Click here to view survey report
(Adobe's Acrobat Reader is required )

A telephone survey completed last month for the Comprehensive Planning Committee shows that residents are highly satisfied with living in Cape Elizabeth, and see the preservation of the town's natural landscape, rural character and farmland as highest priorities.

The results, according to a report prepared for the Town by Critical Insights of Portland, "reinforce the notion that residents of Cape Elizabeth view the natural environment as a key factor in their perceived quality of life."

The 54-page report summarizes the findings of a telephone survey conducted Nov. 5-14, polling 303 Cape Elizabeth residents on their views of town life, town services, traffic safety, housing, economic development, regionalization of services, and possible increased taxes to pay for improved services.

"The results are very interesting and very supportive of the direction the Town has taken in recent years," Town Manager Michael McGovern said of the survey report.

Although preservation of natural environment and rural character was a top goal for the town in the minds of survey respondents, a minority answered that taxes should be increased to buy open space parcels or easements. Overall, survey results indicate that residents do not want to raise taxes for improved amenities or services.

The Recycling Center, parks and athletic fields and police protection were top-rated among town services. Storm drainage, sewage disposal and street lights were ranked at the bottom, with only a little more than half of respondents ranking street lights favorably.

The survey results will be used to help the Comprehensive Planning Committee update the 12-year-old comprehensive plan. A public forum will be held at Town Hall on Thursday, Dec. 8. (see story).