Community Input for MCC from Town Hall Meeting Held on 3/22/05

At this meeting, our specific objective was to provide the community with an opportunity to provide input on the goals and aspirations of the community to help keep the MCC focused in its direction.  Forty-nine members of the community were present, and here are their concerns about Manchester:

  How do we see Manchester today?

•  Town vibrancy “3” out of 10
•  Residential
•  Waterfront needs preservation (like Poulsbo)
•  Substandard housing
•  Weak business community
•  Needs clean-up
•  Has good variety
•  Neighborly
•  No restriction on storm water run-off and cutting of trees
•  Sewer and septic tank issues
•  Looks tired, rundown
•  Parking problems
•  No historic use
•  Power lines

 Our vision of Manchester in the year 2010

•  Beautification
•  Parks
•  Pedestrian friendly
•  Reason(s) to come to Manchester
•  Pavilion
•  Sidewalks with lights
•  Community center 
•  Something for kids to do
•  Maintain sense of community
•  Newcomers care about the community and its character
•  Better use of the park and dock facilities
•  Development of bare lots that enhance the area
•  Preserved health of waterfront beaches
•  No mega houses
•  Quaint character 
•  No overhead wires 
•  Better use of view
•  Develop vacant lot at Colchester & Main
•  Small town shops
•  County to care more about us
•  Fee on Port boat launch
•  Bike trails 
•  Hiking trails 
•  Bed & Breakfast
•  Specialty shops
•  Historical information
•  Boat service to Blake Island
•  Art expression (public areas)
•  No growth (Small) 
•  Family recreation
•  Quiet (Peaceful) 
•  Good Feng Shui
•  Maintain & enhance quality of life
•  Improved transportation (fast ferries)
•  Model after Winslow: stores, restaurants, sidewalks, upscale town, redevelopment, retirement area)
•  Park area (pergola)
•  Solid business base; Insurance, Beauty shop, coffee shop, art gallery, boat traffic)
•  Maximize beach view
•  Your neighborhood, a draw to town
•  Downtown theme
•  Friendly and clean
•  Utilize history of Manchester
•  Keep it nice for us
•  Socializing; music, beverage, food, farmer’s market
•  Town center; benches, meeting place, community center, gathering place
•  The heart of the town; Post office, General store
•  Walking theme
•  Common theme for building standards