitification
Religion
Health
Civic and Social Organizations
11
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
Who Shall Advise?37
W^./R:58:2319-3
HW ITBACim FEEL ABOUT ITHACA
This survey has one central purpose;to locate the main problems
and needs of the Ithaca Conmiunity as seen by community members.This
information is basic to sound planning...s a result we are dealing with
only one aide of the picture.This does not mean that there is not an even
longer list of very adequate items in the conmiunity.Nor does such a list
mean that Ithacans do not like their community.The fact is they like their,
community very much and they think it compares very favorably with other
communities.
Community members were asked to express their feelings about Ithaca
and to compare it with other communities in which they had lived.The
questions and the answers follow:
Hcrt-7 would you rate Ithaca and the near-by surrounding area as a place
in which to live?
excellent
5^^good
19^fair
2^3 poor
How does Ithaca compare with other places in which you have lived*^
Those who have lived in other places rate Ithaca as:
27'y^one of the best
27^above average
about average
13^below average
one of the worst
Thus,over half of those who had lived in other places rate Ithaca
above average or one of the best places in which they had lived and 8^1-^
rate it average or better.
Community members were then asked v/hat they ’'liked most"and "disliked
most"about Ithaca.The answers are presented on the pages which follow/.
WR:58;2319-^
THINGS MOST LIICED ABOUT ITHACA
What Community Members Say They Like Most 'bout the Ithaca Ccmmunity
Item Times Mentioned
2891.Scenery
1242,Cornell University
3.Cultural activities 99
4.Size 90
885.Educational advantages
6.Parks 87
7.People (nice,friendly)
8.Recreational facilities
81
66
439.Location
4310.Lake
11.Shopping area (stores)39
3412.College atmosphere
13.Climate 30
l4.Rural atmos^ere
15.University facilities
16.City (clean,neat,nice)
29
23
21
17.Local sports 21
18.Ithaca’s schools 21
1819.Physical assets
20.Theaters
Others:
Ithaca College,13;Churches8;Theater,groups,7;Hills,
and specialists,5;High standard of living,5;Lack of big industry,4;Homes,4,Commuting distance,4;Doctors,3;Working conditions,3,Medical facilities,3;Cayuga Heights,3;YMCA,3;Progressiveness,3;Educational potential,2;Goodbusiness,2;Bars,2;Racial situation,2;Hunting and fishing,2;Women (coeds),2;Peaceful and quiet,2;Transportation,2;Parking,2;Government,2;Streets,2;Airport,2;Athletic opportunities,2;Civic organizations,2.
16
,13.Class of people,9,Employment,9;Entertainment,7;Community spirit,6;Restaurants,6;Personnel
VA/R:58:2319-5
THINGS MOST DISLIKED ABOUT ITHACA
Vfhat Community Members Say They Dislike Most About the Ithaca Community
Times MentionedItem
1371.Poor shopping facilities
1252.High cost of living
1173.Poor parking facilities
83k.Lack of recreational facilities
735.Traffic situation
666,Lack of public transportation
667.V/eather
468.Poor city government
319.Unfriendly people
2810,Poor roads and highways
2511.Poor schools
2312.Hills
2213.Cornell and Ithaca College students
l4.Juvenile delinquency 21
2115.Town and Gown relationships
16.Isolation and location 18
1717.Police force
1618.High taxes
1519.Scenery
1320,Too much tax-exempt property
Others:
Run-down parts of city,12;Poor civic responsibility of people,11;Not enough
industry,9i Smallness of the town,9;Lack of good movies and entertainment,8;
Poor housing conditions,8,Social distinctions,8;Housing shortage,7;Schooling,6;
Colleges,6,Southwest section,6;Provincialism,6j Restaurants,5i Poor garbage
collection,5«
\7WR:56:2319-6
ITHACA’S MOST IMPORTAIfT NEEDS
The question,was asked:
V/hat are the five or six most important things which you think Ithaca
needs or lacks?
Here are the answers with the number of times each was mentioned.
Number of times mentioned
2801.More and better parking facilities
2.Youth center 157
1^33.Better shopping facilities
h.Better highways,roads,and streets
5.Bigger and better schools
6.Better high school
127
122
112
1037.Better transportation
8.Recreation center and better recreation facilities 102
929.Larger and better qualified police force
10,More industry 75
6611,New and better library
6012,Improved bus transportation
hi13.More and better medium priced housing
41+14.A new YMCA and Y\’CA
4l15.Swimming pool
16.Another good department store
17*Better hospital (buildings,staff,rules)
18.Lower prices
4l
34
33
3219»Better city government
2820.Better water and sewage system
VA^^R:58:2319-7
ITHACA’S MOST IMPORT^^ilT HEEDS
(cont’d)
Number of times mentioned
21.Better juvenile delinquency control 23
22.Night clubs 23
23.Better bus terminal 21
24.La-/er taxes 20
25.More and better restaurants 20
26.Improved street lighting 19
27.City beautification 19
28.18Bettermoviesandtheaters
i629.Community center
30.Urban renewal 15
l431.Civic center
32.More competition in business 13
33.Better sno\-7 removal 12
3^-More lo^'j rental housing 12
35.Flood control 12
36.Better radio coverage (programs,hours,reception)12
37.More and better teachers 12
38.A good city manager 12
40.More cooperation between city,parents,and teenagers 12
WV/R:58:2319 -u
SERVICES AI!D OPPCRTUl'IITIES RATED MOST INADEQUATE
BY ITHACA COMimi'TITY MEMBERS
In the main part of the Survey,community members expressed their
opinions on the adequacy of I50 items,checking them as either Very Adequate,
Fairly Adequate,Inadequate,or Don't Know.Actually,there are tvo parts
to this question:Don't Know or Do Kncrt/:and for those who feel they do
know enough to express an opinion have the choice of rating the service
as Very Adequate,Fairly Adequate,or Inadequate.
These are the items which received the largest percentage of Inadequate
ratings.They are listed in rank order with the percentage of respondents
checking Inadequate.
Each item receiving a substantial percentage of Inadequate responses
should be looked at carefully and critically to see it it constitutes a
problem which requires further study and action.
1.Homes and apartments for low income families 81^
2.Employment opportunities for persons 65 and over
3.Prevention of juvenile delinquency
4,Parking facilities in the business district
73^
72^
lOf,5.Public rest rooms
6.Care of juvenile delinquents 68^
65^7.Employment opportunities for handicapped workers
8.Planning for clearance and improvement of sub-standard housing
9.Reasonableness of home building costs
65^
ekio
10.Reasonableness of rentals 61^
11.Secondary school buildings and facilities 60^
12.Planning for v/ise business and industrial expansion
13.Homes and apartments for middle income families
l4,Reasonableness of plumbing and electrical services and costs
15*Progressiveness of governmental agencies
16.Recreation opportunities for coxiples who are dating
55lo
505t
™:58:2319“y
4^Employment opportunities for persons under 18 years of age17.
18.Recreation for young adults
hrf,Reasonableness of retail prices compared to other cities19.
46^20.Flood control
46^Employment opportunities for unskilled workers21.
kji,Planning for flow and routing of traffic22.
Recreation for children in area in which you live23.
43fo24.Prevention of adult delinquency
42^Help for people who need advice and guidance in problem-solving25.
41^26.Care of adult delinquents
4lfo
hli
Planning for housing and residential facilities27.
Bus and trains (in and out of city)28.
40^29.Tax system and equalization
40foCitizeninterestandactivityincommunityimprovement30.
1%Qualified leaders willing to lead youth groups31.
3S^32.Feeling between students and townspeople
3^Variety of choice of retail products
Employment opportunities for persons 40-64
33.
S'*.
385^Traffic control35.
36.Fire protection outside the city
37.Indoor recreation facilities
38^38.Adequate meeting places
39.Job done by the Planning Boards
40.Feelings between the University and the community
4l.Coordination and cooperation between governmental agencies
36^42.Coordination of organizations and citizens activities
36^43.Appearance of city entrances
44.Elementary school buildings and equipment
WR:56:2319-10
THINGS ON miCE COMMUl'flTT MEMBERS FEEL LEAST IKFCBMED
One problem which besets any community,especially a large one,is
lack of information about important questions.The ’’don't know"
answers from the question form give some indication of the topics on
which community members feel least informed.
The topics receiving the highest percentage of ’’don't know'answers
are given for adults in the city and in the town.
Adults
Inin
City Toxm
641.Jail and detention facilities 52
2.Employment opportunities for the handicapped
3.Fincnaial aid for unemployed and needy
4.Care of adult delinquents
49 57
44 5^
^5 50
5.Financial aid to needy who are unemployable
6.Empooyment opportunities for persons over 65
40 5^^
37 55
7.Mental health facilities 43 48
8.High school P.T.A.43 48
9.Prevention of adult delinquency 40 50
10.Nursing home facilities 4939
11.Fire inspection in city
12.Guidance for those who need help in problem-solving
13.Employment opportunities for the unskilled
3^50
4638
^535
14.Flood control 36 45
15.Care for aged persons
16.Employment agency services
17.Fire regulation in city
18.Health education
4832
4830
4730
4531
19.Care of juvenile delinquents
20.Fire protection outside city limits
1^530
48 20
v™:58;2319-11
A CLOSER LOOK AT SELECTED AREAS OF CaMUEITY LIFE
The Survey was organized by areas,each one consisting of two parts.(1)an evaluation of the adeqioacy for each of the items which had been
selected for inclusion in the Survey and(2)an open-ended question Inviting the respondent to write in specific
problems or needs relating to that area.
Most respondents answered the first part but only those who felt
they had something they wanted to .say wrote in comments.
It takes more interest and motivation to write comments than to
check numbers and the things which are written in are more likely to be
things about which the respondent feels keenly.
The evaluation is presented throughout in percentages and the open-
end comments by the number of mentions.
v™:58:2319-12
CCMIUXJITY INIEEREST AND PLANNING
Nine Conanunity Interest and Planning items were listed as Inadequate by2%or more of those who answered the questions.The data clearly indicate
that in the opinion of community members,present Community Interest and
Planning activities are not adequate.Planning for improvement of sub-standard
housing,wise business and industrial expansion,traffic flow and routing,
housing and residential facilities,citizen interest in community improvement
and lack of coordination of organizations and citizen activities head the
list of those felt to be most lacking.
COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT
AND PLAI'TNING ACTIVITIES
Fairly
Adequate
Very
Adequate Inadequate
1.Planning for clearance and improvement
of slums and sub-standard housing areas 4 6531
2.Planning for wise business and
industrial expansion 367 57
3.Planning traffic flow and routing
Planning for housing and residential facilities
5.Citizen interest and activity in community
improvement
6.Coordination of organization and citizen
activities
48 439
4l527
40951
36955
7.Planning for recreational programs and
facilities 5612 32
8.City and regional planning activities
9.Willingness of community members to
support and work for worthwhile causes
8 61 31
20 53 27
Others:
Housing codes and building regulations:12,64,24.Zoning provisions;11,66,23.
Cooperation among organizations:I3,64,23.
Planning for educational programs and facilities:I9,61,20.Planning for health programs and facilities:16,70,14.
Planning for civil defense programs and facilities:25,61,l4.
United Fund services and activities:29,62,9,
WWR:56:2319’13
COMMUNITY INTEREST PM)PUNNING
The additional comments on Planning emphasized urban renewal,highways
and traffic,more vision and action,housing codes and zoning.
Number of times mentionedItem
1.Plan clearnace and improvement of sub-standard
hausing area 58
2.More planning of highway traffic flov;and routing 30
293.Plan for more industrial expansion
4.Too much time between plans and action--get planners with
vision,who can get things done,and who will work on the
big problems 22
5.Plan for uniform housing codes and more adequate zoning
6.Planning is behind in all fields
17
17
7.Need more cooperation between Planning Boards and
governmental agencies Ik
8.Need planning for more low and middle income housing 12
9.Need planning to attract new business 12
10.Need more planning for recreation needs,programs,'
facilities,and meeting places 11
11.Need more citizen interest in planning 9
12.Need planning to solve parking problems 9
13.Too much planning,too many experts--keep taxes down 9
l4.Plan in advance for water and sewer needs 7
15.Need long-range planning for greater Ithaca community
16.More advanced planning for schools
7
5
17.Plan for better museum and preservation of old structures 2
V/WR:58:2319-1^
HELP AHD GUIDANCE
Help and Guidance Services rank second with eight items listed as In
adequate by one-fourth or more of the respondents.Prevention of juvenile and
adult delinquency,care of juvenile and adult delinquents,and help for
people in need of advice and guidance in solving their problems are rated
most Inadequate.
Fairly
dequate
SERVICES FOR THOSE \m0 PARTICULARLY
IN NEED OF HELP AND GUIDAiJCE
Very
Adequate Inadequate
24 7331.Prevention of juvenile delinquency
686262.Care of juvenile delinquents
^3503.Prevention of adult delinquency 7
4,Help for people who need advice and
guidance in solving their problems 42499
41505.Care for adiilt delinquents
6.Financial aid to care for employable persons
vho are out of work and are in need
9
56 3^10
7.Financial aid to care for needs of
unemployable persons who are in need
8.Care for aged persons
12 55 33
16 56 28
W\fR:58:2319-15
HELP PM)GUIDANCE
Prevention of delinquency throiigh better youth guidance and a well
qualified staff head the list of comments on Help and Guidance.
1.Better youth guidance and prevention of juvenile
delinquency lk3
2.104NeedbetterWelfarestaffandadministration
343.Need more opportunities and better care for aged
4.Need more youth recreation facilities 29
185.Need more lav enforcement
6.Need improved guidance and education programs 15
87.Need better employment guidance
8.8Moreparentalresponsibility
9.Need more mental health services 3
10.Prevent drinl^ing 3
11.More emphasis on Junior and Senior Citizenship
responsibilities 2
12.Better information about Welfare and Guidance services 2
W/R:5^:2319-16
RECREATIOl'I
Leisure Time Opportunities and Hobbies rank third with eight items
listed as Inadequate by or more of the persons answering.Recreation
opportunities for special groups such as young couples who are dating,young
adults,facilities for children in the areas in which they live,are ranked
least adequate.Indoor recreation facilities and meeting places are rated
Inadequate by 38^0 of the respondents.
Fairly
Adequate Inadequate
CONSTRUCTIVE LEISURE TIME
OPPCRTUNITIES AND FACILITIES
Very
Adequate
1.Recreation opportunities and facilities
for young couples who are dating 39 5011
2,Recreation opportunities and facilities
for young adults Ik 38 48
3.Recreation opportunities and facilities for
children in the area in which they live 14 ^3 k3
4.Indoor recreation facilities ^5 3817
^3 385.Adequate meeting places
6.Interesting and useful activities for
retired persons
19
k922 29
7.Recreation opportunities and facilities
for married couples 20-40 years
8.Recreation opportunities and facilities
for married couples over 4l years
56 2618
18 57 25
Others:
Family recreation facilities and opportunities:26,53,21,
Outdoor recreation facilities:46,39>15*
Opportunities to belong to friendly groups of common age and interest:35,53,12.
Opportunities to pursue hobbies and special interests:37>51>12.
W/R:58;2319-17
RECREATION
Comments on Recreation include a vide variety of suggestions.The
community center and teen-age recreation head the list as ccanmunity membersbiggestconcerns.
1.Community center (youth center)
2.More teen-age recreation
13^
56
3.Suitable places for couples to go on dates
Swimming Pool
23
22
5.More,and better neighborhood playgrounds
6.More recreative activity at all levels
19
16
7.A new.'IMCA 12
8,More indoor recreation facilities 11
9.More good cultural activities 10
10.Lack of variety of things to do and places to go
11.More winter-time recreation
9
8
12.Better V/omen’s Building 7
13•More use of school facilities after school 6
Ih,WCA 5
15*Improve Stewart Park 5
16.A sand beach at the lake 5
17.A night club 5
18.Need a large versatile indoor area for recreation 4
19.Better dancing facilities k
20.More publicity for recreation 4
21.More parks 4
22.More recreation for middle-aged 3
23.An East Side House 3
24.More gyms 3
25.i4odern building for senior citizens
26.More places for tennis
2
2
W\-/R:58:2319-18
TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION
Parking facilities in the business section,bus and train service in
and out of the city,taxi and bus service within the community were listed
as Ithaca's major Transportation Inadequacies.Sidewalks,street lighting,
residential parking facilities and highways within the community are considered
Inadequate by many.The latter are problems which are felt more keenly by
those sections of the community where the problems are centered.
TRANSPORTATION AND
COffOTICATION SERVICES
Fairly
Adequate
Very
Adequate Inadequate
1.Parking facilities (business section)
2.Bus and train transportation in and out of city 9
25 723
kl50
3.Taxi and bus service in community
k.Adequacy of sidewalks in residential areas
3^15 51
36 3430
5.street lighting in residential areas
6,Parking facilities in residential areas
kl29 30
k2 31 27
7»Roads within the community 5815 27
Others:
TV programs and reception:32,24.
Air service:25,54,21.
Radio programs and reception:38,42,20.Newspapers:3^^58,I8.
Snow removal services:35,49,16.
Telephones:71^27,2,
\'WK:58:2319-19
TRANSPORTATION /J®COMMUITICATION
Local bus service,highways and streets,parking,train service out of
town,bus service and air service received many comments,
received more Communications comments than other items.
Radio and TV
2251.Better and more extensive bus service
1192.Better highways,roads,and streets
102Betterparkingfacilities3.
884.Better train service
74Betterbusservicetootherplaces--better terminal5.
586.More and better air service
43Bettertransportationfacilitiesingeneral7.
8.19Bettertrafficcontrol
16Betterstreetlighting9.
1610.Taxi rates too high
1311,Better sidev/alUs
10Improvedsnowremovalfromsidewalks12.
713.Better snow removal from streets
214.More restriction on student cars
C0I#IUNICATI0N
751.Better radio programs,reception,music,longer hours
522.TV--municipal cable,poor reception,expensive
303.Better newspaper--news coverage
144.Better telephone service,information,long distance
25.Better mail service
IVWR:53:2319-20
MAICING A UVING
Employment opportunities are considered Inadequate for special groups
within the community.Persons over 65,under I8,persons who are handicapped,
unskilled workers and persons 40-65 ^^re considered most disadvantaged.
OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
FOR MAiaNG A LIVING
Very Fairly
Adequate Adequate Inadequate
Employment Opportunities:
1.For persons 65 and over 2 7919
652.For handicapped 323
6 463.For persons under I8 years 48
464.49Forunskilledpersons
5.For pep&cms 40-64 years
6,Reasonableness of wage scales
5
8 3953
59 329
56147.Employment agency services for unemployed 30
Others:
Steadiness of employment:I5,69,I6,For persons l8-40 years:19^66,15.
WWR;50:2319'21
MAKING A LIVING
The wage scale^part-time employment for high school youth and need for
more industry head the list of comments on Making a Living.
e?1.Need higher wages
2.More part-time employment for high school youth
Need more industry (diversified)
71
3.70
4.24Moreemploymentneededforolderpersons
245.Need more stable employment
6.Need more employment for handicapped persons 9
87.Need tetter employment agency services
8.4Needmoredayhelpforhouseholds
49.You have to be a college graduate to get a good job
10.More jobs needed for unskilled workers 3
11.More training needed for jobs available 2
12.Need more security for small businesses 2
WV/R;58:2319-22
HOUSING Al'ID HOMS SERVICES
Housing and Horae >ervices received the highest Inadequacy vote of any
category.Five Housing and Horae service items were rated Inadequate by more
than half of those answering.Housing for low and middle inccaae families
and reasonableness of building costs,plumbing and electrical costs,and
rentals are the housing items rated most Inadequate by Ithaca’s residents.
Very
Adequate
Fairly
AdequateHOMESERVICES Inadequate
1,Housing for low income families 16 813
2.Reasonableness of home building costs 643^2
3.Reasonableness of rentals 4 6135
4.Reasonable plumbing and electrical service
costs 4 4l 55
5«Housing for middle income families
6.Home building sites with water and sewage
disposal
387 55
^523 32
Others:
Sewage disposal:57,33,10,
Garbage disposal:53,39,8.
Adequate and healthful water supply:69,25,6.
vnvR:58:2319-23
HOUSING AND HOivE SERVICES
Most of the comments on Housing and Home Services were concentrated
on housing and house construction costs.Water,sewage,garbage disposal,
housing codes and zoning were of concern,also.
1251.More and better apartments at reasonable cost
6?2.Home services are too expensive
Need moderately priced houses for low and middle income
families.
3.
51
404.Housing sites and construction costa are too high
395.Better water supply
6.Better sewage disposal systeiD 37
Better garbage pick-up (more often)337.
8,29Plumbingcostsaretoohigh
299.Electrical installation costs are too high
810.Up-to-date building code
11.Better trained service men 5
12.2Lessrestraintonprivateandoutsidebuilders
inm:50:2319-24
PROTECTION
Flood control,traffic control,and fire protection outside the city-
are the Protection items which Ithacans feel are least adequately provided
at the present time.
Fairly
Adequate
Very
Adequate InadequatePROTECTIONSERVICES
46441.Flood control 10
49 382,Traffic control 13
49 303.Fire protection outside the city 13
4,Jail and detention facilities 52 2919
l65.Police protection outside the city limits
6.Fire inspection
2955
25 2550
others;
Courteousness of police:30,49,21.
Police protection within the city:24,57^19»
Fire regulation:34,55;H*
Safety regulation and facilities for school children and other pedestrians:
39,52,9.
City fire department:45,50,5.
WV/R:58:2319-25
PROTECTION
Of 25 itemG mentioned under Protection,I5 of them are ccmments and
suggestions about the Police Force.
1.Better police service Ih
2.More flood control 37
3.Better fire department 29
U.Police need to be more courteous 20
5.Youngsters get off too easy with crimes 19
6.Larger police force 15
7.Better pay for police 15
8.Better pay for firemen 15
9.Raise qmlifications for police 8
10.More police officers outside of city 8
11.Youth problem 7
12.Parents need to know where their kids are k
13.Need strict curfew for juveniles k
lU.Too much politics in the police and fire departments 4
15.Publish names of juvenile delinquents 3
16.Consolidate sheriff’s office with police department 3
17.Police should be stricter on traffic violations 2
18.More police patrolling 2
19.Need a teen center 2
20.Investigate police and fire department 2
21.Need more fast work by police to prevent property damage 2
\^:58:231i:)-26
EDUCATION
Only a few of the many Educational items listed were considered Inadequate
by 2%or more community members.Secondary education buildings and facilities
were rated most Inadequate.As community members know,provisions have
already been made to meet this need.
Elementary school buildings,high school Parent-Teacher contacts and
Vocational Education were the only other items which fall above the 2%
Inadequacy mark.
EDUCATIOML OPPORTUNITIES
AND FACILITIES
Very Fairly
Adequate Adequate Inadequate
Elementary Education
141.Buildings and equipment 51 35
Others:
School staff:24,59j 17*
Quality of educational program:27,56,I7.
Grade school Parent-Teacher contacts:3I,55,l4.
Secondary Education
601.Buildings and equipment 7 33
2.Adequacy of high school Parent-Teacher contacts 20 53 27
Others:
School staff:21,58,21.
Quality of educational program:27,52,21.
Informal Educational Opportunities
1,Vocational education opportunities 23 52 25
Others!:
Discussion groups:43,42,I5.
Library services and facilities:42,43,I5.
Safety educational opportunities:34,53,I3.
Health educational opportunities:33^5^,11.
Extension service opportunities for adults:50,40,10.
Lectures,concerts,etc.63,28,9.
Adult educational opportunities:50,42,8.
Scouts and other youth programs:4-9,44,7.4-H opportunities for youth:57,38,5*
Religious educational opportunities:5^,37,5»
Vn/R:58:2319-27
EDUCATION
Comments on Education needs centered on school buildings,better
teachers,improved curriculum and the need for vocational training.
2251.Need new school buildings and equipment
1102.More and better teachers
65Expandandimprovecxirriculum3.
4.57Needvocationalschool
45Moreemphasisonacademicsubjects5.
6.30Needmoreefficientadministration
19Morephysicaleducationfacilities7.
148.Better library facilities
12Morefacilitiesforexceptionalchildren9.
12Establishayouthcenter10.
811.Better P.T.A,
6MoreParent-Teacher contacts in High Ichool12.
4Moreattentiontogoodstudents13.
414.Better transportation and bus supervision
3Haveeveningcollegeclasses15.
16.3Nostudentteachers
2NeedmorevarietyinAdultEducation17.
218.Need a High School moral code
219.Need Parent-Youth Committees
wm:56:2319-28
GOVERKMEIIT
Between one-third and three-fifths of those answering the Survey felt
that the progressiveness of governmental agencies,the tax system and equal
ization,the job done by the Planning Boards,and the coordination and
cooperation between governmental agencies are Inadequate.
Fairly
Adequate Inadequate
Very
AdequateGOVERM'.ENT AGENCIES
1.Progressiveness of the community’s
governmental agencies 4 k2 54
2.The tax system and equalization ho53'7
383.Job being done by the Planning Boards
4.Coordination and cooperation between
governmental agencies
5210
8 56 36
Others:
Job being done by city government:11,65,24.Job being done by Board of Public V/orks:I5,63,22,
Conservatism of the community’s governmental agencies:I7
Job being done by county government:12,Jh,l4.
Those who added comments on Governmental Affairs ask for modernization
and coordination of government,better leadership,and improved planning.
63,20.
1.Government needs to be modernized and coordinated
2.Poorly qualified officials;should attract better leadership 46
3.Planning should be improved
4,Taxes are too high
5.Need more efficiency in governmental and public works
6.Suggestions to improve tax system
7.Too much politics—not enough community interest
8.Citizens should have more voice in governmental offices
.57
37
32
29
19
5
3
VAVR:58:2319-29
RETAIL SHOPPING
Alaiost half of those answering feel that prices as compared tocomparablecities,are too high;approximately two-fifths feel the
variety of choice is too limited,about one-third feel that the quantityofstockonhandisInadequate.
Very
Adequate
Fairly
Adequate InadequateRETAILSHOPPINGSERVICES
1,Reasonableness of prices in relation
to comparable cities hk 479
2.Variety of choice 4219 39
3.Quantity of stock on hand 16 52 32
Others:
Quality of products available:23,6l,l6.
Service and friendliness of shop personnel:26,58,16.
These are the things community members listed in answer to the
question:In your opinion,what are the main problems and needs in
relation to retail shopping in this community?
1.Prices are too high
2.More variety of choice,quality,price
3.More department and other stores
4.More friendly and courteous clerks
170
144
110
43
5.Better quality merchandise
6.More competition
34
28
7.Parking 11
8.Merchants take advantage of students
9.More speciality stbres--books and records
10
11
10,Better sales methods 7
11.Cater to residents as well as students
12.Carry larger stocks and do more restocking
13.Retail merchants are alert and courteous
7
6
3
WWR;58:2319-30
LEADERSHIP
Many community members feel the number of qualified leaders willing
to lead youth groups and the number of qualified leaders willing to accept
offices and appointments la Inadequate.They also feel that leadership
training opportunities for persons selected as officers and teachers in
organizations and groups is Inadequate.
Fairly
Adequate Inadequate
Very
AdequateLEADERSHIP
1.Well qualified leaders willing to lead
youth groups kk17 39
2,Well qualified leaders willing to accept
offices or appointments l6 3153
3.Leadership training opportunities for people
who are selected as officers and teachers in
organizations and groups 16 56 28
Others:
Opportunities to develop leadership skills and abilities;I7,59,24.
Well qualified adult leaders willing to lead adult groups:I8,60,22.
The following comments give additional meaning to the Leadership
data presented above*
1.Weed more understanding leaders willing to work
with youth groups 51
2.Need better qualified leaders •39
3.Need more leadership training opportunities
4.Many people just not interested--no inducement
24
22
5»Too much mediocre leadership--doesn't solve problems
6.Need more opportunities for youth to develop leadership
skills and abilities
•19
13
7*Lack a good leader-selection system;willing and qualified leaders
are not asked;same persons used all the time;same people spread toothin;trying to do everything;who you are--not your ability often16methodofselection
8.Many well qimlified persons are not willing to devote time
9*Lack of support,criticism,too many demands,too much passing thebuckandcontroverstyholdlittleprospectofgettingmuch
accomplished and discourage many well qualified persons
10.Not enough followers and too many programs
11.Many veil qualified pereoos can’t give the time
9
9
•6
7
5
WWR:50:2319-31
COr-iMUKITY HOSPITALITY
The two items rated most Inadequate in relation to Community Hospitality
are public rest rooms and advertising of summer facilities.
Very
Adequate
Fairly
AdequateCOMMUNITYHOSPITALITY Inadequate
1.Public rest rooms 255 70
162.Advertising of summer facilities 51 33
Others:
Reception for new residents:22,55,23.
Decent housing for travelers:26,^6,I8.
absence of racial and religious discriminatory practices 29,57,14.
In the opinion of many community members,more should be done to make
new-comers welcome in the community and also make more adequate provision
for rest room facilities.
83Needtomakenewcomersmorewelcomed
More public restrooms needed
More hotels needed
Area should be publicized as a resort area
More motels needed
Should have greater acceptance of Negroes
Need building supplies for new buildings
Shop-keepers take advantage of non-permanent residents
Need a better bus terminal
Place for out-of-state cars to park free
Benches are needed in front of stores
More hospitality and better attitude
1.
612.
283.
244.
195.
6.13
47.
8.3
29.
210.
211.
212.
\WR:58:2319“32
FEELINGS AND RELATIONSHIPS
Many residents foel that the feelings between students and townspeople
are between the University and the corrminnity present some problems which
deserve thoughtful consideration and planning on the parts of both the
University and the community.
Fairly
.\dequate Inadequate
Very
Adequate
FEELINGS AND RELATIONSHIPS
UITHIN THE COMMUNITY
39511.Feeling between students and townspeople 10
2.Feeling between the University and the
community 381250
Others:
Feelings between groups within the community:l4,69,17-
Feelings between Ithaca and near-by residential areas;20,64,I6.
Ithacans see the main Relationships problems as those arising between
University students,staff,and townspeople;between University,college,
and governmental administrators;'between high school and University students,
and between governmental units of the city and nearby towns and villages.
1.Need to cooperate and work for improved rels.tions
betv/een University studnets,staff,and townspeople 92
2.Need for Cornell and Ithaca College administrators
and the city and town of Ithaca to cooperate and work
more closely on some problems which give ill feelings 44
3.Need for improved relations between High School students •.
and College and University students 6
4.Ithaca and outlying areas need to work together in
overcoming resentments and in understanding their
common interdependence 9
5.Need for helping College students feel like residents
and not like "outsiders''5
6,Citizens should take more interest in improving
relationships T/ithin the community 3
27.Townspeople don't try to londerstand and help teenagers
8,People are not very friendly 2
l.TVR:58:2319-33
BEAUTIFICATION
The appearance of the city’s entrances is the only Beautification item
which came above the 25^rank.Over one-third rate the appearance of our
city entrances as Inadequate,with only 12^indicating they were very adequate.
BEAUTIFICATION Very Fairly
Adequate Adequate Inadequate
1.Appearance of city entrances 361252
Others:
Control of litter:l4,63,23.
Appearance and upkeep of stores and business district:23,65,12.
Beautification and care of public buildings,grounds,streets:29>60,11.Appearance and upkeep of homes and yards in the area in which you live;41,49,10.
Appearance of cemeteries:37,57,6.
What are the things which most mar the beauty of the community?Ccxanenters
single out the city entrances,unclean streets,some parts of the dox7ntcn-;n
business area,and deteriorated housing in some areas as the chief offenders,
1.Beautify city entrances
2.Clean and improve streets
3.Improve downto^/n palnning
4.Cleaner city
5.Get rid of slums
6.Improved individual houses
7.Cheaper housing area
8.Better garbage handling
9.More and cleaner parks
10.Individual cooperation
11.Beautify cemeteries
12.Welcome signs at entrances
13•City tree and nursery program
14.Better housing for travelers
15.Road improvement
16.Clean vacant lots
17.Public transportation
128
57
30
24
22
20
19
17
11
9
7
5
5
4 •
4
4
2
W\7R:58:2319-3^
RELIGIOn
Of six items on Religion listed,only the need for more carry-over of
religious beliefs into week-day activities was rated Inadequate by more than
25^of responding community residents.
Fairly
/idequate Inadequate
Very
AdequateRELIGIOUSSERVICES
1.Carry-over of religious beliefs into
week-day activities 282052
Others:
Understanding and respect for the religious beliefs and practices of others:
kh,k6,10.
Youth activities:l{-8,44,8.
Cooperation among churches;47,45,8.Special holiday services:72,26,2,
Opportunities for religious worship for all faiths having groups in the
community;81,I8,1.
These are the answers community members wrote in answer to the question
"As you see it,V/hat are the Main Problems and Needs in this Community
As Related to Religion?"
48Unreligiousatmosphere
Lack of religious understanding and
cooperation
Lack of adequate facilities
Lack of churches and religious schools
Lack of participation in churches
Need more youth activities
Prejudice
Lack of respect for church
Better leadership needed
Too much religion in schools
Poor church attendance
Return to OLD time religion
30
23
20
19
18
18
10
4
4
3
2
v™:58:2319-35
HEALTH
Of eleven Health Service items in the'survey only hospital facilities
was rated Inadequate afy as many as of those answering the Survey.The
data indicate that community members at present do not feel strong needs
or deficiencies in the health area other than the hospital.
Very Fairly
Adequate i dequateHEALTHSERVICES Inadequate
181.Hospital facilities 2755
Others:
Ambulance and emergency services:27,5^,23.
Reasonable health service costs:I5,62,23Nursinghomefacilities:23,56,21.
Mental health facilities:27,5^,19*
Family doctors:52,37,11.
Specialists:56,36,8,
Public health services:42,52,6,
Blue Cross and Blue Shield Programs:52,43,5*
Dental care:73,25,2,Medicine and drug services:63,3^,
Community Members who Commented Listed the FollW'/ing Health Problems and Needs:
Better hospital
More reasonable health costs
Better ambulance service
More and better general practitioners
More mental health facilities
Better nursing home facilities
More specialists
Better sewage disposal
More nurses
More doctors
Professional hospital manager
General clinic
More sanitary hospital
Pollution of lake is a problem
Slum areas need attention
Better dental care
Fluoridation of water
Better community Blue Cross program
Larger hospital staff
Too many alcoholics
New location of city dump
99
45
45
30
23
IT
13
12
9
8
6
6
5
5
5
5
4
3
3
3
3
WWR:58:2319'36
CIVIC AOT)SOCIAL .ORGANIZATIONS
Three questions were asked to elicit community feeling about Civic andSocialOrganizations,All three fell below the 25^level which indicates
a fair or high degree of satisfaction with these organizations.
CIVIC AND SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS
Others:
Amount and quality of civic participation and activities of these organizations:
25,58,17Qualityofprograms for members:32,60,8.Number of civic and social organizations:k9,46,5*
Here are the comments Ithacans wrote in about Civic and Social Organizations:
21Toofeworganizations
Too many organizationsNeedmorefacilities(gym,teen-age
activities)
Need increased participation
Need for coordination
Very adequate
Need more work,less talk
Need better leadership
Need more advertising (better informed
public)
Need to be more friendly
Should maintain budget restrictions
19
15
lU
12
11
8
7
6
2
2
inVR:58:2319-37
mo SHALL .-DVI3E?
Community members were invited to suggest three individuals whO;
ir.their opinion,would be good persons to advise on community affairs.
The results are most interesting.They indicate that there is little
agreement as to who would be good advisers on community affairs.No
one received very many votes and those who did receive several tended to
be persons in the news,mostly as political officers or candidates.
Others whose names are read frequently in the newspaper or heard on the
air are mentioned several times.It would appear from these data and
other information obtained in doing the Survey that lack of recognized
community leadership is one of Ithaca’s major problems.
The table which follows presents a frequency distribution of the
number of persons recommended and the number of persons recommending them.
Number of times mentionedPersonsMentioned
1255
83 2
331k11
511
66
72
h 9
103Ih1
161
191
201
231
WWi^>..2323-1
iit Wh,.:!•d^uLTi:ii\TE:;CUT Airo Ta/iJ of itii/ica ~u.
/•uJEQUACy OF
-•ic OF
There were onl^12 services out of the I50 possible in which there v/as a
hfl'erence of 10^or more between adults in the city and adults in the to^m.
•dne iteris were rated more inadequate by adults in the towiij three more ina
dequate by city residents.
Adults in the Town of Itiiaca rate the following items inadequate to a greater
extent than adults in the city.
L'ifference
2kio1.Sewage disposal
Home building sites vdth water and sewage disposal
Adequate and healthful water supply
Progressiveness of the community’s governmental agencies
Feelings and relationship between Ithaca and the otlier
nearby residential areas
Reasonableness of prices in relation to other comparable
cities
Quantity of merchandise on hand
Courteousness of police
Employment for persons under I8 years of age
2,21^.
3.14^4.13^-
5.
o.
l2fjo
IQffo8.IC^
io;!>
Adults in the city of Ithaca rate the follc«dnp items inadeq’oate to a ,.:reater ex
tent tlian adults in the town.
difference'/
14^.I.Have nursing facilities
2,Appearance and uplieep of houses and yards in the area in
which youTlive
3.Flood control la/:
differences between adults and HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH IN THEIR RATII^OF COMT-IUNITYSJilRVICESANDOPPORTUI'HTIES
between adults and high school youth on the adequacy of
however,there are^hxch are significant for planning purposes.The differencesvhichexistarereasonable,adults feeling more keenlv on items relatedoostatlivingandyouthfeelingmorekeenl;'reiaxea .o
Adults rate these
on items related to recreation.
items inadequate to a greater extent than youth;
Differences
1.Homes and apartments for
Public rest rooms
R ea s onab 1 e ne s s
middle income families 29f>2,2kffoofhomebuildingcostsPlanningforhousingandresidentialfacilitiesPlanningforwisebusinessandindustrialexpansionD,Transportation in and out of the CommuniReasonablenessof
Reasonablene:
o»23f^
23^23^
22^07.rentals
of piumDing and electrical costs and 21^8,3S
TT^•«.^.seivlcesHomebuildingsiteswithwaterandsewagedisposalhomesanaapartmentsfcrlowincomefamilies11.Radio programs and receptionFloodcontrol
13.Housiae coder:and buildiag regulations,City ana residential
21^:9.IP410,
12,Ijfo
1:414.planning activitiesel^qualified leaders willirg to accept offices and150
appointments
?inadequate to a greater extent than adults:
1,^^adership training opport^unlties for persons selectedasofficersandteachersoforganisationsDiscussion
14
Youth rate these items
Differences
2^2,groups
Indoor recreation facilities
^High school parent teacher conta5.Recreation opportunities i
21^3.
14k.Cts.:
'or children in the area where
you live6.17^Snow removal
Hign school buildings and equipmentRoadswithinthe
Control of litter
Planning for recreational
services 17f.7.
16^08.community 1%9.
10.programs and facilities
\/WR:58:2323-2
DIFFERENCES BETI-/EEN ADULTS AND HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH IN THEIR RATir€OF C(MIUNITY
SERVICES AND OPPORTUNITIES (continued)
Differences
11.Recreation opportunities and facilities for families
Carry over of religious beliefs into veek-day activities 1^^Feelings between sti^ients and townspeople
Courteousness of police
Recreation opportunities and facilities for married
couples 4l-80 years old
Willingness of community members to support and work
for worthwhile causes
Feeling between the University and the Community
Adequate meeting places
Grade school parent teacher contacts
Recreation opportunities and facilities for retired
persons
Understanding and respect for religious beliefs of
others
Amount of Civic participation and activity of civic
and social organizations
Lectures and concerts
Outdoor recreation facilities
Recreation opportunities and facilities for couples who
are dating
Recreation opportunities and facilities for married
couples 20-40
Quality of social organisation programs
15^12.
13.14^14.13^15.
13^16.
13^
17.13^18.13^19.12^20.
12^21.
22.
12^23.11^24.11^25.
11^26.
11^27.Hi
W\ro;58:2323-3
A SUMMARY OF ITHACA’S MAIN PROBLEMS AS SEEN BY ITS RESIDENTS
Coimn-anity residents revealed their feelings about problems and needs in thecommunitythroughthreemainquestions:(l)They reported the things they dis
liked most about the commimity.(2)They listed the six main things which the
Ithaca community needs or lacks in their opinion and,(3)They rated the adequacy
of items which had been suggested by community members as possible problem areas.
The answers to these three questions have been combined into a single brief
list of problem areas which should be of special interest to community planners,
community officials,and organization leaders.
The nine top areas are listed in their rank order.The tenth problem'area
was obtained through othei’questions,therefore,it is not possible to determine
its comparative rank in relation to the other nine.It is included because the
survey indicates it to be an important problem and because of its central impor
tance in any community action prog5.*amj
T15E TOP PROBLEM AREAS
I,Transportation
Parking,roads,highways,train,bus and air service,city buses,and taxis,and traffic flow^,
II,Cost of Living
Housing and home constTniction,retail prices related to other comparable
communities•
III,Recreation and Delinquency Control
Survey pinpoints several special groups for whom opportunities and faci
lities are lacking.
IV.Industry and Employment
Planning for wise expansion with more opportunities for persons under l8,over 65,handicapped,and unskilled persons,
V,Retail Shopping
V/ider variety of choice (quality and price).
Inadequate stocks on hand.
Need stores which meet needs of both residents and students.
Reasonableness of prices.
WWR:58:2323-^
VI,Better Goverrmient
Modernize^attract better leadership,better planning,and more efficiency.
VII.Better Planning
Urban renewal,wise business and indi’.strlal expansion,highways,traffic
flow,housing and residential facilities,recreation facilities,and
programs,coordination of citizen activities.
VIII Relationships
Students and townspeople.University and the Conmnmity.
IX•Help and Guidance
Juvenile delinquents,adult delinquents,people in need of help and
advice.
J X.Community Leadership
Lack of recognized community leadership,cooperation and coordination
lacking.Many organizations take little leadership responsibility.
Need for leadership training.Too much time spent for amoimt accomplished.
Need more effective channels,of action.
I