HomeMy WebLinkAboutComprehensive Plan - Final 2021 TOWN OF ENFIELD, NY
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - DRAFT
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Enfield Town Board Enfield Planning Board
Roy Barriere Virginia Bryant
Vera Howe-Strait Ann Chaffee
Chris Hem Joe Dawson
Debbie Teeter Dawn George
Ann Rider Steve Givin
Beth McGee Henry Hansteen
Michael Carpenter Calvin Rothermich
Virginia Bryant Rich Teeter
Henry Hansteen Marie Vandermark
Mimi Mehaffey Dan Walker
Michael Miles Poney Carpenter
Becky Sims Alan Teeter- Code Enforcement Officer
Stephanie Redmond
Robert Lynch Comprehensive Plan Committee
Consultant
Comprehensive Plan Committee Matthew Johnston
Resident Members
Judy Hyman Cover art graciously provided by local artist
Nancy Spero William Benson
Sue Thompson
Jon Yates
Joe Dawson
The members of the Enfield Town Council and the Enfield Planning Board would like to extend
their sincerest thanks to the Enfield residents who participated in the development of this
Comprehensive Plan. Without their goodwill towards and concern for the community as a whole,
this document could not have been completed. This Plan is a reflection of their vision.
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgements......................................................................................................................................................... i
INTRODUCTION
Purposeand Process.............................................................................................. ......... ......... ......... ................ 1
Howto Read this Document.................................................................................. ......... ......... ......... .............. 2
TOWN OF ENFIELD OVERVIEW
History......................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Population................................................................................................................................................................. 4
Income........................................................................................................................................................................ 4
Town of Enfield Community Dynamics........................................................................................................... 6
2050 Community Vision...................................................................................................................................... 7
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ELEMENTS
Heritage and Historic Preservation.................................................................................................................. 9
MunicipalServices................................................................................................................................................ 13
Agriculture............................................................................................................................................................... 27
LandUse................................................................................................................................................................. 35
Environment and Natural Resources............................................................................................................ 43
Built Environment: Public Utilities, Infrastructure, and Transportation ............................................. 51
Housing.................................................................................................................................................................... 57
Economyand Community................................................................................................................................ 61
CONCLUSION
Planningour Future.............................................................................................................................................. 73
APPENDICES
Appendix 1: List of Figures and Maps........................................................................................................... 75
Appendix 2: Links of Reference....................................................................................................................... 76
Appendix 3: 2013 Survey of the Residents of the Town of Enfield....................................................... 78
Appendix4: 2013 Survey Results.................................................................................................................... 83
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INTRODUCTION
PURPOSE AND PROCESS The Survey of Residents was created for all Town
of Enfield residents asking for their opinions on
A comprehensive plan serves the community a variety of topics to inform this update of the
by giving residents a voice in the long-range Comprehensive Plan and gather fundamental
community planning and decision-making demographic information. This survey was
process, recognizing the needs of current and distributed to approximately 950 households
future generations. As a working document, the as an insert to the community newsletter. All
Comprehensive Plan enables the Town to apply members of each household were invited to
for county, state, and federal funding to achieve complete the survey. The survey was made
community-defined goals and objectives. It also available for completion online. 182 surveys were
facilitates cooperation between Town and other returned, a nearly 20 percent response rate.
governmental agencies in the planning and The survey data informed many areas of the
implementation of capital projects. comprehensive plan.
This Comprehensive Plan is the product of The A draft plan was developed in 2013 for Town
Town of Enfield Town Board, Planning Board, Board comment. In 2014, a Comprehensive
and Enfield residents, who came together in a Plan committee was developed to build on that
community effort to define the needs and desires document and bring a full plan to completion.
of the Town of Enfield. All Enfield residents were This plan is the product of the entire process.
invited to participate in this process.
The Enfield community treasures the rural
The Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan is to be qualities of the Town, including its historic
used by all members of the community, as well as buildings, beautiful natural areas, agricultural
any other person or organization interested in the foundation, and peaceful way of life. Through this
future of the Town. The many citizens and officials Plan, it is our hope to maintain our best features
who have prepared the plan hope it is a useful, and enhance and improve those areas where
easy-to-read document for all who use it. these features are lacking.
Working Groups were organized for each area
of interest. Building on The Town of Enfield
Comprehensive Plan 2001, the following topics
have been determined by the participants:
• Heritage and Historic Preservation
• Municipal Services
• Agriculture
• Land Use
• Environmental and Natural Resources
• Built Environment: Public Utilities,
Infrastructure, Transportation
• Housing
• Economy and Community
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Introduction 1
HOW TO READ THIS DOCUMENT
2050 Vision Statements: In this Plan, each
section begins with a Vision Statement. Each
Vision Statement will express what we hope the
conditions in the Town of Enfield will be in the
future after following the Goals and Actions set
forth in this Plan.
The current conditions are described in each
Introduction. Each section will conclude with a set
of Goals and Actions recommended to achieve
the Vision Statements. Goals and Actions are
described as follows:
Goal: A general end towards which the Town will
direct effort.
Action: A program, activity, or strategy carried
out in response to an adopted policy to achieve a
specific goal or objective.
Quotes: All quotes were taken from resident
comments offered in the 2013 Comprehensive
Plan Survey.
2 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Introduction
TOWN OF ENFIELD OVERVIEW
HISTORY Haudenosaunee translates into "people of the
longhouse" as the settlements were composed
Located in the rural, west central portion of rectangular or oblong houses with a domed,
of Tompkins County, the Town of Enfield encompasses 36.9 square miles. The Town is arbor-like roof. Villages remained in place un-
til firewood became scarce, typically relocating
bordered on the east by the Town of Ithaca, on every 10-50 yrs. Several longhouse structures
the north by the Town of Ulysses, on the west by the Town of Hector in Schuyler County, and on have been identified in three sites northwest of
Enfield bordering Schuyler county. These settle-
the south the Town of ments, known as Cayuga Indian Fort Road (AD
Newfield. Enfield Center 1525-1550), Parker Farm (AD 1525-1550), and
runs along Enfield Main Carman, at the Northwest corner of Buck Hill and
Road from Route 79 to Harvey Hill Road. Enfield Carman roads (AD 1550-1600) appear to have
been farmed intensively. Artifacts recovered
Center is approximately
seven miles west of the from these sites include Haudenosaunee pottery,
' City of Ithaca. This is a very grinding stone, and remains of wooden palisade
small residential area that Posts. There were many trails crossing through
currently holds the Town Enfield. One known as the "Pony Hollow Trail" ran
from the Inlet in Ithaca to the area where New-
Hall, Community Building
(which includes the Code field Village is now.
Enforcement Office and The Haudenosaunee sided with the British during
Town Court), a Grange
the American Revolution. According to the book
Hall, the Fire Company,
and several active and Smith Woods (Allmon, Pritts, Marks, et al., 2017)
inactive churches. on June 18th of 1779, George Washington sent
Major General John Sullivan and over 4,400
The first humans entered North America after soldiers on a march through what it now upstate
the last glacial period, approx 14,700 yrs ago. New York. In late September of 1779, the soldiers
These early inhabitants were highly mobile reached the north end of Cayuga Lake. About
hunter/gatherers, gradually transforming to a 200 men, including one of the original colonial
more sedentary lifestyle as settled territories settlers, Abner Treman, were led by Colonel
became more defined. The development of Henry Dearborn down the West side of Cayuga
settlements marked the domestication of plants Lake, burning Cayugan settlements, stored food,
thus thebeginning of farming. While there is little orchards and crops growing in the fields.
documented evidence of indigenous populations --
residing in Enfield, the area likely provided ,
territory for agriculture, hunting and gathering for ✓
members of the Cayuga Nation that inhabited
the Cayuga Lake territory for over 1,000 years
prior to colonialism. Cayugans are members of
the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, also known as 04. I
the Iroquois. �.. -�- F
The Enfield Valley Grange No. 295, :F "
constructed in 1925 by residents of the Town.
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Town of Enfield Overview 3
The British transferred all the royal claims Britain Route 79) and Halseyville/Enfield Main (State
had to Haudenosaunee lands to the new United Route 327) Roads.
States. A series of treaties from 1784 until 1823
transferred most of the remaining Haudenos- Throughout its history, Enfield has enjoyed a dy-
aunee lands to New York State. The combination namic community feeling, rich in the tradition of
of genocide, loss of land, and epidemic diseases rural America.
introduced by Europeans caused a collapse of
the Cayugan population, decreasing the pop- POPULATION
ulation to less than half over the course of 200
years. 2000 - 2016 Statistics: The 2010 Census
indicate that Enfield's population has increased
The first colonial settlers, Judah and Lydia Chase by 4.2 percent since 2000, to a total of 3,616
Baker, arrived in 1804. It first registered to be- people. Population density in Enfield has also
come a township in November 1820, and was increased to 95 persons per square mile.
officially registered with the State of New York
on March 16, 1821. The Town was formed from Families constitute 63.3 percent of Enfield
thirty-six lots of the southern portion of Military households of which 43.8 percent are married
Township lot No. 22, Ulysses. couples. The average household size is 2.43
people, and the average family size is 2.92 people.
Agriculture was a way of life for most residents. Almost half of Enfield's population is 25-54 years
By 1865, 80% of the Town's land was used for of age, indicating that most residents are of
farming. By 1866, five sawmills operated on Five working-age.
Mile Creek. After the Civil War, the Federal Gov-
ernment encouraged the establishment of farm- INCOME
ers' organizations. Thus, the Enfield Valley Grange
No. 295 was founded. In 1925, local residents built 2010 Income: The U.S. Census Bureau defines
a grange hall and meeting space. By 1995, it was household income as the sum of income received
the only grange hall still officially functioning in in a calendar year by all household members 15
Tompkins County, New York. years or older, including non-family household
members. A total list of income sources can be
Enfield Falls lies in the southeastern part of En- seen online. A partial list appears below:
field, within Robert H. Treman State Park. Named
in honor of Robert H. Treman, who presented the • Wages or salary
land to New York State in 1920, Treman Park is • Interest and dividends
a local natural and recreational area as well as
a tourist attraction. The Grist Mill located in the • Net rental income
park was constructed in 1838-39 and was in use
until 1916. Today, there is a group, The Friends of Royalty income
Robert H. Treman State Park, who support the • Income from estates and trusts
park by conducting educational and history-re-
lated programs and tours of the park and mill. • Social Security or Railroad Retirement
income
In 2019, retail establishments located in Enfield
include Dandy Mart, a convenience store/gas • Supplemental Security income (SSI)
station, and Dollar General, a location that offers
residents needed items without having to trav-
el to outside towns. Both are located at "Millers • Retirement, survivor, or disability pensions
Corners", the intersection of Mecklenburg (State
4 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Town of Enfield Overview
The table on this page shows the estimated estimate for New York State. It also shows
2016 median household income for Enfield and estimates of the percentage of families within
Tompkins County were approximately $57,9O6 each jurisdiction whose income in the prior year
and $54,133, respectively, both of which were was below the poverty level, as defined by New
lower than the $6O,741 median household income York State.
104,926
2016 Population
g3,
101,564
2010 Population
96,501
2000 Population
3,369
Topkins County, %Change= 8.7%
■Town of Enfield, % Change =7.3%
Figure 1 -Town Population (Source:American Community Survey, 2016)
Tompkins County $54,133
Town of Enfield i $57,906
New York State $60,741
Figure 2-(Source:American Community Survey, 2016)
NO I 111M 2091:111111MA I • 0 1 1-1:11MOINTAMOITA 4.04 • •
Town of Caroline 7.9%
Town of Enfield 8.4%
Town of Newfield 13.6%
New York State 15.5%
Tompkins County 20.21%
Figure 3-Town Population in Poverty, 2016 (Source:American Community Survey, 2016)
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Town of Enfield Overview 5
PER CAPITA INCOME, • •
Town of Newfield S27,487
Town of Enfiled $28,747
Tompkins County $28,888
Town of Caroline S28,940
New York State $34,212
Figure 4-Town Per Capita Income, 2016 (Source: American Community Survey, 2016)
TOWN OF ENFIELD COMMUNITY DYNAMICS
This snapshot identifies Town of Enfield strengths and weaknesses as well as some of the opportunities
and the threats faced by the municipality in order to help develop a fuller understanding of our
community and assist in both strategic planning and decision-making.
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
Community activism Community divided by 4 school districts
Citizen engagement Dispersed residents limits social connection
Quality of life Limited housing opportunities
Small town atmosphere
Town historian Aging population
Agricultural appreciation Low-income households
Farmland preservation support Poverty challenges
Quality croplands
Natural capital (forests, waterways, parks) Abandoned buildings
Dangerous transportation network
Enfield elementary school Disheveled properties cluttered with junk
Residential growth Lack of public water and sewer
Small business development No road use agreements
Oldest grange Poor municipal facilities
Local fire company
Treman park swimming area out of Town
Town recycling center
Viability of agricultural land
Well-managed recordkeeping
Updated highway facilities
Compatible renewable energy potential
Natural gas activities ban
6 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Town of Enfield Overview
OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
EstablishCenter'
Plan goals for development types Low income rates and wages
Affordable and senior housing Food insecurityCommunity center . recreation Crime
Capitalize on town history, appeal for tourism Dangerous traffic
Movement in Ag friendly environment Unsafe property
EnvironmentalRecreation in Upper Treman Park, elsewhere Declining economic viability of agriculture
Signage for Town attractions/clesti nations
. . .
HeavyUpdate historical records with progress Environmental degradation and pollution
development
De - - - -
Not many future planning projections
2050 COMMUNITY VISION
The Enfield Comprehensive Plan is a community effort to retain the unique qualities of
the Town of Enfield, plan for its future growth and improvement, and manage change.
The Town of Enfield preserves its open rural environment and recreational assets, as
well as the historic character of its architectural structures, main thoroughfares, and
buildings on outlying roads.
The quality of Enfield's water supply and natural resources are protected for
sustainable growth in a wholesome, small-town atmosphere. Responsible development
oversight in our township has preserved the rural character of our town.
We preserve the welcoming, socially diverse nature of our community and strive to
strengthen ties among community groups.
Residents collaborate and cooperate to improve health, safety, and access to care.
Safe, affordable housing stock is abundant. Quality of life is enriched for youth and
seniors through a balance of community group programs.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ELEMENTS
SECTIONHISTORIC
PRESERVATION
• • VISION
The Town of Enfield values and works to preserve its history through collecting, preserving, and
educating the community about its heritage. The Town Historian contributes to this important
endeavor by encouraging residents to share their own personal and family history as it
relates to the community. The Town supports the Historian by utilizing area resources to fund
events and exhibits of interest to visitors as well as for safe preservation of historic items and
INTRODUCTION Cemeteries are an important reminder of
Enfield's heritage. In addition to marking the
Heritage and historic preservation may include final resting places of our ancestors, they yield
buildings, memorials, and landscapes along information about our Town's social, religious,
with the cultural practices, oral traditions and artistic, and cultural heritage. They also contain
knowledge of the community. genealogical information that cannot be found
Many buildings, now private homes, within the anywhere else.
town were once used as stores, churches, and The only buildings in Enfield with a formal "Historic
schools. This helps preserve the building and Designation" are those in Upper Robert H.
makes it important to share and remind the Treman State Park, which are administered by
residents of the original usage of these buildings the federal government's National Register of
and share the history of residents who were Historic Places and the New York State Office of
involved. It is also important to recognize the Parks, Recreation & Historical Preservation. There
agricultural heritage within the community. are no historic preservation ordinances currently
administered by the Town of Enfield.
like that we have histoiy here. I
know 1 I like the back
of my hand. head is full of stories
from relatives long lost and of my own
experiences • I I through
atn*��ttilearning to drive a tractor
instruction of my granddad.
nav-
2013 Resident Survey
yr ( 5 IMAM
Jt�' i Located in Upper Robert H. Treman State Park(off State Rte
327), this gristmill was built in 1838-1839 b- — - g y Jared Treman. It is
no longer in operation,but open to visitors. It contains a small
museum with exhibits about the Civilian Conservation Corps
Camp and the early Enfield Falls community.
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan - Heritage and Historic Preservation 9
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10 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Heritage and Historic Preservation
HERITAGE •R PR •
GOALS •
The following Goals and Actions are recommended based on the current
conditions in the Town of Enfield as described above.
GOAL ACTIONS
1. Support NYS Law 57.07 1a. Appoint yearly the Enfield Town Historian and Deputy Town
Local Town Historian Historian
appointments - Enfield lb. Work cooperatively with the Records Management Officer,
Town Historian and to protect Town government records and Town Historian's
Deputy Town Historian Collection utilizing the services of the Enfield Town Historian,
Deputy Town Historian, and the programs and grants
available through the New York State Archives program
lc. Preserve historic records and important documents
2. Encourage efforts that 2a. Increase public education about and appreciation for local
promote the history, history by utilizing the knowledge of the Town Historian
culture, and heritage of and Deputy Town Historian along with various Historical
the town organizations within the Tompkins County area
2b. Work to become aware of community groups within the
town to help protect their heritage, specifically the Enfield
Valley Grange, Enfield Community Council, and Friends of
Robert H. Treman State Park
2c. Work specifically and cooperatively with the Tompkins
County Municipal Historians group and Tompkins County
Historian
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Heritage and Historic Preservation 11
HERITAGE •R PR •
GOALS • •
GOAL ACTIONS
3. Identify and encourage 3a. Preserve the Town's character and the history of the area by
preservation of taking advantage of county and state programs
significant historic and 3b. Collect and preserve the "historical" heritage of homes
cultural lands, sites, and farms, including family history of property owners. This
and structures that specifically includes the buildings now privately owned and
once used as stores, churches and schools
contribute to community
identity and character 3c. Support and encourage the preservation and maintenance
of cemeteries within the town
3d. Work cooperatively with historic organizations such as
Historic Ithaca, NY State Historic Preservation Office,
Tompkins County History Center, and Ulysses and Newfield
Historical Societies, to identify, record, and protect
community features with historical or archaeological
significance
3e. Encourage interested residents to partner with the current
Town Historian and Deputy Town Historian, to learn the
documentation and preservation process to encourage
continued preservation for future generations
4. Increase tourism 4a. Direct visitors to historic sites throughout Enfield through
through use of historic promotion and incorporation into local historic trails and
points of interest within registries
the town 4b. Create signage to increase interest and visitors to area sites
of historic interest
12 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Heritage and Historic Preservation
issuesSECTION 2 - MUNICIPAL SERVICES
2050 VISION
The Town of Enfield maintains a positive civic image. The town cooperates with neighboring
communities to provide efficient and prudent services to the residents of Enfield. The governing
board appoints and assigns responsibilities to designated boards and committees, as well as
collaborates with local residents, businesses and elected or appointed individuals to address
the - residents of Enfield in a timely
serviceThe protection of the health, safety, welfare and property of town residents serves as a
guidepost for all development decisions that may impact the rural landscape and quality of life
they enjoy.
The municipality functions in a transparent, inclusive, and participatory manner to build
community among its residents. Enfield provides services to residents as cost effectively as
possible, without sacrificing quality. Enfield seeks opportunities to invest in the future security
of the municipality and its residents by exploring innovative methods for providing excellent
efficiently, economically, environmental - -
INTRODUCTION Results of the 2013 Residents Survey indicated
that residents feel Town government in Enfield
New York State encourages municipalities to has become more responsive in recent years,
identify the goals, objectives, principles, guidelines, welcoming public input and assistance. The
policies, standards, devices and instruments Enfield community has benefited from public
for their immediate and long-range protection, participation, open process, and working
enhancement, growth and development (General collaboratively to achieve long-term goals. A
City Law section 28a(3)(a); Town Law section 272- shared vision, planned goals, and community
a(2)(a). participation provide a path forward for a
Local government plays an integral part in the municipality that has long struggled to grow
success of our municipality, as it is charged with and provide quality services, while building
carrying out the work of the electorate and all community. As a result, the Town welcomes
residents who are impacted by the efficiency of further resident involvement in such municipal
its operation. affairs.
Providing services that benefit all residents in a The structure of the Town of Enfield Local
rural community, while keeping the tax impact Government begins with the Citizens of Enfield.
manageable for the population, is challenging As we move forward to achieve the goals of
for municipalities. The Enfield community has this Comprehensive Plan, there will be many
little in the way of infrastructure, including sewer opportunities for Enfield residents to engage on
and water systems that would make business or long and short-term committees and projects.
housing development more attractive, and thus The input and participation of local residents is
its rural residential and agricultural residents an invaluable resource that helps local elected
bear the bulk of the expense needed to finance representatives facilitate the initiatives the
operations of the Town. community has determined are important.
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Municipal Services 13
Finding ways to communicate these opportunities clerk, and code enforcement offices. This is a high
and invite resident involvement will be crucial to priority in order to provide cost-effective services
meeting the 2050 vision set forth in this plan. to residents.
Connecting and communicating with Town Supervisor, Highway Superintendent, and
residents has proved challenging with little Town Clerk serve two-year terms. Each position
telecommunications infrastructure or physical has a steep learning curve. Much time, often more
spaces where community members can gather than a year, is spent learning the law and the
socially. The Town's website provides tools for obligations of each job.
communicating with residents and easy access to
The Town of Enfield, as a municipality, is organized
many resources. These resources include tax bill
payment services, decades of archived minutes, as follows.
audio meeting recordings, town laws, updates for
residents, and much more. Among comparable ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
municipalities in New York State, Enfield provides
impressive electronic services. The Enfield Town Council (Town Board) consists of
five elected officials, including four Councilpersons
Municipal facilities in Enfield are aging and and one Supervisor. The Town Board serves as the
inefficient, adding to the cost of operations executive, administrative and legislative body of
through high energy bills, maintenance, and the Town.
repair. Development of a new building to house
the town's municipal services could provide The Town Board is transparent and welcomes
savings to residents and ease confusion regarding community input and assistance. The tone
location of each service such as town court, town of public meetings is one of respect and
professionalism. A commitment to a common
TOWN OF • STRUCTURE
Citizens of Enfield
Town Justice Highway Supervisor Town Board Town Clerk
Superintendent
Tr_Clerk Deputy Highway Deputy Code Deputy
Superintendent Supervisor Enforcement Town Clerk
Bookkeeper
Confidential
Secretary
Figure 5-Town of Enfield Government Structure
14 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Municipal Services
vision for the growth and benefit of the Town of enjoy sense of community -
nd public
Enfield has created an environment where many involvement appears be
growing
projects directed at providing quality services in Eni�eld.
responsibly to residents is the priority. These
include: 2013 Resident Survey
• Increasing public transportation opportunities
by cooperating with Tompkins Consolidated ENFIELD HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT-
Area Transit (TCAT) to extend routes and
enhance mobility options for residents The Enfield Highway Department maintains
• Providing Clean Up Days to better 86.2 miles of Town-owned roads. Maintenance
manage waste and collection of debris includes road construction, repair, drainage, and
and junk through collaboration with local repair of roadways culverts and bridges as well as
metal recycling and solid waste collection snow and brush removal.
businesses. The Highway Department staff A Capital Inventory Replacement Plan has not
facilitates this effort at the Highway building been implemented due to financial constraints,
for one week each year resulting in an aging and heavily burdened stock
• Encouraging programs, such as Solar of machinery to complete the tasks of road and
Tompkins, HeatSmart Tompkins, and Button bridge maintenance. Coupled with increasing
Up Enfield for reducing energy consumption extreme weather events, such as flooding, severe
and increasing the use of renewable energy road damage has occurred, and the Highway
Department struggles to keep pace with the
• Providing efficient municipal facilities and demand of the Town's requirements.
maintaining them responsibly .
In 2015 and 2018, large equipment purchases
• Providing quality infrastructure maintenance were approved and completed, providing
and development for a growing community the Town with much needed equipment for
its heaviest maintenance activity. Continued
and protect local water resources
• Completion of an aquifer study to identify equipment replacement going forward will be
necessary to provide continued quality road
Attention to Enfield's growth in housing, as well as maintenance service for safety and financial
renewable energy development (wind and solar), benefit to residents.
building needs, and equipment
replacement for road maintenance
have dominated the work of Enfield's
municipal government. All of these
expenses present challenges to
keeping tax rates low while providing
expected services. Efforts to I
consolidate services with neighboring _
municipalities as well as Tompkins
County have become increasingly r
necessary, as mandated programs
and other costs increase and funding
from New York State decreases. ^ �
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Municipal Services 15
A small staff and an elected Superintendent, this Continued efforts to find ways to collaborate are
group coordinates their many skills to complete necessary to provide safe and efficient Highway
much of the necessary equipment maintenance services to the residents of the Town of Enfield.
and repair, saving residents money and providing
timely service.
The Highway Department building that
was completed in 2011 is in need of capital
improvements as a result of deficient ?
construction. Fiscal limitations have limited the
Town's ability to take corrective action.
Inter-municipal cooperation contributes
significantly to the Highway Department's ability
to complete many important tasks in the town.
$351,958
Total General Repairs
Total Machinery $161,000
Total Employee Benefits $154,400
Total Interfund Transfer $132,500
Total Snow Removal $124,014
Total Improvements $104,154
Total Bridge Repair $20,000
Total Brush/Weed Removal $17,000
Figure 6-Town Highway Expenditures, 2019(Source:Town of Enfield, 2018)
$959,372
Tax Levy
CHIPS $104,154
Culvert Fees $1,200
Interest $300
Figure 7-Town Highway Expenditures, 2019 (Source:Town of Enfield, 2018)
16 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Municipal Services
ENFIELD TOWN CLERK SERVICES 4. Concerns about the ability to meet the
continually changing court standards
Enfield Town Clerk is an elected official who required by New York State.
serves as manager of all town records and as
recording secretary of all Town Board meetings Many of these points could be met with a new
and Public Hearings. The Clerk provides licensing facility where all town services are provided
for marriage, hunting, dogs, fishing, and handicap efficiently and effectively with adequate space
parking and other important communications and security.The Enfield Town Court, like all town
with residents, including the Town website. offices, is faced with new, unfunded mandates
that make providing services more demanding
The Town Clerk also serves as the Tax Collector. each year.
The Clerk's duties are affected by several other
positions in Town Government. Facilities in varying ENFIELD TOWN CODE ENFORCEMENT
locations for each service creates challenges for
the community and Clerk alike. Outdated and The Enfield Office of Code Enforcement provides
inefficient buildings do not project a professional guidance, inspection, and permitting for land use
image to the public. Attempts have been made and development issues such as building, signage,
to maintain current physical assets, however junkyards, mobile home parks, communication
maintaining or renovating such old buildings towers, wind energy facilities, parcel sub-division,
continues to be an inefficient use of Town solar installations and facilities, and more. The
funds, and an area of improvement the Town is Enfield Code Enforcement office implements
committed to. the New York State Building and Fire Codes, as
adopted by the Enfield Town Board.
apprecite the responsiveness of the Town Code enforcement is enhanced through the Town
Board o community� concerns of Enfield Site Plan Review Law, Wind Facilities
faith that it bodes well or En Law, Subdivision Regulations, Prohibition of
Gas and Petroleum Activities, solar installation
2013 Resident Survey permitting and solar facilities law.
Communicating information and educating
ENFIELD TOWN COURT the public regarding building and property
maintenance codes is a challenge for the
The Enfield Town Court consists of one Justice Code Enforcement office. Maintenance and
who hears both civil and criminal matters. The repair may be financially out of range for many
Civil proceedings may not exceed $3,000 and residents, making enforcement difficult. However,
criminal proceedings include the prosecution of consolidation of Code Enforcement positions
crimes and violations that are committed within
the town's boundaries.
Current concerns for the Enfield Town Court
include- --
l. Inadequate office space =-
2. Security concerns with office location and
public access to the building
3. Lack of conference space, appropriate _facility for for jury trials and deliberation
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Municipal Services 17
subdivisions and site plan applications that
meet thresholds in the Site Plan Review Law. The
Planning Board also has advisory power and
N BOARD MEETING NOV• 14 offers advice on land use regulations, studies,
TOW maps and reports, budgets, Comprehensive
L Plans, area variance requests, and proposed
V COMM. BUILDING G,0 actions by other boards.
The Planning Board meets once monthly with
annual rotating volunteer membership appointed
by the Town Board. As development in Enfield is
encouraged, the responsibilities of the Planning
Board will increase.
and expansion of office hours has improved Local Law# 2 of 2012, Enfield's Site Plan Review
the ability of the Code Enforcement Officer to Law, has offered the Planning Board a guide
engage with the community for fire and safety to advise development within the boundaries
inspections. Town residents are welcome to of the town, and residents and developers
make an appointment with the Code Officer for alike on the standards in building design and
information about regulations and compliance. construction. The Town of Enfield Subdivision
Town Clean-Up Days, a service administered Regulations provide some guidance with regard
by the Town Board, has become a popular to development. This set of local laws is enforced
offering that provides residents a way to get by the Code Enforcement Officer.
rid of collected junk. This compliments Code
Enforcement efforts to keep properties safely PUBLIC SAFETY
maintained and free of unsightly material, debris,
and collected junk, a persistent concern of Public safety in the Town of Enfield is provided by
residents. the Tompkins County Sheriff's Department, New
Wind and solar activity in the Town of Enfield is York State Police, and New York State Park Police.
on the rise, with 67 permitted residential solar Public safety is a priority in the Town of Enfield. A
installations and 3 commercial solar facilities satellite police presence could reduce response
through 2018. The increase in renewable energy times for local law enforcement requests.
development requires more training and
fieldwork for the Code Enforcement office due The Town of Enfield is legally obligated to provide
to permitting and inspection needs. Continued fire protection services to residents and does so
growth in renewable energy development may through the Enfield Fire Protection District.
necessitate increased hours for this office if the The Town of Enfield contracts with the Enfield
pace of such development in the town continues, Volunteer Fire Company for Fire, EMS, natural
as is the case across Tompkins County. disaster response and other emergencies. A
tax levy is administered to cover the expenses.
ENFIELD PLANNING BOARD The Enfield Volunteer Fire Company is like many
others in the State, in that their workforce is
The Planning Board consists of five individuals aging and there is decreasing volunteer support.
appointed by the Enfield Town Council to serve Financial constraints and levy limitations may
five-year terms (with 2 alternate appointees). also strain budgets and hamper equipment
The regulatory authority specifically delegated replacement efforts in the future.
to the Planning Board is the power to review
18 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Municipal Services
Effective communication between the
Town Board and Fire Company is crucial to iJ '®
providing this important service. Enhancing �1
community awareness of the functions of �!!
the Enfield Volunteer Fire Company may
increase participation and community support. -
Encouraging open communication and -
accountability between the Town Board and the
Fire Company Board of Directors and volunteers r'a•,
is a priority, as these efforts can ensure the ® ?
viability of emergency services long into the
future.
..• . •
$161,964,400
Residential
Agricultural $21,420,400
Commercial $12,952,200
Vacant Land $10,998,200
Public Services $6,966,946
Community Services $5,868,600
Wild, Forested, Conservation $2,406,200
Lands 8 Public Parks
Recreation & Entertainment $2,339,000
Industrial $516,171
Figure 8- Land Use by Total Assessed Value, 2018(Source:Town of Enfield, 2018)
M.54
0.1011• • ` 0111111011111.04 , . ,
Contract- Enfield $320,093
Vol Fire Co
Worker's Comp $27,000
NYS Firefighters $2,400
Cancer Benefit
Figure 9-Town Fire Protection District Expenditures, 2019 (Source:Town of Enfield, 2018)
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Municipal Services 19
THREATS AND HAZARDS
FACING NEW YORK STATE
HAZARD MITIGATION
Local governing boards face increased challenges Flooding
in a changing world. Climate change, natural Hurricanes/Tropical Storms
disasters, and political unrest present many
dangers for which emergency response has Tornadoes
become a necessity. In recent years, Enfield has Winter/Ice Storms
faced several flood events with extensive financial Wildfires
loss, and predictions indicate severe weather
events will likely increase. Algae Blooms
The Town of Enfield has participated minimally Earthquakes
in the Tompkins County Hazard Mitigation Plan, Drought
but has not created a local plan for responding to
events such as massive winter storms, flooding, Infrastructure Failures
long-term power outages, public health crises, or Transportation Accidents
unexpected threats to our community that could Hazardous Materials Incidents
find us unable to manage local services residents
expect. Terrorism
Safety of residents, their homes and property are Active Shooter Situations
paramount. Cooperation of local Enfield services Cyber Attacks
to create a Hazard Mitigation Plan, as well as
facilitating FEMA Flood Mapping positions a town Pandemics/Public Health Emergencies
and its residents to protect themselves not only
in the moment of an Emergency, but through
mitigation and insurance before an event occurs. MUNICIPAL REVENUES AND
Flood mapping may allow homeowners to insure EXPENDITUIRES
their property against flooding and affords the
municipality the opportunity to apply for funds During the 2019 Budget process, much
to mitigate the risks of these events as well as thought was given to the path Enfield is on.
A commitment has been made to better
recovering from them.
understand the long-term needs of the Town and
A Hazard Mitigation Plan prepares a community how to develop a more predictable path forward
to respond quickly in an organized fashion to for residents.
return to the quality of life they have come
to expect. Cooperation with other local Efforts have been made to explore how we
governments and services is predetermined for procure goods and services to make more
effective action. A coordinated effort to complete responsible choices regarding town funds.
this Plan will establish a guide the governing The Town Board has committed to creating a
long-term plan that will help local government
board can follow to mobilize emergency services
and provide much needed amenities to members map out, control future spending, and provide
of the community in their time of need. a more predictable tax levy each year. With
expenses that leave us little control or long-term
perspective, this task is difficult, but necessary.
Increases in revenue are harder to capture, as
municipalities are very limited in their options
for increasing this resource. Mortgage tax,
20 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Municipal Services
"I'm optimistic that Id involvement
_
in local En5eld government by many
thoughtful residents can help build a
more prosperous and caring community
for the 21st centruy."
2013 Resident Survey
Payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreements for
development, franchises, and levies are the most -
common sources of revenue for Towns, and the
most reliable way to increase these amounts AD VALOREM
is through new development and housing BY TOWN •
improvements. WHO GETS YOUR TAX DOLLARS?
Energy usage for inefficient, aging buildings
is at an all-time high. Finding ways to reduce
consumption, while making town spaces safe and 21.70%
comfortable is a priority for both cost and energy County
savings.
Protecting and upgrading town assets and 68 h oll° 21.0
infrastructure are challenging goals that must Town
continually be met. Finding creative and effective
ways to accomplish these goals will be the
challenge of the Town going forward.
Figure 10-Ad Valorem Taxes Paid by Town Residents, 2019
(Source:Town of Enfield, 2018)
Tax Levy $481,322
Mortgage Tax $40,000
Revenue Sharing $16,000
Licenses and Permits $14,500
Tax Items $7,029
Court Facilities-JCAP Grant $7,000
Miscellaneous $5,877
Department Income $1,100
Interest and Earnings $350
Figure 11 -Town General Fund Revenue, 2019(Source:Town of Enfield, 2018)
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Municipal Services 21
• • ' • ilk I b • •
$102,950
Highway Bond
Buildings $68,600
Highway Superintendent $60,568
Culture/Recreation $59,036
Employee Benefits $54,000
Public Safety $52,402
Special Items $44,500
Justice $37,451
Town Clerk $32,254
Supervisor $21,011
Attorney $15,000
Town Board $14,038
Bookkeeper $11,978
Home and Community $11,400
Garage ' $3,500
Street Lighting $1,500
Print, Mail, Records $300
Figure 12-Town Expenditures, 2019(Source:Town of Enfield, 2018)
$1,065,026
Highway 1
General Town $590,488
Fire $349,493
Figure 13-A-Fund Comparison of Town Expenditures, 2019 (Source:Town of Enfield, 2018)
22 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Municipal Services
'je
The following Goals and Actions are recommended based on the current
conditions in the Town of Enfield as described above.
GOAL ACTIONS
1. Decrease risk to la. Explore a proposal for an increase in length of term for
management of Highway Superintendent, Town Supervisor, Town Clerk
Town resources lb. Audit Town finances every five years as turnover increases
risk of malfeasance
lc. Update Town policies bi-annually to reflect new State laws
and changes in municipal practice; including Site Plan
Review, Road Use Agreement, Personnel Handbook, and
others as they become necessary
Id. Promote and enhance transparency and documentation of
Town business
le. Increase training opportunities for governing board members
If. Consider increasing the frequency of official Town Board
meetings to accommodate the amount of new and existing
business the board is responsible for
2. Increase public safety 2a. Maintain the Emergency Management Plan in cooperation
with Tompkins County and New York State
2b. Encourage the installation of a law enforcement satellite
office within the Town of Enfield
2c. Ensure that emergency service providers are equipped
and trained to respond safely and effectively to local
emergencies
2d. Educate the community regarding current and emerging
public health issues and resources
3. Address hazard 3a. Develop a Floodplain Management plan or ordinance for the
mitigation protection of homes and property of residents
3b. Develop an Emergency Management Plan to protect the
lives and property of residents
3c. Identify community resources such as equipment, skillsets,
and other resources residents may be willing to contribute in
the event of a community emergency
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Municipal Services 23
MUNICIPAL • GOALS •
GOAL ACTIONS
4. Increase public 4a. Communicate meeting times and topics of discussion in a
involvement in the more widespread and timely manner
democratic process 4b. Provide documentation of board and committee work
(minutes) in a timely manner
4c. Encourage community involvement through volunteer
opportunities on long and short-term projects
4d. Provide efficient systems for residents to respond to safety
and environmental concerns
5. Reduce mandated 5a. Continue to seek opportunities for consolidation of services
program costs for more with other municipalities to decrease municipal liabilities
control over the budget 5b. Bolster relationships with other municipalities to
process communicate ideas for reduction of mandates at the State
level
6. Encourage and 6a. Research development of renewable energy regulations
responsibly manage that speak to the concerns residents have expressed with all
renewable energy forms of siting and operation of energy development facilities
and environmental 6b. Determine need for management of renewable development
development in the planning and construction within the Town
Town of Enfield in a way 6c. Insure that regulations are met and appropriate
that is compatible with compensation to the Town of Enfield is negotiated for all
our rural way of life development
6d. Update and improve laws and regulations as new
information becomes available to protect the health, safety,
welfare, environmental resources and property of town
residents
24 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Municipal Services
MUNICIPAL • GOALS •
GOAL ACTIONS
7. Encourage community 7a. Increase the availability of programs for education,
organizations for recreation, entertainment, literacy, life skills
increased resident 7b. Encourage the development of a multi-use facility that can
participation in function as a meeting space, youth center, senior program
Town events and space, recreational center, and community room
programming 7c. Foster community feeling and connection by expanding
existing programs to include more residents and diverse
offerings
7d. Prepare a resource guide of information for residents to
include neighborhood and civic organizations and other
topics such as annual events and services, emergency
preparedness, agricultural and environmental issues,
beautification, and communicating with municipal services
7e. Encourage volunteering, including youth and seniors, to assist
in providing community services. Recognize volunteers to
show appreciation
8. Establish outdoor 8a. Define open green spaces to accommodate outdoor
community areas activities, playground space, community gardens, and a
sports field
8b. Explore opportunities for bike paths to provide safe travel to
community facilities
9. Commit to maintaining, 9a. Pursue the development of a new municipal administrative
restoring, or building facility that is accessible, energy efficient, and viable
municipal facilities to for future generations as the Town of Enfield grows in a
coordinated, well-planned manner
provide efficient and
accessible services to all 9b. Find suitable uses for unused municipal properties and
residents of Enfield restore or maintain them for community purposes (ex:
gardening, education, recreation)
9c. Pursue solutions to Highway facility problems
9d. Upgrade existing facilities to comply with building codes and
accessibility standards
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Municipal Services 25
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26
SECTION
EnfieldjW
050 VISION
The Town of - where Agriculture can thrive.
Through sustainable farming practices, stewards of the land preserve the soil for future
generations in order to grow and nourish - agricultural character.
Preserving farmland, cleared mostly by hand over the course of 200 years, and creating an
inviting economy for new and existing agriculture endeavors is a priority for the town and its
residents. Small farming operations and the business that support them remain economically
viable • •mmunity suppo
INTRODUCTION Numerous small farms (produce, equine,
beef and other livestock) are located
Since its founding in 1821, agriculture has been in Enfield, but are not large enough nor
the predominant economic activity within the earn enough farm income to qualify for
Town of Enfield. Presently, Enfield agriculture is agricultural assessment
experiencing a period of resurgence. Many of
the established farmers are expanding their Genex Breeders, a cattle genetics firm, is
operations. Simultaneously, beginning farmers partially located in the Town, but does not
are establishing new farming operations and receive agricultural assessment
associated local retail enterprises within the
Town. Total acres of farmland:
The scope of agricultural production within the • 10,658.74 acres (about 45 percent of the
Town covers nursery/landscape, forages, small town)
grains, beans, livestock (equine, bovine, ovine, • Owned acres: 4144.25 receiving agricultural
porcine and camelids), produce, nurseries, assessment
silviculture and conservation plants. Conventional,
all-natural and organic farming techniques are • Rented acres: 5895.58 receiving agricultural
all utilized within the Town and the results are assessment
enjoyed throughout the community as well as • 618.91 Genex acres
Tompkins County.
Average size of farm:
ENFIELD FARM FACTS • Enfield farms range from 20 acres to over
Source:Compiled by Cornell Cooperative Extension using 1000 acres.
data from Tompkins County Assessment, Tompkins County
Planning, and NYS Certified Agricultural District surveys Because town and county boundaries are
artificial constructs, and many farms cross
FARMS these boundaries. For example, several
farms that own land in the town are based
Number of farms: outside of the town; their 300 acres in the
• Approximately 40 farms receive agricultural town could be part of a 1000 acre farm.
assessment, nine of which are based outside
of the town in bordering communities
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Agriculture 27
Cropped acres: support , moderate
• There were 2700 acres of farm-associate traditional as well as new economy
woodlands in 2013 and remained nearly ' • • •- agriculture in Enfield."
unchanged. 2013 Resident Survey
CROPS
- 4
Traditional crops: 7-411111
F!9-
• Most of the farmland in Enfield is used to
grow crops, by crop farmers as well as dairy
farmers. -_
• Farmers generally grow hay, soybeans, and . �
corn in rotation. Much of the hay and corn -
production stays local or regional and is used
by dairy and beef farms (all three crops) and
other livestock such as horses, sheep, goats,
and alpaca (hay). '
• Soybeans, and some corn, are also sold on a
the international market, travelling by tractor
trailer and train to the ports in New York and
Michigan. At least one farmer in Enfield has There is some experimentation with hops in
a grain roaster, increasing the value of and Enfield, although the extensive infrastructure
demand for his harvest. required and the unknown demand for the
• Small grains (oats, rye, triticale, etc.) are also crop has kept farm investment low.
grown in different acreage quantities from Hemp cultivation may be on the horizon,
year to year. for Enfield as well as state-wide, as the
Emerging grains (hops or others): current governor has authorized NYS Ag
and Markets to prioritize getting the needed
• One of the owners of Farmer Ground research done and getting farms into
Flour (located in the Town of Enfield), rents production. The governor is aware of the
approximately 540 of his 1200 acres for need for processing infrastructure to handle
grain production in Enfield. The mill also production, and until these are in place
works with nine associate farms to raise scaling up of production is not expected.
grain for the mill, one of which is in Enfield
(two others are nearby - one each in
Trumansburg and Ovid). The mill produces
13 types of flour and has close to 150 outlets
over six states, and if the mill continues to
grow there may be additional production
opportunities for interested farmers.
28 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Agriculture
. . PARCELS
Town of Enfield
Agricultural District
L RD
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Hillendale O
Golf Course H TS RD p
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Q =
to
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FISH RD
FIELD CENTER RD W ENFI�ELD CENTER RD
z
J W
= w O W
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p HARVEY HILL R
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WEATHERBY RD
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CONNECTICUT H� Rumsev V- J ROCKWELL D ENFIELp" /I p GRAY RD
HILL RD
J ¢ ��`V RD
O �
WOODARD RD Robert Treman
HINES RD , State Park
0
S
Connecticut Hill GRIFFIN RD TH02�2 I N
Wildlife «i�2
Management Area j u
CAYUTAVILLE RD -',')VAN OSTRAND
RD
N
Agricultural District 2012
Town of Enfield Municipal Boundary 0 0.25 0.5 1 1.5 2
Miles
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Agriculture 29
ADVANTAGES OF THE TOWN'S DISADVANTAGES OF THE TOWN'S
AGRICULTURAL BASE AGRICULTURAL BASE
• Farmers and their business activities can Despite the Town of Enfield's rich history and
promote land stewardship, maintaining committed future, its agricultural community also
the natural beauty of the rural countryside. faces several concerns.
Farmlands established through contour
Large-scale farming operations contribute to
farming, no-till, grain-drill and other
low viability of smaller farming operations.
conservation cultivation practices provide
vegetative buffer zones, hedgerows, - Small farms struggle to compete with the
wetlands, pasture and grasslands; improving volume of large farm operations.
watershed and reducing stormwater runoff.
Many Enfield farmers have worked with the - Large farming operations increase land
County Soil and Water Conservation District holdings of higher quality soil areas
to establish Best Management Practices
(BMP's) including replacement and/or - Containment and/or disposal of waste
installation of approximately four miles of presents a risk to the environment
livestock fence as well as buried water lines, Difficulty of maintaining farming operations.
frost free hydrants, wells in livestock pastures,
pressure tanks, and watering tubs. - Working and safety conditions of farm
operations
• Farmers ease the tax burden of non-farming
landowners when their land is leased to - Extreme weather events due to a
viable farming operations. This relationship changing climate
provides eligibility for agricultural assessment - Regulations that favor other industries
for the landowner.
• Farmers keep land viable and preserve - Unpredictable economic conditions
natural capital for agricultural use both now
P g Impact of farming changes on community.
and in the future.
- Less small farms often equates to less
community support and connection
- Resident farmers face challenges of
continuing operations, as industrial sized
farming operations dominate the market.
- Studies show that as land holdings of
independent farming operations become
acquired by larger farming operations,
less local spending and higher crime
and poverty rates result. (NY State
Comptroller 2010: Bet on the Farm:
Farmland Protection as a Strategy for
Economic Growth and Renewal)
30 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Agriculture
The following Goals and Actions are recommended based on the current
conditions in the Town of Enfield as described above.
GOAL ACTIONS
1. Support the Towns la. Partner with the Enfield Grange and other local agricultural
existing agricultural organizations to offer educational workshops and speakers
base on agricultural topics relevant to Town farmers and other
residents
lb. Encourage the development of value-added agricultural
enterprises that complement and build on traditional
agricultural operations within the Town
lc. Ensure that Enfield is represented on County Advisory
Boards such as the EMC (Environmental Management
Committee) and WRC (Water Resources Council)
ld. Appoint a Town Agricultural Advisory Board to provide
comment on local proceedings and trends that may impact
agriculture
le. Develop a resource whereby the Town can disseminate
program information from agricultural agencies to Town
farmers
If. Provide annual training opportunities for Town Official(s)
in NYS Agricultural District Law to ensure that the Town
adheres to NYS Agricultural District Law
I g. Educate residents regarding the New York State Right to
Farm Law, in particular as it pertains to Towns in designated
NYS Agricultural Districts
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Agriculture 31
• •E- GOALS AND ACTIONSCONTINUED
GOAL I ACTIONS
2. Cultivate an Agriculture- 2o. Educate the non-farming public about the realities of living
Friendly community in an agricultural community by encouraging farming
relationships through community events and upon issuance
of new building permits, provide copies of:
• The NYS Agricultural Districts Law
• The NYS Right-to-Farm Law
• Relevant documents such as Cornell Cooperative Extension's
flyer Living in the Country
2b. Publish in the Town newsletter and on the Town web page
seasonal reminders about typical farming activities, how to
support them and how to stay safe
2c. Apply for NYS grant funding to develop a Town Ag &
Protection Plan
3. Encourage the 3a. Facilitate the development of a local produce market or
consumption of locally swap
produced agricultural 3b. Explore farm-to-school initiatives that can be implemented
goods in the Enfield Elementary School
3c. Create a list of active small farm businesses that sell their
products on site or at local markets and retailers
4. Foster the use of 4a. Encourage agriculturalists to utilize the educational resources
best management available from local universities, Cooperative Extension,
practices for all forms of government agencies, and agricultural professionals
agriculture
32 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Agriculture
• • GOALS •
GOAL ACTIONS
5. Establish an Enfield 5a. Foster positive interactions among all agriculturalists:
Agricultural Community • Create new social media sites to build community interest
• Promote the existing Enfield Agriculture Facebook page
• Add resources to the Town of Enfield website
• Utilize a Town-wide Email list
• Encourage membership to the Enfield Grange and other
relevant local agricultural organizations
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Agriculture 33
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34
SECTION
• • VISION
The Town of Enfield is a community residents are proud to call "home". We are a regional
leader in environmental preservation, agriculture, and safe and compatible renewable energy
development.
Enfield values its farmland and the infrastructure that supports it, recognizing that an
agricultural base provides for the rural landscape we so enjoy. Preserving prime farmland is a
priority for the town.
Residential renewable energy installations, as well as conservation efforts, show a conscious
effort to protect our environmental and resources in the present and for future generations.
Commercial renewable energy development is managed to provide a balance between energy
needs that safeguard our environment and respect for our rural agriculturally productive
landscape.
The Town of Enfield offers opportunities for affordable housing and commercial economic
development respective of our rural character and natural beauty, while protecting the
property . . -
The town has adequate resources and infrastructure to support our thriving community.
Enfield continues to provide a safe and beautiful environment in which to live and do business.
Residents actively work to advance common values and goals to preserve our rural landscape
for generations present and futur- to live
INTRODUCTION This section will serve to inform interested parties
of the intentions for development and growth
The Town of Enfield is committed to maintaining presently and with forward vision.
its rural landscape by ensuring that existing and
potential development enhances the safety and The Town of Enfield is comprised of 36.9 square
quality of life of our residents. Enfield residents miles in Tompkins County, New York. It also
wish to maintain a balance between the land includes the unincorporated hamlet of Enfield
entitlements of individual property owners Center. This is a small residential area in which
and the goals of the community at-large. The the Town Hall, Highway Department storage
Town aims to provide adequate public services, facility, Community Building/Town Court, Grange
practice good planning principles, and ensure Hall, Volunteer Fire Company, and existing and
that growth is thoughtfully incorporated into former church buildings are located.
the existing Enfield community as to enhance a
variety of land uses. In addition to a growing number of single-family
homes, farms constitute a large percentage
The Land Use section reflects a commitment to of the land use in the Town of Enfield. Most of
all aspects of this Plan, informing us as to how the acreage is part of a protected Agricultural
our use of the land and what is built therein in the District. Enfield is also home to several
Town of Enfield supports the goals and actions of recreational parks and preserves.
each section. The Comprehensive Plan serves as
a tool for policymakers, citizens, and developers. Several large-scale solar PV operations have
been constructed by Renovus Solar and Delaware
River Solar in the Town of Enfield since 2016.
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Land Use 35
• A DAD
1,150
Residential —
Vacant Land M 334
Agricultural — 91
Wild, Forested, Conservation -46
Lands, & Public Parks
Commercial 44
Public Services 031
Community Services 115
Recreation & Entertainment 7
Industrial 7
Figure 14- Land use by type, 2018
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND Local Law#1 of 2009, "Wind Energy Facilities
LOCAL LAWS Local Law", regulates commercial wind-
powered electricity generation facilities as well
Article 16 of the NY State Town Law states as the installation of small wind generators
that the purpose of a comprehensive plan is for homeowners. Changes to the Wind Energy
to establish a consensus about a community's Facilities Local Law have been proposed, as the
future, prepare it for future demographic and current law is being improved for the safety
economic changes, protect its natural and of residents and the environment through
agricultural resources, and provide direction to the creation of a Renewable Energy Advisory
the Town and other governmental agencies in the Committee, charged with assessing our
consideration and enactment of future land use renewable energy development regulations.
policies and regulations. According to the State,
enabling statutes and land use regulations must Local Law# 2 of 2012, "Site Plan Review",
be in accordance with a comprehensive plan. NY protects the value of land throughout the Town;
State also recommends that municipalities review encourages orderly and sensible development
their Comprehensive Plans every five years to of land and its uses; prevents the pollution of
assure their continuing vision and alignment with air and water; assures the adequacy of proper
Town activities. water management with regard to drainage
and runoff; provides for the preservation of
The Town has enacted four significant open spaces; abates and mitigates nuisances;
laws regarding Land Use since the 2001 encourages the preservation of natural features,
Comprehensive Plan. Municipalities may review topography, and resources; and generally
and update existing laws at regular intervals, protects the health, safety and public welfare
and develop new ordinances in accordance of the residents of the Town. This Local Law
with current understanding of impacts to health, ultimately promotes conservation, preservation,
safety, welfare and property of the residents of and guides development in the Town, while also
the municipality. helping to prevent and mitigate certain unwanted
36 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Land Use
MAP 3 - LAND USE AND LAND COVER, 2015
i 4
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and deleterious impacts that may arise from beauty and comfort that residents of Enfield have
the unregulated development of land for certain always enjoyed.
allowed uses.
Local Law No. 1 of 2013, the "Prohibition Within COMMUNITY PLANNING IN
the Town of Gas And Petroleum Exploration And CONTEXT
Extraction Activities, Underground Storage Of
Natural Gas, and Disposal Of Natural Gas Or According to the Comprehensive Plan Survey
Petroleum Extraction, Exploration, And Production (results in appendix), Town residents most
Wastes" is the culmination of a two year effort appreciate Enfield's open spaces. Land use
by an engaged Enfield community to show that planning and activity must reflect the desires of
heavy industry of this type is not compatible with the community to maintain these characteristics
the preservation of Enfield's rural character. and safeguard the way of life enjoyed by those
who live here.
Local Law No. 1 of 2017, Moratorium on
Commercial Wind and Solar Energy Facilities, Agricultural endeavors have been the foundation
was passed for one year in response to of economic sustainability for much of Enfield,
proposals for an industrial wind farm and as approximately 10,000 acres are farmed,
several solar operations. Residents asked the representing over 40% of the acreage in the town.
Town of Enfield to evaluate the impact of these It is important to this community to create a
changing technologies. A Renewable Energy friendly environment for sustaining existing, and
Advisory Committee was developed to make inviting new, agricultural projects to the Town.
recommendations on guidelines for solar and Responsible agricultural practices contribute
wind development and this timeframe would significantly in cultivating the rural character
allow for the completion of the Comprehensive residents appreciate.
Plan update, development of commercial solar Through the Enfield Community Survey of 2013,
oversight, and a review of the Wind Facilities Law. residents registered concerns about agricultural
These four laws demonstrate leadership that practices that would diminish Enfield's ability to
ensures the residents of the Town of Enfield sustain farming as a viable economic endeavor
are both invested in and benefit from the for generations to come. Among those mentioned
ongoing preservation of the natural resources, are large-scale industrial farming practices
land security, rural history, and future of their and CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding
community. Operations) that are not compatible with
sustainable preservation of and may threaten
The Tompkins County Comprehensive Plan states land and water resources.
the following: "When we think of places we have
visited or lived, some stand out as models of Land uses that preserve and protect land and
natural beauty and human comfort, supported water resources are important to the residents
by thriving local economies. These communities of Enfield and encouraged in the Town. Climate
do not grow by accident or without public debate predictions and economic challenges make
and agreed-upon guidelines. Collaborative this community mindful of the future need
planning processes and comprehensive plans are for more locally sourced food and renewable
the building blocks of such great communities." energy opportunities. The Enfield community has
demonstrated a commitment to reducing the use
One of the goals of the Enfield Comprehensive of fossil fuels and exploring renewable and energy
Plan is to guide the uses of land by employing efficient development that is compatible with the
planning techniques and practices that rural landscape central to the Town's identity.
encourage responsible growth and respects the
38 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Land Use
Nearly 70 solar permits have been issued
in Enfield since 2014, the bulk of which were
installed during years when Tompkins County
was participating in cooperative initiatives that
incentivized solar installations, such as Solar
Tompkins. Residents can, and many are, now
taking advantage of community solar and
commercial solar opportunities for meeting their
energy needs that don't require installing solar
arrays on their properties and therefore saving
both cost of equipment and having to alter their
land or homes with the required infrastructure.
A lack of telecommunication systems in Enfield
has historically challenged the Town's efforts to
engage and educate residents. However, with
new communication technologies reaching more
homes in Enfield, informing residents and keeping
them connected with municipal programming
has improved participation and awareness of
local issues. Continuing this trend of engaging
our citizenry is a primary goal of the Town as
connective technologies and the infrastructure
that is necessary for their implementation
continues to support and improve Town services.
Through time, residents have struggled to help
actively plan for the future of the Town and how
it takes shape. This update of our comprehensive
plan and local laws now in place are a strong
start that we hope will reverse that trend and
encourage greater access to and engagement
in the planning process that protects and
simultaneously enhances our municipality. Having
a defined community vision and menu of planning
tools will aid the Town in involving residents to
participate in decisions involving community
development, and spur civic participation that
advances the Town's best interests for quality of
I ife.
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Land Use 39
The following Goals and Actions are recommended based on the current
conditions in the Town of Enfield as described above.
GOAL ACTIONS
1. Respect Enfield's Rural la. Encourage homesteading and farming
Character lb. Limit high-density of development
lc. Develop, define, and preserve the Town Center
id. Preserve and provide private and public open spaces by
protecting environmentally sensitive areas and scenic vistas,
and promoting agricultural and forrestal lands
le. Clearly articulate and communicate the Town's future land
use goals, development standards and requirements to the
development community and the general public
If. Scrutinize industrial land uses before approval
lg. Actively support residents in housing upkeep and
maintenance
2. Maintain a balance 2a. Encourage developers to work with surrounding property
between property rights owners and tenants to resolve community concerns prior to
of individual landowners formalizing development plans
and the community at 2b. Provide oversight for noise, light, and other pollutants
large produced by land uses to minimize impacts on nearby
properties
2c. Educate residents about property rights, responsible land
use practices, and encourage community input
2d. Provide opportunities for concerns to be expressed without
legal actions
3. Provide adequate public 3a. Protect the integrity and quality of water resources in the
services Town
3b. Support communication--cellular, cable, Internet--access
3c. Develop and enforce a road preservation law to establish
limitations of our local town roads in order to protect them
(Exempted could be agricultural operations, school buses,
law enforcement, fire-fighting equipment, military vehicles,
and municipal vehicles engaged in road work)
40 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Land Use
GOALSLAND USE - • •
GOAL ACTIONS
4. Utilize good land 4a. Update and implement responsible subdivision, site design
development planning and development oversight to minimize environmental
principles impacts within the Town. Residential, commercial, industrial,
or agricultural development or redevelopment should meet
or exceed federal, state, or local regulations to minimize
impacts of soil erosion, storm water run-off, and pollution
4b. Explore programs to encourage energy efficient residential
and commercial buildings
4c. Have municipal boards use detailed Town map and land-use
data to make informed decisions relative to the concerns in
this Comprehensive Plan
4d. Ensure growth is thoughtfully incorporated into the existing
community establishing a priority growth area that supports
a Town Center vision
4e. Consider the compatibility of development with surrounding
uses. Utilize strategies such as landscaping or other buffering
techniques along with modification of site design to minimize
impacts and facilitate compatibility
4f. Update Site-Plan Review Law and subdivision regulations, as
necessary, to address future community needs
5. Preserve and support 5a. Inventory vacant land and tax parcels to identify potential
the agricultural sites for future local food production and other agricultural
resources of the town community uses
5b. Promote environmentally and economically sustainable
agriculture through which the industry of farming is
protected, agricultural soils are conserved, and agriculture is
maintained as an economically viable land use for this and
future generations in the Town of Enfield
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Land Use 41
GOALSLAND USE - • •
GOAL ACTIONS
6. Encourage land uses 6a. Encourage renewable energy that is compatible with the
that follow sustainability Enfield community's stated goals and concerns
principles 6b. Encourage energy efficiency and conservation
6c. Create buffer zones to control air, soil, and water quality
6d. Encourage land preservation techniques among the
agricultural community
6e. Maintain the ban on gas drilling activities
42 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Land Use
SECTION ENVIRONMENT
NATURAL RESOURCES
• • VISION
environmentalThe Town of Enfield meets the commitments of today without compromising the needs of future
generations. Enfield respects and manages its natural resources in a way that is sustainable for
the natural environment and protects our rural, scenic beauty.
Enfield continually educates and informs residents regarding the protection of natural resources
and concerns and opportunities.
Enfield strives for safe, clean energy opportunities and reduction in energy use to preserve and
protect - -
disaster,Enfield is well prepared to manage its resources in the event of infrastructure and population
growth, natural - preservation.
INTRODUCTION and/or bedrock aquifers. No municipal water
system exists in Enfield and all residents obtain
As a rural, primarily agricultural town in the their drinking water from private wells or springs.
popular, tourism-rich Finger Lakes region of New
York State, natural beauty is a key feature of Enfield is the only town in Tompkins County
what makes Enfield an appealing location to live. that has not identified 100-year floodplains for
Abundant clean water, protected forests, gorges participation in the National Flood Insurance
and waterfalls are cherished resources of the Program (NFIP), which is used to establish flood
Town. insurance premiums.
Enfield is committed to the conservation The landform of the Finger Lakes Region in
and preservation of our water, air, land, and which Enfield lies is a result of the most recent
other natural resources for sustainable use by ice age approximately 200 million years ago.
generations to come. Retreating glaciers carved deep gorges and
the Finger Lakes, leaving steep hills and valleys
HYDROLOGICAL RESOURCES throughout southern Tompkins County. Deposits
of sedimentary rocks (shale, siltstone, and
Most of the town lies within the Cayuga limestone) make up the bedrock geology of the
Lake watershed and Great Lakes Basin. The town. Closer to the surface, deposits of kame, till
Southwestern corner lies within the Cayuta Creek and till moraine make up the surficial geology.
watershed and Susquehanna River Basin. The
St. Lawrence Continental Divide crosses through quietlike that
Enfield to create these watersheds. Designated water is nd h
protected wetlands make up 56 acres of the - "
love growing my garden and walking
town. in the woods, flowers
Enfield has engaged with the USGS to study the and trees."
aquifer underlying Enfield Creek, which consists 2013 Resident
of both confined and unconfined sand and gravel
aquifers. The rest of the town is made up of till
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Environment and Natural Resources 43
Enfield is home to magnificent natural beauty, through 12 acres of rn }X� _
most prominently, Enfield Creek as it runs old-growth maples
through the Robert H. Treman New York State estimated to have Robert
Park, including the well-known Lucifer Falls. stood there for 250-
Treman
There are 9 Unique Natural Areas (UNAs) in the 400 years. Foresters STATE PARK
Town, totaling 923 acres. The Tompkins County say this may be the
Environmental Management Council defines finest virgin maple
STATE OF NEWYORK
Unique Natural Areas as "an area of outstanding forest in the state. OFFICE OF PARKS
RECREATION AND
WISTORIC PRESERVATION
environmental qualities that deserves special ANDREWMCUOMO
GOVERNOR
attention for preservation in its natural state. The Connecticut
L FINGER LAKES REGION
UNAs have locally rare plants, animals, or Hill Wildlife
interesting assemblages of plants and animals Management Area
that are locally uncommon." an
also considered
an "Important Bird
The Finger Lakes Land Trust holds conservation Area" by the National
easements on two properties totaling 167 acres. Audubon Society.
The Stevenson Forest Preserve, at 83 acres, and There are 856 acres
the Lower Nature Preserve, are both open to the of nationally or
public. 786.84 acres of Robert H. Treman New federally designated wetland within the Town.
York State Park and a small portion 186.7 acres The Robert H. Treman Park attracts thousands of
of the New York State Connecticut Hill Wildlife visitors each year, however, residents of Enfield
Management Area lie within the town, and may find the parking fee prohibitive and explore
provide recreational opportunities for residents other natural areas instead.
and visitors.
The Bock-Harvey Forest Preserve was once ENERGY RESOURCES
part of the military tracts owned by the Harvey Enfield holds potential for the production of
family, who settled in southwestern Enfield energy resources and wishes to be careful and
in 1807. For over 200 years, descendants of deliberate about how these resources are utilized
Harveys worked the farmland and preserved
the family's woodlands. Six generations hence, and managed. Decisions regarding energy
the Bock family production, such the Black Oak Wind Farm and
Oil/Gas Ban have taken place with widespread
donated 48 acres to citizen engagement, indicating the importance of
FT� partnership the F energy resource development as well as safety
Finger Lakes Trail
il Conference (FLTC), and quality of life for Enfield residents.
the Finger Lakes Natural gas resources are present in the Town
Land Trust (FLLT), and historically have been exploited by drilling
and the Cayuga wells. Since the passage of"Local Law No. 1 of
Trails Club (CTC). 2013 to affect a Prohibition within The town of
Crossed by the Natural Gas And Petroleum Exploration And
Finger Lakes Trail, Extraction Activities, Underground Storage Of
the Bock-Harvey Natural Gas, And Disposal Of Natural Gas Or
4 Forest Preserve Petroleum Extraction, Exploration, And Production
features a lean-to Wastes" was passed on June 12, 2013, natural
campsite, views of gas drilling activities and exploration ceased
^y�, the Enfield valley, permanently.
- and a walking loop
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Environment and Natural Resources 45
Renewable energy resources offer great potential a 7-turbine, 11.9 megawatt wind farm on
for development in Enfield, including solar, wind, approximately 33 acres on Black Oak Road.
geothermal, micro-hydropower and bioenergy. The project is no longer viable as of 2017.
The town wishes to support residents and This proposal raised many concerns over the
businesses in developing renewable energy compatibility of such heavy industry in the Town
systems safely at the home and commercial of Enfield with regard to setbacks and health and
scale. safety concerns.
Solar energy is increasingly affordable and Finally, three commercial solar developments
incentives via local entities such as Solar were permitted over a two-year period, raising
Tompkins and local solar installer programs, questions about the impact of this changing
as well as NYS tax subsidies, have resulted in a technology on the town.
significant increase of solar installations in the
Town of Enfield. In June of 2017, Local Law#l, Moratorium on
Commercial Wind and Solar Energy Facilities,
In January 2016, New York State's first residential was enacted to evaluate how best to incorporate
solar facility with separate remote net-metering renewable energy developments in the Town.
and a capacity of 190 kilowatts (kW) went online
in The Town of Enfield, serving 23 residential
customers. Construction of a second facility with
an additional capacity of 290 kW serving 30
customers was completed in 2017. Renovus Solar,
a local company headquartered in neighboring
Town of Ulysses, NY constructed the projects, and
Delaware River Solar completed a 2 mega-watt
solar facility in 2019. Recognizing the need to
reduce energy costs and reliance on fossil fuels,
the Enfield Town Board engaged with NYSERDA
in their Clean Energy Communities program and
received a grant in the amount of$50,000.00
to complete a solar array approximately 24kW
in size and capable of providing nearly 30,000
kW per year. It is forecast to save the Town
approximately $70,000.00 in utility cost over
20 years, as well as offset 8.5 million metric tons
(MMT) of greenhouse gas emissions. Through this
initiative, the Town is demonstrating its present
and future commitment to actively conserving
energy and utilizing renewable energy resources.
Ongoing innovations in bio-energy and
bio-products research will provide future
opportunities for grasses and other perennial
plants to be grown for fuel. The amount of vacant
agricultural land within the town offers promising
potential renewable energy development and
potential for gains in energy efficiency.
Further, Black Oak Wind Farm LLC proposed
46 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Environment and Natural Resources
ENVIRONMENTRARESOURCES
GOALS •
The following Goals and Actions are recommended based on the current
conditions in the Town of Enfield as described above.
GOAL ACTIONS
1. Protect land, air, soil, la. Discourage commercial activities which threaten
and water resources environmental health, such as oil and gas extraction,
within the Town through associated containment, storage or transfer, and other
heavy industries
environmental planning
and coordination with lb. Uphold municipal protections, and add new statutes as it
review and oversight of becomes necessary to protect the health, safety, and public
development activity welfare
lc. Support community organizing efforts that support the
protection of natural resources and development of
renewable energy and reduction of energy use, such as Solar
Tompkins' HeatSmart campaign and the Button-Up Enfield
program
Id. Engage residents in public visioning and or information
sessions to collect input when considering new development
le. Support land conservation through easements with Finger
Lakes Land Trust and similar organizations
If. Utilize information generated by the USGS aquifer study to
identify the location, quality and quantity of groundwater
resources
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Environment and Natural Resources 47
ENVIRONMENTRARESOURCES
GOALS • •
GOAL ACTIONS
2. Protect land, air, soil, 2a. Promote environmental education opportunities offered
and water resources by Cornell Cooperative Extension, Groundswell, and other
within the town through resources
education and outreach 2b. Encourage community organizing efforts that support
the protection of natural resources and development of
renewable energy, such as Solar Tompkins and Cornell
Cooperative Extension
2c. Encourage and educate the community regarding ways to
limit the use of fossil fuels and promote the use of renewable
energy
2d. Protect the quality of surface and groundwater
resources against degradation, through actions such as
formalizing stream corridor protections, supporting the
documentation of water quality through volunteer water
monitoring partnerships with the Community Science
Institute, and encouraging practices that reduce erosion
and sedimentation of water bodies, including agricultural
practices
2e. Engage youth through environmental education and
employment opportunities
2f. Increase awareness of household hazardous waste and
recycling opportunities
2g. Increase education and outreach for energy conservation
initiatives
48 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Environment and Natural Resources
ENVIRONMENTRARESOURCES
GOALS • •
GOAL ACTIONS
3. Protect land, air, soil, 3a. Preserve the quality of surface and ground-water in order to
and water resources protect against environmental degradation
within the Town through 3b. Encourage all practices which minimize contamination of the
preservation and environment
conservation 3c. Encourage all practices which safeguard waterways from
excessive erosion and sedimentation
3d. Decrease drainage of organic and inorganic contaminants
into Cayuga Lake and wetlands
3e. Use data from the USGS aquifer study to determine the
quality and quantity of water in Enfield and appropriate
measures for preserving the aquifer
3f. Consider protections recommended for Unique Natural
Areas (UNAs) as identified by the Tompkins County Planning
Department
3g. Research and identify other possible UNAs and Critical
Environmental Areas (CEAs) for official designation
3h. Identify and promote state and local programs and
opportunities for home and commercial energy efficiency
and conservation
31. Explore participation in the National Flood insurance
Program (NFIP) to mitigate and reduce the impact of
flooding on private and public structures within the Town
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Environment and Natural Resources 49
THE PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY
50
SECTION • ' • PUBLIC
UTILITIES, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND TRANSPORTATION
• • VISION
The Town of Enfield enjoys accessible roads, and safe and economical transportation options
that meet the needs of residents and others who travel through it, regardless of their method
of transportation. Solutions that reduce the need for automobiles, save energy and reduce
greenhouse gas emissions are encouraged.
Residents and businesses have access to modern communications systems necessary to be
competitive in today's education and economic environment, be it in the Town or across local
borders.
Enfield has a clear understanding of its resources and the potential for growth of infrastructure
such as water, wastewater, solid waste, roads, telecommunications and energy needs.
INTRODUCTION potential of high road repair costs incurred by
heavy industrial traffic beyond that for which
The major transportation routes through the our roads were built. Such an agreement
town are NY State Route 79 (Mecklenburg Road) establishes the amount of compensation and/
and NY State Route 327 (Enfield Falls/Enfield or repair/reconstruction for which the company
Main Road). There are 12 center-line miles of causing the damage would be responsible.
State road and 24.7 center line miles of County Heavy industrial use, such as the installation of
road in Enfield. The 44.45 center-line miles (86.2 a commercial renewable energy facility, is one
lane miles) of Town road are laid out in a grid example of additional use of Enfield's roads
pattern, reflecting the agricultural history of the that would cause such wear. Understanding
community. The Enfield Highway Department is these challenges and mitigation techniques
responsible for all maintenance of Town roads. is imperative to maintaining our roadway
Transportation by residents of the Town is mainly infrastructure and keeping our residents safe.
achieved by automobile. However, more and
more residents find that public transportation
as well as bicycling and walking are becoming
attractive options for getting around. Residents need - model of
are concerned with the safety of pedestrians and development that includesimproved
bicyclists and look forward to improvements toimproved
the environment and additional infrastructure transportation
that will make these options safer, easily 2013 Resident
accessible, more popular, and connected to more
destinations.
The Town of Enfield is clear that it values its
rural character and natural resources; it does
not welcome heavy industry. Nevertheless, it
is important for Enfield to implement a Road
Use agreement law to protect itself from the
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Built Environment 51
MAP 5 - STATE, COUNTY, AND LOCAL HIGHWAY ROUTES
Town of Enfield
State, County and Local Highway Routes
iRno rzo
------- 177 IRADELL RD Ex
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State Highways N
County Roads
Local Roads 0 0.25 0.5 1 1.5 2
Town of Enfield Municipal Boundary Miles
52 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Built Environment
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION WATER AND SEWER
In 2016, the Town of Enfield and TCAT The Town of Enfield does not have municipal
implemented a Park and Ride location on water or sewer services. Because of the low
Enfield Main Road, across from the Town Hall, density of homes and businesses, it would be
providing residents with an accessible place difficult and costly to provide such services
to park and take public transportation to and town-wide. However, the lack of municipal water
from the City of Ithaca as well as a direct route and sewer may be an impediment to economic
from Enfield to Cayuga Medical Center, with development as some businesses may find well-
connection to Watkins Glen, Montour Falls and water unsuitable, or septic costs prohibitive.
Schuyler Hospital (via Schuyler County Transit).
An additional bus stop is provided at the Town of Enfield contracted with the USGS (United States
Enfield Highway facility, but without parking. More Geologic Survey) to complete an Aquifer study.
of these pick-up/drop-off locations are desired by Four pairs of wells (eight total) were drilled along
the community. the Enfield Valley aquifer. Each pair consisted
of a shallow (12 - 60 feet) and a deep (61 - 143
foot) well. Wells were monitored for water depth
COMMUNICATION and temperature over a multi-year period. Wells
Another hindrance to the Town of Enfield's were sampled and tested for inorganic nutrients
growth is deficient communication services. Cell and metals, some of which have drinking water
phone service both in the center of town as well quality standards, and many do not. In most
cases, drinking water quality standards were met,
as in outlying areas is deficient or non-existent.
High-speed internet is not available in sections where they exist. The exceedances were primarily
found in two deep wells (TM1075) and (TM1077),
of Enfield. This inhibits the ability of businesses
t although other wells also exceeded certain
o compete. Lack of adequate communication
infrastructure has a negative impact on residents drinking water quality standards. The study also
seeking education, employment, or other services, looked at surface water quality in Enfield Creek
which now heavily rely upon internet connectivity. from five locations during a sampling event in
Low quality internet service makes formal September 2015.
distance learning and self-education nearly
impossible. Enfield government and community
services communicate important information
to residents using online methods and aim to
improve connectivity to benefit operations and
social, community-based interaction alike.
The Park&Ride location on Enfield Center Road allows
commuters to park and take public transportation to multiple
destinations throughout Tompkins County.
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Built Environment 53
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54 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Built Environment
ENVIRONMENT:BUILT
AND TRANSPORTATION - GOALS AND ACTIONS
The following Goals and Actions are recommended based on the current
conditions in the Town of Enfield as described above.
GOAL ACTIONS
1. Increase safety of la. Determine dangerous areas for all traffic- automobile,
Enfield residents and pedestrian and cyclists- within the Town of Enfield and
visitors traveling within explore methods to mitigate these dangers
the Town of Enfield lb. Determine appropriate caution signage that will assist in
making drivers aware of chronically dangerous road areas
and conditions, as well as warnings about pedestrian and
bicycle traffic
lc. Seek ways to improve roadside safety conditions to provide
and encourage safe passage of pedestrian and bicycle
traffic
2. Increase accessibility to 2a. Increase the connectivity and mobility of Enfield community
public transportation members as well as the Town's accessibility to visitors
2b. Encourage the use of the Park and Ride locations and other
transportation services that would best serve residents and
engage TCAT and other regional transportation programs in
implementing more options
3. Improve communication 3a. Survey the Enfield community to map areas that lack
services in the Town of sufficient cellular, internet, and cable services
Enfield 3b. Using information obtained about local deficiencies in
services, solicit service providers who can expand their
offerings to the Enfield community
3c. Continue to seek technology grants and other funding that
may be available to communities for economic growth
and expansion, as well as opportunities for expanding
communication technology services to the Town of Enfield
3d. Establish agreements with providers to the community that
maximize benefits to the Town
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Built Environment 55
ENVIRONMENT:BUILT RA
AND TRANSPORTATION - GOALS AND ACTIONSCONTINUED >>>
GOAL ACTIONS
4. Improve understanding 4a. Define the water resources in the Town of Enfield with data
of, and protect water obtained by the Aquifer Study in cooperation with Tompkins
resources in the Town of County and USGS
Enfield 4b. Determine what protections are needed for the water
resources entrusted to the Town by its residents
4c. Prepare Enfield for future growth by understanding the
resources available and what protections may be necessary
for future residential population increases, associated
development and changes in water use
5. Prepare the Town of 5a. Assess the need for a Road Protection Law to guard the
Enfield for the potential Town and residents from liabilities and dangers of these road
of heavy traffic changes uses
5b. Coordinate with other towns that have experienced these
changes and learn what dangers and challenges they
present
5c. Encourage training for Highway Department Superintendent
and employees to address the changes that may occur in
the event of heavy use of the roads in Enfield
6. Provide adequate 6a. Prepare and maintain a replacement and maintenance
equipment and services schedule for aging equipment for the Enfield Highway
for road maintenance Department. Make inventory replacement a priority for
in order to keep town proper care of transportation routes
routes safe for travelers 6b. Continue to provide training opportunities for Highway
Department staff
6c. Maintain a quality workplace for Highway Department staff
in order to draw and keep quality employees committed to
the care of our transportation routes
56 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Built Environment
2050 VISION
The Town of Enfield welcomes residents of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds and offers
a variety of housing opportunities. Enfield encourages affordability in housing types to those
who wish . rent or own a home in the community.
EnfieldNew development, as well as the restoration of older homes are on the rise as newcomers and
long-time residents alike foster community and grow economic and social stability here.
The Town of Enfield encourages housing choices and types designed to meet the diverse needs
of those residents of generations past, present, and future while encouraging their celebration
of all . offer.
ENFIELD HOUSING
TYPES OF •
According to the latest U.S. Census, in 2016, there
were 1,631 housing units in Enfield, an 18 percent
increase over the year 2000. Of the 1,631 total Single family Single family
dwellings, 68.3 percent were owner-occupied, In residence residence on
on under 10+acres,
26.1 were renter-occupied, and 7.8 percent were 10 acres 15 no ag use
vacant.
The 2010 U.S. Census also shows that the Town
of Enfield has a density of 38.8 homes per square eQ� Single family 2-family
mile, an increase of 3 homes per square mile residence on residence on
10+acres w/ under 10
since 2000, with 124 vacant housing units in 50 ag use )1 1 acres
Enfield (7.8 percent of the housing stock). The
vacancy rate represents an increase of 0.2
percent since 2000. In 2010, there were 580 •
mobile homes in the Town, or 37 percent of the Apartment, Multiple more than tiple
""
.... houses on
housing stock, an increase of 3 percent since 23 three units 22 a property
2000. The 2016 estimated median home value
in Enfield was $139,668. The estimated median
home value in Tompkins County overall is Residential w/
$201,500. 3-family commercial
residence on E0 use(typically
under 10 acres a B&B)
94� Seasonal
residence
2
Figure 15-Types of Housing in Enfield
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Housing 57
Historically, the Town of Enfield has struggled
with a high poverty rate, diminished investment ENFIELD HOUSING
in infrastructure, and deteriorating municipal STATISTICS, 2016
facilities. The absence of public water and sewer
services as well as limited internet and cellular TOTAL HOUSING UNITS = 1,631
services are challenges that impede our ability
to attract new housing starts and generate (124)
(124) _
business development. As we focus efforts on
removing these impediments through the stated Vacant units
goals in this chapter, Enfield can become a 28.1%
strong contender for future endeavors, such as (486)
those explored in the Economic Development Renter- ( os21,082
)
chapter, that add to the quality of life of current occupied
residents as well as serve as a beacon for units Owner-
occupied
attractive, affordable community development units
for residential and business newcomers alike.
MEDIAN HOME VALUE = $139,668
AVERAGE HOME VALUE = $320,268
Figure 16- ESRI demographics(Source: U.S. Census
Bureau and American Community survey data)
58 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Housing
The following Goals and Actions are recommended based on the current
conditions in the Town of Enfield as described above.
GOAL ACTIONS
1. Improve the standard la. Identify programs to assist in building new or upgrading
of housing and the existing housing options
quality of life for Enfield lb. Inform residents of state and local programs for first time
residents, so all Enfield home buyers that support upgrades and improvements
residents may enjoy lc. Educate residents on low-cost improvements that can make
safe and affordable properties safe, accessible and may improve, property
homes values
Id. Encourage replacement of older, inefficient mobile homes
with those meeting current standards
le. Educate residents about methods of making their homes
energy-efficient and encourage sustainability practices, to
reduce utility bills and improve home values
2. Strengthen our tax 2a. Explore opportunities and investors for multi-family and
base by encouraging senior housing to provide quality, affordable housing for new
new residents of and existing residents
diverse personal 2b. Encourage the creation of a community center that provides
and professional support to all residents in Enfield. A socially connected
backgrounds to move community is attractive not only to existing residents but to
into the Town of Enfield potential home buyers and builders
2c. Promote Enfield to the greater public to encourage new
residential, agricultural, and business growth
3. Protect and serve 3a. Regularly review and update as necessary the Town's
residents through proper Subdivision Regulations and Site Plan Review standards to
management and determine changes and trends in housing and development
that should be addressed
planning of housing and
other development that 3b. Develop a Floodplain Management plan or ordinance for the
meets the community
protection of homes and property of residents
goals to maintain its rural 3c. Develop an Emergency Management Plan to protect the
character while advancing lives and property of residents
economic, environmental
and social well-being
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Housing 59
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60
• _ • • COMMUNITY
• • VISION
The Town of Enfield provides an excellent setting for affordable living within an easy distance to
several business and employment centers.
Enfield has a great balance of businesses, schools, parks, cultural/artistic centers, and
community facilities that - living hereenjoyable.
developmentDevelopment that is compatible with the character of Enfield is actively sought after and
encouraged to grow an economic base that supports the needs of the community.
Residents are actively engaged in the community and planning for its future through the
economic -
INTRODUCTION CURRENT INDUSTRY AND
Economic development is key to achieving EMPLOYMENT
the goals and objectives defined in this Despite the fact that many small-scale or "family"
Comprehensive Plan and to improving civic and farms have disappeared or been incorporated
community activities in Enfield. into larger scale operations -- a trend in many
Currently there is an intermingling of residences, areas of New York State and the country --
small businesses and farms throughout the town. farms remain the primary industry in Enfield.
Positive support of this diverse mix strengthens There are other small businesses scattered
the vitality and stability of the town while offering throughout Enfield, many of which are sole-
economic opportunity and growth for Enfield proprietorships or family-owned. The Dollar Store,
residents and business owners. This intermingling a national chain, opened a new store Enfield in
can sometimes cause conflict, too. It is important 2018 and has a regular customer base. Non-
for the Town to recognize and address areas agricultural commercial uses of land in Enfield
of conflict by working with residents, farms and represent 3.1 percent of total parcels. Agricultural
businesses when necessary. use represents 5.8 percent of total parcels. Most
Enfield residents earn their primary income in the
Enfield residents value and wish to maintain City or Town of Ithaca, located approximately 8 -
the rural character of the Town. To that end, 10 miles away, and not within the Town of Enfield.
development should be discouraged that would
damage air and water quality, increase noise As shown in the following table, the two sectors
levels, worsen pollution, create traffic problems, that employ the most Enfield residents are
adversely affect Enfield visually, or otherwise educational services, healthcare, social services
and retail. These sectors account for the greatest
degrade the Town's rural nature.
share of County-wide employment, too, with
several major employers being our academic
"Enlield (has comprised institutions, manufacturing, municipal, medical,
��) unique and retail services.
aboutof people wh know how to do just
Enfield has an emerging opportunity to diversify
2013 Resident Survey local employment opportunities by building its
reputation as a renewable energy leader. By
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Economy and Community 61
encouraging the location of businesses and the There is ample acreage in Enfield that can be
development of products that are safe and considered for development, and an effort to seek
compatible with the goals set forth in this plan. and match developers with willing land owners
could be beneficial to the future of the Town, and
Further, trends in agri-tourism are consistent mitigate impacts of undesirable development
with economic development that is compatible proposals.
with the Enfield Community, such as farms
and beautiful natural areas. Activities that
bring visitors to the town to build appreciation "There is for farming, farm heritage, food production, •• � • • •
ut
nearby vineyards, animal husbandry, gardening, commerce,we must have a homes, •
lan that is realistic for
activity trails, parks, outdoor events, and space
accommodations like bed and breakfast and keeping reasonable, • •
retreat centers. These are just some of the • recreation, • • disturbing
opportunities Enfield has to capitalize the assetsexisting - • •
that currently exist here, without having to rely on 2013 Resident Survey
public services that are not yet available in such
rural areas.
Educational services, and health 725
care and social assistance
Retail trade 242
Other services, except public adminstration 161
Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and 156
accommodation and food services —
Manufacturing 136
Construction — 125
Finance and insurance, and real ' 116
estate and rental and leasing
Professional, scientific, and management, ■ 103
and admin and waste management services
Public administration 49
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting 32
Wholesale trade 021
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities 19
Information 10
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction 8
Figure 17- Enfield resident employment(Source:American Community Survey, 2016)
62 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Economy and Community
NEARBY PROGRAMMING
COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND
PROGRAMS
i
The Town of Enfield supports a number of
long-standing community events and diverse
programs for its residents. While these are not Fishing and Hiking trails Summer camps
municipal events and programs, they receive hunting and camping and programs
significant support from the municipality
through funding and facility use. These include
summer camps for children, youth and senior S S S
programs, a Fall Harvest Festival, a food pantry,
a community council, and an active Grange. The
2018 renovation of community space in the lower
floor of the Enfield community building was a Music Food pantry and Seasonal
festivals senior meals activities
positive step toward improving facilities for social Figure 18- Nearby Programming&Activities
activities.
The Town of Enfield owns a municipal plot YOUTH AND SENIOR PARTICIPATION—
totaling 59 acres that currently houses only the Maintaining a strong youth presence and making
Enfield Highway Department. Expansion of this "aging in place" affordable is crucial to building
property for new municipal services buildings community and attracting families to live and
and other community uses may be desired to thrive in Enfield. Some programming is provided
provide better services and more community by various area organizations, Tompkins County
opportunities to residents of the Town. As per offices, and the Enfield Community Council,
mention in Chapter X, the vision of a Town Center however, the need is still great. Childcare
for Enfield would accommodate land and facilities resources are limited, yet imperative for those
able to host an array of local programs and who wish to make a home or find employment
uses, as well as encourage development in close here. Continued support by the Town of Enfield
proximity. for these types of programming will continue to
The Enfield Community Council offers a Summer be necessary for strengthening our resident base.
Camp for Enfield children aged 4-13, which The construction of fully accessible, multi-function
provides opportunities for free Summer meals community facilities that ensure educational,
and activities, as well as employment training for cultural, social, and economic opportunities can
Enfield teens. Throughout the year, the support
of youth programs serves over one hundred
young people, from fifth grade up. Enfield Seniors
enjoy connecting through regular meetings and
social events, such as sharing meals and traveling
together for shows and tours. The Enfield Food
Pantry is housed in the Enfield Community
Building and serves an average of 370 adults, ,
250 children 18 and under, and 50 seniors in the
Enfield area. In 2018, significant local investment
was made to update the Enfield Food Pantry to
secure its ability to serve the Enfield Community
long into the future.
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Economy and Community 63
PRESERVES, . LAKES
Town of Enfield
Parks, Preserves and Finger Lakes Trail
- -
-------------
IRADELL RD Lower
Pr�rve
n
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I
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WEATHERBY RD Stevenson iw w
jPreserve 'J`, OJ
�x U
H
CONNECTICUT H i ROCKWELL RD ENFIE40 GRAY RD
--------V Rieman FALLS RD j
io 0 Woods Bock Harvey �_2r�a% ��
Forest Preserve_i Robert�H:-Treman State Park
WOODARD Rb Tom:
- HINES RD �� A
m o
Connecticut Hill akgs rz��p� �flbl 2Fy Fy PI 102,
State Wildlife Fr8fVFIN �Y
Management Area -',::)VAN OSTRAND RDII
CAYUTAVILLE RD
— J Town of Enfield Municipal Boundary ------ Finger Lakes Trail
N
Nature Preserve Intermittent Streams
State Park Perennial Streams
State Wildlife Management Area 0 0.25 0.5 1 1.5 2
Miles
64 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Economy and Community
have loved getting to know so many
help stimulate growth and provide an appealing people • live here.
environment to attract new residents. A facility small population, possible I know
such as this may encourage interaction between nearly everyone here in somecapacity
residents of all ages and physical ability to sooner or later. The more we know • '
deepen our community roots and connections to another, • ' committed we are • • '
one another. another in making our community • 1
To remain a viable community for future 2013 Resident Survey
generations, the success of Enfield's continued
economic development will be determined by our
ability to broaden the economic base of the town CHALLENGES TO BUILDING
by promoting small businesses that complement COMMUNITY
the goals in this plan and engage residents of all
ages and abilities. By nature, communities are connected by
cultural groups, age, economic status, religious
NATURAL ASSETS organizations, and other demographics.
Often, schools provide a unifying point of
Less than ten miles from Ithaca, Trumansburg contact in communities through sports, parent
and Watkins Glen, the Town of Enfield offers organizations, and school events. However, Enfield
easy access to hiking, hunting, fishing, camping, is divided by four school districts, which impedes
boating, auto racing, music festivals, wine touring, our ability to maintain and grow these social
skiing, ATV sports, snowmobiling, and more. connections. Families and other residents that
Enfield also includes much of Robert H. Treman may thrive in a single school community lose this
State Park and is in close proximity to Cayuga positive point of cohesion to neighboring Towns
and Seneca Lakes. Golfing in Enfield is enjoyed by and their communities.
the public at Hillendale Golf Course. The four school districts dividing Enfield are
Ithaca, Trumansburg, Odessa-Montour, and
Newfield. Enfield Elementary, located on Enfield
Main Road, is the only public school building
located in the Town of Enfield, and is part of the
Ithaca City School District.
Presently there is no central location or facility
that fully accommodates existing and future
community programming. While efforts are
made to sustain building operations, numerous
constraints--ADA accessibility, paved parking
areas, potable water---in existing facilities limits
y; their expansion or renovation for hosting a
spectrum of community gathering needs.
_ . Robert H. Treman State Park
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Economy and Community 65
LeW 1111111111003 1' •
Ithaca 360
Trumansburg 169
Odessa-Montour 15
Newfield 7
Figure 19- Enfield Students in Each School District
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Enfield residents are actively involved in their
community through various organizations, such
as Town Government, Enfield Community Council,
Enfield Seniors, Enfield Volunteer Fire Company,
the Enfield Grange, and the Food Pantry.
These organizations operate independently
of each other. Given the limited resources of
our community, it may be beneficial to look for
ways to work together at times to maximize our
impact.
66 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Economy and Community
The following Goals and Actions are recommended based on the current
conditions in the Town of Enfield as described above.
GOAL ACTIONS
1. Engage the community la. Form a community-based Economic Development Task
in economic Force (ie: "Envision Enfield"), tasked with seeking out
development economic development in accord with the goals set forth
in this plan, encourage municipal cooperation for such
endeavors, and actively invite these opportunities to Enfield
to encourage community involvement
lb. Directly encourage and support community members to
start and expand businesses through the following actions:
• Identify and recruit businesses that would be good for Enfield
• Create greater networking opportunities through community
events
• Identify residents interested in starting businesses
• Recruit mentors to help residents start and grow businesses
• Identify potential business opportunities and encourage
residents to start businesses to fill those needs
• Create a small business survey of existing businesses within
the Town
• Publish a periodic directory of local businesses in and around
Enfield
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Economy and Community 67
ECONOMY & COMMUNITY •A • •
GOAL ACTIONS
2. Utilize external 2a. Reach out to local and regional development organizations
resources to foster to ask for assistance. These include, but are not limited to:
economic development • Tompkins County Area Development and Chamber of
Commerce
• Small Business Administration
• Empire State Development Corporation
• U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Alternatives Federal Credit Union
• Groundswell Center for Local Food and Farming
• Cornell Cooperative Extension, Small Farm Program, and
Diverse Supplier Program
2b. Educate Enfield residents of all ages of resources available
such as:
• Job opportunities
• Financial assistance
• Energy efficiency and financing assistance
• Micro-loan programs
• Tax breaks
• Job or vocational training opportunities
• Education opportunities
• Internet training opportunities
2c. Provide direct assistance to residents trying to utilize
resources by providing help with:
• Grant writing
• Job applications
• Business plan coaching
3. Work to improve 3a. Foster greater access to public transportation
infrastructure which would 3b. Work to ensure better access to high speed internet
enable greater economic
opportunity for Enfield 3c. Research whether it would help to provide space for office,
light manufacturing, or other business activities
residents
3d. Work to establish a recognizable "Town Center" to
encourage a new economic growth area that meets the
goals of this Plan
68 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Economy and Community
ECONOMY & COMMUNITY •A • •
GOAL ACTIONS
4. Foster greater sharing 4a. Encourage the development of a community center or
of resources between common area where information can be centralized and
Enfield residents accessed easily by residents
4b. Expand the library of resources available at the Town Hall
5. Discourage development
that would negatively
impact air and water
quality, traffic density
and noise levels
6. Discourage development
that challenges local,
state, and federal laws
designed to protect our
community and quality
of life
7. Preserve recreational 7a. Attract more people to Enfield by publicizing its convenience
and natural areas to natural and recreational sites.
7b. Encourage Eco- and Agro-Tourism through County and
State programs
7c. Pursue additional opportunities for public open space and
recreational amenities
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Economy and Community 69
ECONOMY & COMMUNITY •A • •
GOAL ACTIONS
8. Increase the use of 8a. Work with state and county agencies to increase the
recreational areas availability of recreational areas. For example. reinstate
within the Town camping at Upper Treman Park, offer free admittance to
Town of Enfield residents, and/or provide shuttle service from
Enfield Center to Lower Treman swimming area
8b. Increase the usage of and extend Finger Lakes Trails by:
• Documenting current usage (Cayuga Trails Club)
• Researching issues of private property easements
• Encouraging State Park funding for camping and swimming
areas
• Exploring the possibility of free entry for Enfield residents to
encourage local ownership and pride in the upper Robert
Treman Park, located in the Town of Enfield.
9. Engage the community 9a. Encourage more community-wide events
9b. Utilize the proposed Enfield Economic Development Task
Force for community event development and promotion
9c. Post Enfield Elementary School playground hours and
provide better signage. Encourage use for community
activities
9d. Explore events opportunities that bring multiple community
organizations together for greater impact in achieving goals
70 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Economy and Community
ECONOMY & COMMUNITY •A • •
GOAL ACTIONS
10. Increase the 10a. Share with the community the objectives and workings of
membership and the Enfield Community Council
impact of the Enfield 10b. Engage a representative from each of the following groups:
Community Council with
existing organizations' Enfield Volunteer Fire Company
mutual support Grange
• Food Bank
and cooperation, to • Churches
strengthen the sense . PTA-- Schools
of belonging, support, • Teens (middle school to high school) and young adults
and community to all of • Senior Citizens
Enfield's residents • Environmental and other local organizations
10c. Provide, encourage and participate in programs for
residents of all ages
10d. Publicize and hold Enfield Community Council meetings in a
public space to allow for more residents to attend meetings
10e. Encourage FCC participation in the implementation of
the goals of the Economy and Community section of the
Comprehensive Plan
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Economy and Community 71
THE PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY
72
PLANNING OUR FUTURE
THE ENFIELD COMPREHENSIVE PLAN is designed to serve as a road map to the future for
our Town. It was created with a common vision in mind. A vision is not a binding goal, and may not be
achievable in the lifetime of those who have participated in drafting this Comprehensive Plan, or even the
next generation. However, the long-term thinking embodied in this plan is a hopeful look at how Enfield
can grow into the future while maintaining all of the characteristics the Community treasures.
The Comprehensive Plan may be implemented through the actions of the Enfield Town Board,
Planning Board, and other boards and councils, as well as community members. Implementation may
occur through adoption and revision of ordinances and regulations, annual budgeting and capital
improvement, and empowerment of community groups. While it is important to work toward the vision in
this Plan, it is intended to be a living document and may grow and change as local conditions change.
This Plan may, at times, be amended as
circumstances change. Amendments
are subject to Public Hearings and -
ih 6
assessment of impact of changes. 77
_-�
In addition, it is recommended that
periodic evaluation of the Plan be
conducted involving the Enfield Town
and Planning boards, as well as the
greater community. A review of
the data herein is advised after the
completion of the 2020 Census, to
project the most accurate view of
conditions in Enfield. Through continued
reference and evaluation, the Vision
set forth here may be realized for
the betterment of our future as a
community.
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan — Planning our Future 73
74
APPENDIX 1 - LIST OF FIGURES AND MAPS
FIGURES PAGE
1 Town Population, 2000-2016 ............................................................................................................................ 4
2 Median Household Income, 2016....................................... ....... ................. ....... ....... ....... ................ 5
3 Percent of Population Below Poverty Line, 2016......................................................................................... 5
4 Per Capita Income, 2016 ..................................................................................................................................... 5
5 Town of Enfield Government Structure........................................................................................................ 14
6 2019 Highway Expenditures.............................................................................................................................. 16
7 2019 Highway Revenue....................................................................................................................................... 16
8 Land Use (Property Class) by Total Assessed Value.............................................................................. 19
9 2019 Fire Protection District Expenditures................................................................................................... 19
10 Ad Valorem Taxes Paid by Town Residents, 2019.................................................................................... 21
11 2019 General Fund Revenue............................................................................................................................ 21
12 2019 General Town Expenditures................................................................................................................... 22
13 2019 Expenditure Comparison........................................................................................................................ 22
14 Number of Parcels by Land Use Type......................................................................................................... 36
15 Types of Housing in Enfield............................................................................................................................... 57
16 Enfield Housing Statistics, 2016....................................................................................................................... 58
17 Resident Employment by Industry................................................................................................................ 62
18 Nearby Programming & Activities................................................................................................................. 63
19 Enfield Students in Each School District....................................................................................................... 66
MAPS PAGE
1 Town of Enfield Survey Map, 1866.................................................................................................................. 10
2 Agriculture Parcels.............................................................................................................................................. 29
3 Land Use and Land Cover, 2015..................................................................................................................... 37
4 Watersheds, Wetlands, and Unique Natural Areas................................................................................. 44
5 State, County, and Local Highway Routes.................................................................................................. 52
6 Town of Enfield Aquifer Map, 2015................................................................................................................ 54
7 Parks, Preserves, and Finger Lakes Trail ..................................................................................................... 64
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 1: List of Figures and Maps 75
APPENDIX 2 - LINKS OF REFERENCE
Town of Enfield Website: TownOfEnfield.org
Town of Enfield History: Town OfEnfield.org/history-
Town of Enfield Code Enforcement Office: Town OfEnfield.org/generaI-information-code-enforcement
Town of Enfield Permits and Fees: Town OfEnfield.org/licenses-and-permits-2
Town of Enfield Highway Department: TownOfEnfield.org/general-information-highway-department
Town of Enfield Road Information: TownOfEnfield.org/enfield-road-information
Town of Enfield Survey: TownOfEnfield.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Comprehensive-Plan-Survey-
Report-2013.pdf
Town of Enfield Survey Comments: TownOfEnfield.org/wp-content/ulloads/2014/01/Comprehensive-Plan-
S u rvey-Co m p l ete-C o m m e n ts.p d f
Enfield Aquifer Study: Town OfEnfield.org/enfield-aquifer-study-
Enfield Town Laws: TownOfEnfield.orp-/town-laws
Enfield Site Plan Review: TownOfEnfield.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Site-Plan-Review-Local-
Law-2-2012.pdf
Enfield Volunteer Fire Department: EnfielclFireCompany-.com
Enfield Community Council: EnfieldCommunity&ouncil.org
Bock-Harvey Forest Preserve: www.flIt.org/12reserves/bock-harvey-forest-12reserve/
Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area: www.DEC.n)/.gov/outdoor/9331.htmI
Robert Treman Grist Mill Society: FriendsOfTreman.wordpress.com/who-was-robert-h-treman
Robert Treman Park: 12arks.n�.gov/12arks/135/details.asl2x
Finger Lakes Trail: FingerlakesTrail.org
Cayuga Trails Club: CayugaTrailsClub.org
Cayuga Lake Watershed Inter-municipal Organization: CayugaWatershed.org
Cornell Cooperative Extension: cce.cornell.edu
Cornell Small Farm Program: SmallFarms.cornell.edu
Groundswell: GroundswellCenter.org
Solar Tompkins: Solo rTompkins.org
76 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 2: Links of Reference
Community Science Institute: CommunityScience.org
Tompkins County Environmental Management: TompkinsCountyNY.gov/emc
Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT): TCATbus.com
Tompkins County Hazard Mitigation Plan: Toml2kinsCountyNY.so�v/planning/haz_mlt
Tompkins County Board of Elections: TompkinsCountyNY.gov/boe
Tompkins County Tax Parcels: TompkinsCountyNY.gov/assessment/taxmaps
Tompkins County Sheriff's Department: TompkinsCountkNY.gov/sheriff
Tompkins County Planning: TompkinsCountyNY.gov/planning
Tompkins County Tourism: TompkinsCountyNY.gov/tourism
Tompkins County Area Development: TCAD.org
Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency: TompkinslDA.org
Tomkins County Chamber of Commerce: TompkinsChamber.org
New York State Police: troopers.nygov
New York State Code Office: DOS.ny.gov/dcea
New York Historic Preservation Off ice- 12arks.ny gov/shpo
New York State Farm Bureau: NYFB.org
DEC Hunting and Fishing: DEC.ny.gov/12ermits/365.htmI
New York State Comptroller's Office: osc.state.ny.us
FEMA: FEMA,P-ov
Census: Census.gov
American Community Survey: census.gov/programs-surveys/acs
Homeland Security: DH
National Flood Insurance Program: FEMA.gov/national-flood-insurance-program
United States Geological Survey: USGS.gov
Department of Agriculture: USDA.gov
Small Business Association: SBA.gov
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 2: Links of Reference 77
A Survey About the Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan
Your voice matters!
Let's work together to ensure that the Comprehensive Plan
represents the wishes and needs of the Enfield community!
Thank you for completing this survey.
WHAT THIS IS ABOUT AND WHY YOU SHOULD COMPLETE IT
The Town of Enfield is beginning the job of updating its Comprehensive Plan. A Comprehensive Plan is a
document that describes the history,current state,and future vision for the community. It acts as a road map to
guide future growth and development while promoting the health,safety and general welfare of the people.
The Planning Board is overseeing this process and hopes to submit a draft of the revised Comprehensive Plan to
the Town Board by the end of February 2013.
If you are interested in reading Enfield's current Comprehensive Plan,which was written in 2001,you can find it
online at http://townofenfield.org (click on Comprehensive Plan on the right side of the web page). Or you may
request a paper copy from the Enfield Town Hall, 168 Enfield Main Road,607-273-8256.
WHO SHOULD COMPLETE THE SURVEY
The Comprehensive Plan should reflect the ideas and opinions of the community's residents. EVERY Enfield
resident and/or property owner is invited to complete this survey. Each person may submit the survey to the
Town once.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Your survey responses will be kept confidential. When your survey is received,this front sheet will be separated
from the rest of the survey. If you submit the survey online,your personal data will be separated from the rest of
the survey.
WHEN TO SUBMIT YOUR SURVEY
Please submit your completed survey by November 10. Estimated time to complete the survey: 15 minutes.
HOW AND WHERE TO SUBMIT THE SURVEY
ON PAPER
Drop it off at the Town Hall or send it by U.S.mail to: Comprehensive Plan Survey,Enfield Town Hall, 168
Enfield Main Road. If you need additional paper copies of the survey so that each member of your household
may participate,feel free to photocopy it. Or you can download it and print it from http://townofenfield.org (click
on Comprehensive Plan on the right side of the web page). You can also pick up additional copies free of charge
at Enfield Town Hall, 168 Enfield Main Road(open Monday through Thursday,3:00-6:00 pm). If you want to
write additional comments on your survey,feel free to extra paper.
ON-LINE
To complete the survey on-line,go to http://townofenfield.org(click on Comprehensive Plan on the right side of
the web page).
Do you still have questions about how to complete or submit this survey? Write to
enfield.comp.plan@gmail.com or call 607-273-8256.
Your name
------------ ----- -
Address
---- -- ------
Phone E-mail
_Resident of Enfield _Non-resident Enfield land owner
Would you like to serve on a committee to help with the Enfield Comprehensive Plan? _Yes _No
Do you want to be included in the Town of Enfield's e-mail list? _Yes —No
Do you want to receive the Town of Enfield's paper newsletter? _Yes —No
1
78 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 3: 2013 Resident Survey
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan Survey
Please answer as completely as you can.
1. Current employment status: 8. Do you consider your housing to be:
_Full-time _Above average
Part-time Average
Self-employed Below average
Unemployed and looking for work Poor
Unable to work
Full-time homemaker 9. Do you have any problems with your private
Retired drinking water well?
College/university student _No problems
Grade/middle/high school student _Quantity
Quality
2. Where do you work/attend school? _Other:
_Town of Enfield
_Town or City of Ithaca 10. If you own land,how many acres?
Elsewhere in Tompkins County _<1
Outside Tompkins County _ 1-4
Not applicable _5-49
_50-99
3. What mode of transportation do you most _ 100 or more
often use to get to work/school?
_Walk 11. What type of structure is your home?
Personal vehicle _Single-family
Carpool/rideshare _Houselbuilding with 2 units
TCAT bus _Houselbuilding with 3-4 units
School bus _Houselbuilding with 5 or more units
Bicycle
N/A (work at home/not employed/retired) 12. Where is your home?
Other: _Rural residential(including single-family and
apartments)
4. How many people live in your household? _Residential park
Working farm
5. Your age bracket: 13. How do you use your home or property?
Under 18 (check all that apply)
_ 18-25 _Residence
25-44 _Business (non-agricultural)
45-64 _Business (agricultural)
65 or older _Other
6. How long have you lived in Enfield? 14. What school district are you in?
Ithaca _Trumansburg _Newfield
_Odessa/Montour
7. Do you rent or own your home/land?
Own home,live in Enfield 15. If you have children in school,what school(s)
Rent home,live in Enfield do they attend?
Own property in Enfield,live elsewhere
Rent property in Enfield,live elsewhere
2
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 3: 2013 Resident Survey 79
16. Household income (optional):
Under$25,000 _$50,000-$75,000 _Over$100,000
$25,000450,000 _$75,0004100,000
17. Do you participate in outdoor recreation? (check all that apply)
Hunting _Jogging/walking
Fishing _Snow mobile/ATV
Hiking _Biking
18. How would you prefer to get information about community news/events,Board meetings,etc.? Please
number your top 3 preferences:
Town of Enfield website (http://townofenfield.org)
Direct paper mailings
_Town of Enfield e-mail list
_Town of Enfield newsletter
Newspaper
Other(please specify)
19. Please check one box for each reason why you choose to live in Enfield and what you value about it.
VERY SOMEWHAT NOT VERY NOT
REASON YOU LIVE IN ENFIELD IMPORTANT IMPORTANT IMPORTANT APPLICABLE
Rural character
Natural beauty
Public transportation
Grew up here
Housing cost
Proximity to Ithaca
School district
Businesses
Sense of community
Town size
Lack of zoning/reduced regulation
Investment opportunity
Proximity to State Parks
Other(specify):
20. For each of the services below,please indicate whether you think the level of service is appropriate,
should be increased,or should be decreased. (Please check only one for each service.)
NO
SERVICE APPROPRIATE INCREASE DECREASE OPINION
Road maintenance
Snow plowing
Police protection
Fire protection/rescue
Town hall services/hours
Building code enforcement
Junk code enforcement
Dog control
Internet connectivity
3
80 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 3: 2013 Resident Survey
NO
SERVICE(continued) APPROPRIATE INCREASE DECREASE OPINION
Cell service
Street lights
Public transportation
Pedestrian/bike lanes
Hiking trailsibike paths
Community events
Services/activities for youth (e.g.recreational,
job placement,gathering place)
Services/activities for senior citizens
Recycling
Notification about proposed development in
your neighborhood
Availability of buildings (school,firehouse,
etc.)for public use
Public recreational opportunities
Other(Specify)
21. Would you encourage or discourage the following land uses in ENFIELD? Check one for each.
NO NO
LAND USE ENCOURAGE DISCOURAGE CHANGE OPINION
Residential development: single family homes
Residential development: multiple unit
dwellings
Townhouses/condominiums
Mobile home parks
"Green"building construction
Affordable housing
Senior/assisted living
Organic agriculture
Conventional agriculture
Public green space
Town park for recreation
Commercial development
Sidewalks
Bike paths/lanes
Protection of natural areas/open space
Protection of air,soil,and water(streams and
groundwater)quality
Large-scale solar installation(commercial)
Wind farm
High volume drilling for natural gas (fracking)
4
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 3: 2013 Resident Survey 81
22. What type of business/municipal development would you like to encourage or avoid in Enfield? Check
one for each.
ENCOURAGE
OR NO
TYPE OF DEVELOPMENT: BUSINESS/MUNICIPAL INCREASE DISCOURAGE OPINION
Community Center
Library
Additional gas station/convenience store
Grocery/retail stores
Businesses centered on tourism(e.g.bed&breakfasts,
restaurants,gift shops,eco-tourism)
Professional offices (medical/dental/legal/technology)
Service businesses
Business offering"green"energy services (weatherization,
solar,wind,geothermal)
Home-based businesses
Day care
Elder care
Organic farming
Conventional farming
Farmers market
Light industrial/manufacturing
Other(specify)
23. What do you like most about Enfield?
24. What is your biggest concern about the future of Enfield?
25. What would you change in Enfield?
26. On a scale of 1-5,do you believe Enfield is changing for the better or worse? (Circle one number)
BETTER NOT CHANGING WORSE
1 2 3 4 5
Why?
Feel free to write additional comments below. You may attach additional paper,if you like.
5
82 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 3: 2013 Resident Survey
TOWN OF ENFIELD, NY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SURVEY 2013 RESULTS
182 Surveys returned
The Comprehensive Plan Survey was made available to all residents of Enfield and non-resident land-
owners. A paper copy was inserted in the Enfield Community Currents/Town of Enfield Newsletter,
which is mailed to approximately 950 residences. It was made available on paper at the Enfield Town
Hall. It was also available for either printing or completion on-line at the Town of Enfield web site.
The survey was developed by a committee of residents using elements from comparable surveys from
the towns of Freeville, Hector,Newfield, Caroline, and Ulysses.
A summary of the data collected follows.
1. Current employment status (181 responses)
Current Employment Status
Count
Urntble to work;3
Status Count % Colle t school student;4� unem d;1
gniversi y poye
rt.d.nt;3
Full-time 85 47.0 Full-rime homemaker;3-------
Self-employed 26 14.4
Part-time 19 10.5
Retired 37 20.4
Full-time
homemaker 3 1.7 Full-
College/university
student 3 1.7
Grade/middle/high Part-rime;19 AIIIIIIIIIIIII
school student 4 2.2
Unable to work 3 1 1.7 Self-employed;26
Unemployed 1 0.6
2. Where do you work or attend school? (178 responses)
Where do you work or attend school?
Location Count %
Town of Enfield 21 11.8
Town of
Town or City of Ithaca 83 46.6 Enfield;21
Elsewhere in Not ap piicah le;
Tompkins County 23 12.9 42
Outside outside_
Tompkins
Tompkins Count 9 5.1 County;B F"here Town or City of
p Y in Tcmpklns Ithaca;83
Not applicable 42 23.6 COunty'�
1
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results 83
3. What mode of transportation do you most often use to get to work/school? (180 responses)
Mode of transportation used to get to work or school
Mode of transportation Count %
Personal Vehicle 128 71.1
TCAT bus 7 3.9 8F�W;
iiik
Ca ool/rideshare 6 3.3 W„w,
Walk 4 2.2
Bicycle 1 0.6
N/A 34 18.9
4. How many people live in your household? (173 responses)
Number of people in household
#Of
u,
people Count %
1 20 11.6 Mean:
2 87 50.3 2.59538
3 32 18.5
4 19 11.0 32 Median:
5 9 5.2 z0 19 2
6 5 2.9 9 5
8 1 0.6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
5. Your age bracket (182 responses)
Age bracket Count % Your Age
Under 18 2 1.1
18-25 9 4.9 144
25-44 38 20.9
45-64 100 54.9
65 or older 33 18.1
9
2 —9— 1
t]nder 18 18-25 25-04 45f�4 65 or a der
2
84 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results
6. How long have you lived in Enfield (177 responses)
r How long have you limed in Enfield? Five respondents answered"All my life".
42 Theses were excluded from the chart as it was
not possible to determine how many years they
33 had lived in Enfield. These five answered
question 5 "Age bracket" as follows:
16 19 45-64 1
12 9 25-44 2
18-25 1
3
Under 18 1
c1 Ito 6m30 11 to 20 21 to 30 31 to 40 411050 c50
7. Do you rent or own your home/land (181 responses)
Rent or own Count Do you rent or awn your home or land?
Own home, Rent home,live Own property in
Enfield,live
live in Enfield 167 92 in Enfield,la elsewhere;4
Rent home,
live in Enfield 10 6
Own property in Enfield,
live elsewhere 4 2
+E own homer live
in Enfield;157
8.Do you consider the quality of your housing to be? (180 responses)
Housing Count % Do You consider your housing to be...
Below average 12 6.7 123
Average 123 68.3
Above average 45 25.0
as
12 j1_
Below average Average Above average
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results 85
9. Do you have any problems with your private drinking water well? (182 responses)
Count
with private drinking water well
Water well issues Count % r Note:more than Orte answer per respoodant allowed. Humber of
Quality 30 16.5 responses shown.
13�
Quantity 10 5.5
Quality/Quantity 1 0.5
Sulphur/Quantity 1 0.5
Sulphur/Iron 2 1.1
Sulphur 4 2.2 31
High calcium 1 0.5 12 7 4 2
Minerals 1 0.5
No problems 130 71.4 �Q� ay'J
Not sure 2 1.1 ��
10. If you own land, how many acres? (173 responses)
How many acres of land do you own?
Acres Count %
Less than 1 3 1.7
1-4 52 30.1
5-49 81 46.8 52
50-99 23 13.3 I
100 or more 6 3.5 23
N/A 8 4.6 , 8
3 Gi
Less thanl 1-4 5-49 50-99 Mor N/A
more
11. What type of structure is your home? (182 reponses)
What type of structure is your home?
Type of Structure Count Housefbuilding
House�kyuildine� with 3-4 units;1
Single-family 175 96.2 with 2 units;e
House/building with 2 units 6 3.3
House/building with 3-4
units 1 1 0.5
I
Sling le-family;
175
4
86 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results
12.Where is your home? (181 responses)
Where is your home?
Type of location Count % W°ekl Residential
Residential ark 2 1.105 ---------— park;2
Rural residential 166 91.713
Working farm 1 13 1 7.182
residential;
1S6
13. How do you use your home or property? (180 responses)
How do you use your home or property?
Type of use Count % -Note;More than one shown.
Residence 178 98.9 17B
Business 23 12.8
(Non-Ag) %
23
Business (Ag) 9 5.0% 9 8 3 1
Residence Rusiness(Non-Ag) Business(Ag) Other farming Rental Other
Other farming 8 4.4%
Rental 3 1.7%
Other 1 0.6%
"Other farming" included subsistence growing, homesteading, wood lot, hay fields, tree farm. A
decision was made to place these in the category"Other farming"because the respondents had declined
to categorize them as "Business (Ag)"though there is probably overlap.
14.What school district are you in? (179 responses)
What school district are you in?
School district Count %
Ithaca 121 67.6
Newfield 8 4.5
Odessa/Montour 2 1.1 Trumansburg;
as
Trumansburg 48 26.8x,a�
Montour,] 4
NewNeld;8 Ithaw;171
5
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results 87
15. If you have children in school, what school(s) do they attend? (39 responses)
If you have children in school,what school(s)do
School Count they attend?
EAC Montessori 3
Home school & 1 Homeschool&
Northern Light Ma�mo 3 NLLC;l
Learning Center
Ithaca 18 Trumanshurg;6
Ode55a�MOnIOJf,
New Roots 1 1
Odessa/Montour 1
Trumansburg 6 New Roots;l
Ithaca;
16. Household income (147 responses)
The data for this question is invalid. An error was made on the on-line version of the survey such
that one of the income ranges was not represented.
17. Do you participate in outdoor recreation (171 responses)
DD you participate in outdoor recreation?
Note:more tha n one answer per respo nd a nt a(lowed.Nu m be r of responses shown.
Activity Count
Jogging/Walking 136 13fi
i 119
Hiking 119
Biking 74
74
Fishing 43
Hunting 25 43
25
Snowmobile/ATV 11 11 ,
None of the above Jogging/Walking Hiking Biking Fishing Hunting Snowmobile/ATV None afthe above
18. How would you prefer to get information about community news/events, Board meetings, etc.?
(181 responses)
Data represents overall number of first, second, and third choices. First Second Third
Choice Choice Choice
Town of Enfield website 61 0 0
Town of Enfield newsletter 19 31 59
Town of Enfield e-mail list 51 58 2
Direct paper mailing 50 8 0
Newspaper 0 1 11
6
88 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results
Your Top 3 Preferred Methods of Receiving Enfield Information
70
61
60 514
51
5o
40
31
.40
20 19
11
30 L
0 0 a ❑ o
Town of Enfield wehsite Town of Enfield Town of Enfie Id e-mail list Direct paper mailing Newspaper
lhttp://tawnoknfield.org) newsletter
■First Choice ■Sewnd Choice --Third Choice
19. Reason you live in Enfield
Very important reasons (in descending order):
Reasons N/A Not very Somewhat Impt Very Total
important important
Natural beauty 4 1 15 157 177
2.26% 0.565% 8.47% 88.7%
Rural character 3 4 31 138 176
1.70% 2.27% 17.6% 78.4%
Proximity to Ithaca 4 7 50 115 176
2.27% 3.98% 28.4% 65.3%
Proximity to State 7 18 66 82 173
Parks 4.05% 10.4% 38.2% 47.4%
Housing cost 21 15 64 76 176
11.9% 8.52% 36.4% 43.2%
School district 40 44 37 53 174
23.0% 25.3% 21.3% 30.5%
Somewhat important reasons (in descending order):
Reasons N/A Not very Somewhat Impt Very Total
important important
Sense of community 11 32 86 44 173
6.36% 18.5% 49.7% 25.4%
Town size 12 39 79 43 173
6.94% 22.5% 45.7% 24.9%
7
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results 89
Not very important reasons (in des ending order): •
Reasons N/A Not very Somewhat Impt Very Total
important important
Businesses 40 96 25 9 170
23.5% 56.5% 14.7% 5.29%
Lack of zoning/ 23 80 41 27 171
reduced regulation 13.5% 46.8% 24.0% 15.8%
Investment opportunity 59 75 29 8 171
34.5% 43.9% 17.0% 4.68%
Public transportation 41 55 47 28 171
24.0% 32.2% 27.5% 16.4%
Not applicable reasons:
Reasons N/A Not very Somewhat Impt Very Total
important important
Grew up here 121 8 10 31 170
71.2% 4.71% 5.88% 18.2%
20. Level of service
Services to Increase (in decreasing order):
Service Appropriate Decrease Increase No Total
opinion
Internet connectivity 38 0 128 12 178
21.3% 0% 71.9% 6.74%
Cell service 59 0 115 4 178
33.1% 0% 64.6% 2.25%
Public transportation 58 2 102 18 180
32.2% 1.11% 56.7% 10%
Notification of proposed 55 1 98 24 178
development 30.9% 0.562% 55.1% 13.5%
Pedestrian/bike lanes 49 6 95 30 180
27.2% 3.33% 52.8% 16.7%
Junk code enforcement 69 4 82 23 178
38.8% 2.25% 46.1% 12.9%
Hiking trails/bike paths 73 2 77 25 177
41.2% 1.13% 43.5% 14.1%
Services/activities for youth 47 1 75 56 179
26.3% 0.559% 41.9% 31.3%
8
90 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan -Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results
Services at an appropriate level:
Service Appropriate Decrease Increase No Total
opinion
Fire protection/rescue 158 2 6 12 178
88.8% 1.12% 3.37% 6.74%
Recycling 146 1 28 3 178
82.0% 0.562% 15.7% 1.69%
Snow plowing 140 5 30 5 180
77.8% 2.78% 16.7% 2.78%
Town hall services/hours 135 0 13 31 179
75.4% 0% 7.26% 17.3%
Road maintenance 131 4 42 3 180
72.8% 2.22% 23.3% 1.67%
Police protection 127 3 33 17 180
70.6% 1.67% 18.3% 9.44%
Building code enforcement 117 3 27 30 177
66.1% 1.69% 15.3% 16.9%
Street lights 116 15 21 26 178
65.2% 8.43% 11.8% 14.6%
Dog control 112 2 29 34 177
63.3% 1.13% 16.4% 19.2%
Community events 95 0 60 22 177
53.7% 0% 33.9%% 12.4
Public recreational 95 0 52 32 179
opportunities 53.1% 0% 29.1% 17.9%
Availability of buildings for 94 1 44 38 177
public use 53.1% 0.565% 24.9% 21.5%
Services with no opinion:
Service Appropriate Decrease Increase No Total
opinion
Services/activities for seniors 53 2 59 65 179
29.6 1.12 33.0 36.3
9
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan -Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results 91
21. Land Use Development
Development to Encourage:
Types of development Discourage Encourage No No Total
Change Opinion
Protection of air, soil, and 1 173 3 1 178
water quality 0.6% 97.2% 1.7% 0.7%
Protection of natural 3 168 4 0 175
areas/open space 1.7% 96.0% 2.3% 0.0%
"Green"building construction 1 158 10 9 178
0.6% 88.8% 5.6% 5.1%
Organic agriculture 2 155 8 13 178
1.1% 87.1% 4.5% 7.3%
Public green space 8 137 19 14 178
4.5% 77.0% 10.7% 7.9%
Wind farm 15 137 11 13 176
8.5% 77.8% 6.3% 7.4%
Town park for recreation 14 129 20 15 178
7.9% 72.5% 11.2% 8.4%
Large-scale solar installation 17 127 15 16 175
(commercial) 9.7% 72.6% 8.6% 9.1%
Affordable housing 5 121 45 6 177
2.8% 68.4% 25.4% 3.4%
Senior/assisted living 8 121 29 18 176
4.6% 68.8% 16.5% 10.2%
Bike paths/lanes 12 116 29 22 179
6.7% 64.8% 16.2% 12.3%
Residential development: 21 98 52 6 177
single family homes 11.9% 55.4% 29.4% 3.4%
Sidewalks 25 69 49 32 175
14.3% 39.4% 28.0% 18.3%
Conventional agriculture 11 49 33 6 99
11.1% 49.5% 33.3% 6.1%
Development to Discourage:
Types of development Discourage Encourage No No Total
Change Opinion
High volume drilling for 161 8 8 3 180
natural gas (fracking) 89.4% 4.4% 4.4% 1.7%
Mobile home parks 120 2 50 7 179
67.0% 1.1% 27.9% 3.9%
Townhouses/condominiums 66 40 58 11 175
37.7% 22.9% 33.1% 6.3%
Commercial development 65 51 40 15 171
38.0% 29.8% 23.4% 8.8%
10
92 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan -Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results
Development to keep the same:
Types of development Discourage Encourage No No Total
Change Opinion
Residential development: 64 36 68 8 176
multiple unit 36.4% 20.5% 38.6% 4.6%
22. Type of Development: Business/Municipal
Development to increase (in decreasing order):
Type of development Discourage Encourage or No Opinion total
Increase
Organic farming 0 160 17 177
0% 90.4% 9.60%
Businesses offering 5 150 20 175
"green" energy services 2.86% 85.7% 11.4%
Farmers market 5 149 22 176
2.84% 84.7% 12.5%
Home-based businesses 5 148 23 176
2.84% 84.1% 13.1%
Community center 9 136 32 177
5.08% 76.8% 18.1%
Business centered on 11 135 28 174
tourism 6.32% 77.6% 16.1%
Elder care 3 131 40 174
1.72% 75.3% 23.0%
Day care 1 124 48 173
0.578% 71.7% 27.7%
Library 23 114 40 177
13.0% 64.4% 22.6%
Service businesses 22 98 50 170
12.9% 57.6% 29.4%
Professional offices 28 92 54 174
16.1% 52.9% 31.0%
Conventional farming 30 91 48 169
17.8% 53.8% 28.4%
Grocery/retail stores 40 89 45 174
23.0% 51.1% 25.9%
Additional gas 53 66 57 176
station/convenience store 30.1% 37.5% 32.4%
Light 58 64 46 168
industrial/manufacturing 34.5% 38.1% 27.4
11
Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan -Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results 93
Summary of Question 23:
What do you like most about Enfield?
163 people responded to this question. Their responses have been grouped by category. In cases where
more than one topic was addressed by a respondent, that person's response was split as appropriate
where possible. There were some cases, however, where it was not possible to split the response and so
a judgment was made as to which category to include the comment. No comment was repeated for the
sake of having it represented in more than one category.
The complete comments can be found at: http://townofenfield.org/content/GenericNiew/15
Categories and topics #ofpeople
Natural Environment
Natural beauty 73
It is rural 72
Peaceful/quiet 43
Parks, trails, national forest 25
Clean water 17
There is open, undeveloped space and it is not crowded 13
Clean air 11
Outdoor Recreation
Hiking/walking 7
General outdoor recreation 4
Swimming 2
Cycling 2
Cross country skiing 2
Hunting 1
Fishing 1
Farming/Agriculture
Farming (general) 8
Gardening, growing own food 3
Organic agriculture 1
Lack of heavy industry
No fracking 4
No heavy industry 2
No heavy industrial farming 1
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94 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results
Proximity to other places
Proximity to Ithaca 38
Proximity to Trumansburg 3
Proximity to Watkins Glen 2
Proximity to Elmira/Coming 1
The People
Sense of community 11
The people (general) 5
Good neighbors 4
Friendly 2
Less greed than in city 1
Laid back 1
Resourceful 1
Regulation
Affordable/low taxes 6
No zoning/minimal government interference 2
Services
Excellent fire protection 2
Roads 1
Excellent police protection 1
On TCAT bus line 1
Buildings
Historic structures 1
New highway building 1
Quality of life
Small town 15
Low traffic density 6
Privacy 5
Healthy living 2
Ithaca City school district 2
Nice place to raise children 1
Progress
It is now coming into the 21 st century 1
Wind farm coming 1
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Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results 95
General
Grew up here/family land here 8
My home 1
Being steward of my land 1
Best place to live 1
Summary of Question 24:
What is your biggest concern about the future of Enfield?
166 people responded to this question. Many people wrote comments addressing more than one topic.
The text responses were organized by category. Within each category items are in order by the number
of responses from high to low.
The complete comments can be found at: http://townofenfield.org/content/GenericNiew/15
Categories and Topics # of people
Agriculture
Industrial farming 4
Loss of farmlands 1
Restrictions on farming 1
Use of chemicals on the soil 1
Environment & Health
Fracking 114
Quality of water 2
Losing access to parks/lakes 1
Pollution 1
Governance
Too many family members in town government 1
Growth & Development
Over-population/overbuilding/no safe pedestrian spaces 7
Increasing taxes 4
Increased commercial development 2
Takeover by oil companies 2
Too much growth 2
Deteriorating housing stock 2
Commercialization of natural resources 1
Concerned that Enfield might not welcome industry 1
Large landowners making money-driven decisions bad for community 1
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96 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results
No plan for infrastructure 1
Overexpansion of public buildings 1
Sprawl, strip malls, etc. 1
Too many Indians and not enough chiefs 1
Traffic on 79 and back roads 1
Too much section 8 housing 1
Junk vehicles and trash 1
Lack of Services
Lack of high-speed internet 2
Better gas station 1
Lack of cell service 1
Lack of public transportation 1
Rights & Restrictions
No zoning, regulation 7
Loss of property owner's rights/increase of restrictions 2
Large landowners getting unfair advantages 1
Nosy neighbors pushing their agendas on others 1
Rights of the minority being trampled by the majority 1
Threats & Nuisances
Drugs 3
Flophouses, dumpy surroundings 2
Break-ins to rural homes 1
Lack of dog control 1
Road racing 1
Transients 1
Welfare will be primary employer 1
Summary of Question 25:
What would you change in Enfield?
145 people responded this question. Many people's comments addressed more than one topic. The text
responses were organized by category. Within each category items are in order by the number of
responses from high to low. The second column shows how many people commented on each item.
The complete comments can be found at: http://townofenfield.org/content/GenericNiew/15
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Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results 97
• #of
Categories and topics people
Town Government
Town management needs improvement 4
Acknowledge contributions of people who run the town I
Improve the town-wide e-mail list I
More inclusiveness in policy and planning I
Land owners should have more input on major financial decisions I
Greater transparency of fire company I
Community
Work toward increased/stronger community and mutual respect 16
More recreational opportunities 4
Use fire hall for community events 2
Too much Ithaca influence I
Don't split us into so many school districts I
New or Improved Infrastructure desired
Stronger, more developed town center 13
Improve internet 12
Bikepaths/lanes 6
Community center building 5
Sidewalks 3
Grocery store 2
Improve cell service 2
Town water/sewer 2
Park/playground I
Improve town hall and meeting facilities I
Designate a place for lawn clippings, leaves, Christmas trees I
Replace Kuma's with a regular tavern I
Movie theater I
Cleanup encouraged
Clean up town center 2
Move gravel piles out of center of town I
Demolish old store I
Develop a shooting range I
Energy
Anti-frack 24
Encourage wind power 6
Embrace renewable energy 4
Energy independence I
Open to "safe" gas drilling I
Increase energy efficiency of all buildings 1
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98 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results
Agriculture
Encourage organic farming and related businesses 5
Encourage farmland protection 2
Discourage CAFOs 1
Housing
Limit manufactured housing 1
Improve substandard housing1
More housing 1
Roads and Transportation
Improved public transportation 10
Better road maintenance/repair 2
Improved plowing 1
Regulations/policies
Better code enforcement 7
Zoning to maintain rural, agricultural character 6
More planning/controls/zoning 5
Controlspeeding 3
Noise ordinance 3
Stop open trash burning 2
Control farm and animal run-off 1
Less recreational gun usage 1
More law enforcement 1
Fewer restrictions on commercial farmland use 1
No road racing 1
Zoning to improve properties 1
Discourage ATV or dirtbike track 1
Limit growth 1
Don't tax disabled vets 1
Discourage road racing 1
Business/Services
Encourage small, low impact business 1
Elder care 1
More food pantry times 1
More educational resources 1
Environment
Encourage open s ace 3
Encourage public green space 3
Encourage nature/wildlife 2
Protect the water 1
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Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results 99
About change Enfield
In favor of no change 7
Unsure 2
Summary of Question 26:
Do you believe Enfield is changing for the better or worse and why?
166 people responded to the numeric portion of this question which asked for a numeric assessment on
scale of 1-5 whether Enfield was changing for the better or worse.
On a scale of 1-5,do you believe Enfield is changing
for the better or worse?
Response Count %
Better 1 22 12.7%
2 63 36.4% 69
3 49 28.3%
4 21 12.1% 22 21
Worse 5 11 6.4% 11
No response 7 4.0%
Bette 1 2 5 6 Worse 5 N—p-
126 of these also included written comments. Many people who wrote comments addressed more than
one topic.
The text responses were organized by category. Within each category items are in order by the number
of responses from high to low. In some cases seeing whether the comment was coming from a negative
or positive point of view is helpful for understanding the intention. The second column shows this. The
third column shows how many people commented on each item.
The complete comments can be found at http://townofenfield.org/content/GenericNiew/15
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100 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results
Positive
f
Categories and topics or
people
Town Government
Town Board and its meetings have improved P 16
Planning Board issues need to be addressed N 5
Community
Better community in Enfield P 25
Appreciative of community events P 4
Enfield is becoming polarized/political N 4
Supportive of"new blood" in Enfield P 3
Enfield has no sense of community N 1
Large land-owners' agendas are not good for the community N 1
Non-permanent residents should have no say about land use N 1
Physical environment
Appreciative of beautification effort,parks, overall improved overall P 14
cleanup, environmental considerations, recycling
Love Enfield the way it is P 3
Appreciative of new highway building P 1
Old"Gre s"building is an eyesore N 1
Need improved junk cleanup including removal of old town barn N 1
Truck traffic has increased N 1
Energy
Anti-frackin - 34
Supportive of wind farm - 6
Supportive of solar energy - 3
Opposed to large scale wind/solar because of current technology - 1
limitations
Agriculture
Enfield should continue to enhance conditions that support increasing - 6
organic agriculture and related businesses
Enfield should continue support both conventional and organic agriculture - 1
Housing
Too much section 8 and low quality housing (along with influx of crime) N 4
Too much sprawl N 3
People are taking pride in their homes P 1
Roads and Transportation
Appreciative of current road maintenance P 2
Would like to see improved TCAT service - 1
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Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results 101
Regulations
Enfield needs zoning - 2
Enfield needs improved code enforcement N 1
Enfield has too many rules and regulations N 1
Appreciative of leash law and junk car law P 1
Taxes
Opposed to tax increases N 2
About change in Enfield
No change perceived - 11
Not here long enough to have an opinion - 7
Change has been too slow N 4
Too many people looking for easy fixes - 1
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102 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results
TOWN OF ENFIELD,NY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2013
COMPLETE COMMENTS
182 Surveys returned
The Comprehensive Plan survey was made available to all residents of Enfield and non-resident land-
owners. A paper copy was inserted in the Enfield Community Currents/Town of Enfield Newsletter,
which is mailed to approximately 950 residences. It was made available on paper at the Enfield Town
Hall. It was also available for either printing or completion on-line at the Town of Enfield web site.
The survey was developed by a committee of residents using elements from comparable surveys from
the towns of Freeville, Hector,Newfield, Caroline, and Ulysses.
See the document Comprehensive Plan Survey Results Report 2013 for the survey results, including
summaries of the comments submitted.
See below for the complete comments.
OVERVIEW:
The complete free-form comments for questions 23 to the end follow. The text responses to each
question have been grouped by category. In cases where more than one topic was addressed by a
respondent, that person's response was split as appropriate where possible (sometimes resulting from a
comma at the end of the comment below). There were some cases, however, where it was not possible
to split the response and so a judgment was made as to which category to include the comment even
though it applies to more than one category. No comment was repeated for the sake of having it
represented in more than one category. Thus these categories are only meant to facilitate a general
understanding of the comments.
These comments appear exactly as people submitted them(no spelling, grammar, or punctuation was
changed or corrected) except in a handful of instances where references to a specific name or address
was masked with asterisks or, in 2 cases, removed from the text to maintain confidentiality or eliminate
personal attack from the final document. The Planning Board has seen the unedited document.
Question 23 comments: What do you like most about Enfield?
Natural Environment
• Rural, open spaces
• The beauty and peacefulness.
• The rural atmosphere,with plenty of open space for agriculture,recreation,hunting, etc.
• like that it's rural and quiet
• There is lots of space.
• I like that it's quiet and beautiful,the water is pure and the air clean. I love growing my garden and walking in
the woods, seeing the wildlife, flowers and trees.
• Rural environment, clean water
• Rural residential areas.Natural Beauty. Quiet.
• Rural setting
• Rural living with clean air and water
• Quiet rural atmosphere
• Rural character;
• The natural beauty,tranquility,
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Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results 103
• The beauty of the natural surroundings
• Rural character;
• natural beauty
• the land and the amazing quality of water
• Rural settings.
• I like the rural agricultural character,natural beauty and views.
• SMALL SIZE
• Its rural landscape,the size,the beauty,
• Rural character and that I have cows for neighbors
• what the country has to offer-natural beautiful setting!!
• It is quiet, still retains a lot of undeveloped areas,
• rural landscape, clean water and air
• Natural beauty, quiet
• The rural character and natural beauty;
• The water. We have the best water in the area. Wildlife.
• Natural Beauty and privacy. It's quite and peaceful most of the time. The waterways and state park are also
jewels.
• Rural environment, amount of forest
• The natural beauty,uncrowded spaces, clean water and air
• Open space
• Rural character, landscape,hills
• Rural,tranquil, clean air and water
• Farms,parks,historic structures,
• rural
• Rural,peace and quiet,natural beauty,
• Rural character,natural beauty,
• The open spaces
• the rural nature of the town
• The rolling green hills, frame and open land
• The rural environment,
• Living in the country. Quiet,beautiful vistas throughout the town. The mix of farms, and forests.
• rural character,birds, and wildlife
• open space
• Scenery
• I like the rural characteristic of Enfield and its state parks and natural beauty.
• I love the rural aspect of our community.
• Rural Beauty,peace and quiet,parks,trails.
• The rural character
• its rural setting
• The natural beauty
• The falls
• quiet,rural,peaceful character; natural beauty;
• Small Town rural area
• I like it alot,it is quite,beautiful colors in the fall, some snow,nice breeze in the summer.
• natural diversity of native plants and animals on our land
• Quiet,rural living, our great water that is now in jeopardy
• Beauty,relative quiet, lots of open space
• natural beauty/rural
• Natural beauty;hills, fields, forests, streams; Treman park, especially Upper Enfield.
• Rural character,
• Open Space
• Natural beauty
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104 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results
• Rural character
• Natural beauty.
• Open space&natural beauty.
• Rural character.
• very scenic
• Natural beauty.
• Beautiful,quiet countryside.
• Natural beauty and rural character
• The quiet country setting
• Rural natural beauty
• The rural feel
• That I was born/raised here and it's still as beautiful.
• The beauty,
• Natural environment small town feel with close proximity to Ithaca.
• Natural areas,beauty
• Small size, open spaces, serenity
• Rural setting
• Quiet,rural character&natural beauty.
• Quiet,beauty,privacy.
• The natural beauty,rural character, clean air, clean water,
• The fall leaves
• The beautiful farm scenery.
• Every beautiful rock that catches my eye in the sunlight as I walk the fields with our dogs,the different places
berries pop up each year to our surprise. I love this place for its beauty and for the feeling of'being rooted'
that it gives me.
• Rural, close to nature,peaceful
• Stunning beauty, air and water quality
• Rural character, scenery,
• Beauty,water,rural nature,
• Rural setting,parks,
Outdoor Recreation
• lots of great places to hike
• fishing, swimming,hiking
• recreational opportunities nearby;
• The access to the outdoors for recreation,Treman State Park,the Finger Lakes Trail, etc.
• good cycling, great access to parks,
• hilly terrain with some relative wilderness to hike and bike and cross country ski in,
• Access to trails for cross country skiing and hiking,
Farming/Agriculture
• Room for farming
• Farming
• opportunities for organic agriculture,
• , farming community.
Lack of heavy industry
• It's small and there's no heavy industry,
• and no fracking or heavy industrial farming,
• The environmental concerns re.No hydrofracking or green industry
• fracking moratorium.
• Small size,rural,no industry.
• It's a great rural town,but I'm worried about fracking. Otherwise,there's no place I'd rather be.
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Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results 105
Proximity to other places
• Rural location,but close to Ithaca.
• it's people, close enough to city,but far away enough to enjoy the peace and quiet(but that's changing due to
slum lord rentals. bad for peace and quiet and land values.
• proximity to Ithaca,the natural beauty of the area
• close to Ithaca.
• close commute to Ithaca
• The fact it's close to Ithaca,but still far enough away to be rural.
• proximity to Ithaca
• Proximity to Ithaca and surrounding parks,
• close to state parks
• Rural country living near to Ithaca.
• When purchasing our home, it was very important that we are in the Ithaca City School district and near a
TCAT bus line.
• It's rural atmosphere with proximity to Ithaca;
• the proximity to Ithaca, Treman Park.
• I like that it's rural and close to Ithaca.
• and is a nice proximity to Ithaca, Trumansburg, etc.
• State parks
• I like being close to T-burg and Ithaca but the feel of being out in the country.
• closeness to Ithaca,Watkins Glen, and state parks.
• The proximity to Ithaca.
proximity to Ithaca/Elmira/Corning,
• close to Ithaca,
• distance from Ithaca and Watkins Glen. Robert Treman State Park.
• Closeness to Ithaca and parks
• I can get to Ithaca in 20 minutes,
• It's beauty and proximity to parks and Ithaca.
• and proximity to Ithaca and state parks.
• We are close to Ithaca,part of the Ithaca City School District,but have a lot of access to land for gardening,
hiking, and other outdoor activities.
• nearby parks, lakes
• The abundance of natural landscapes,the clean water& air,the rural character,
• I like the rural nature of the town and that it is close to the state parks,the national forest and close to Ithaca
and Trumansburg.
• proximity to Ithaca and Treman park.
• Its rural nature as well as its proximity to the cultural offerings of the Ithaca area.
• Its rural character,yet it is very close to Ithaca.
• home price and proximity to Ithaca combo,
• Proximity to parks.
• proximity to Ithaca
• close to Ithaca
• &proximity to Ithaca
• It's small and rural but close enough to Ithaca for convenience.
• proximity to parks,the lake.
• The countryside is what brought me here along with the close proximity to Ithaca
• Beautiful rural setting close to services in Ithaca
• proximity to Ithaca.
• It's rural natural setting and its proximity to Ithaca for work.
• close to Ithaca
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106 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results
The People/Community
• and sense of community.
• it's sense of community.
• FRIENDLY NEIGHBORS,LAID BACK RURAL CHARACTER
• Great community.
• people
• &the sense of community
• community involvement and good neighbors
• Enfield's unique economy comprised of people who know how to do just about anything.
• I also enjoy the sense of community and public involvement that appears to be growing in Enfield.
• Quirky nature loving residents,
• the growing sense of community.
• the community mindedness of so many people.
• & concerned neighbors
• Peaceful atmosphere,neighbors.
• Rural community
• Sense of community
• friendly community,
• the people.
• Lived here since a baby, sense of community.
Regulation
• Lack of zoning
• Low taxes,minimal government interference
• but the countryside is getting too junky. There are a lot of homeowners who do not are about their properties
and a code enforcement officer who does not enforce NYS code etc.
Services
• and the excellent police and fire protection services.
• fire protections,roads
Quality of life
• The low density of traffic on Enfield's roads is a real bonus.
• Its quiet for the most part.
• My home and the sense of community Events, activities and planing should support the live-ability of Enfield
balancing the cost benefit ratio.No more "Shudaben" development where the taxpapers have to pay to bail
out residents from greedy developers.
• peace and quiet
• quiet;
• low impact/volumn of traffice;
• lack of traffic
• The peaceful setting.
• Small, quiet
• Relaxing atmosphere primarily. Room to breath,quiet to think. Privacy
• Beautiful,good quality water, quiet,not much traffic,
• peace and quiet,privacy, clean air, clean water, I can walk for recreation and exercise and not get run over by
trucks or(in general) chased by unleashed dogs.
• being able to live in close to nature and grow my own food,being the steward of my land
and live in a healthy way, while also being in close proximity to Ithaca.
• That you can swim in a local spring-fed pond and know that water is about as clean as it can get. More
affordable than most towns in Tompkins County.
• dark and quiet nights out here.
• That it's a small town
• I like the privacy we get in other rural towns it doesn't seem the same as here.
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Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results 107
• PEACE AND QUIET
• low population density,
• There is not a lot of traffic and noise, except on 79,
• Good quality of life, fresh air and water.
• The fresh air and natural beauty,the peace and quiet,
• Rural, clean and
• Sleepy;pretty,mostly quiet,nature around me.
• affordable living
• I can afford to live here. Would move outside Tompkins county if that changed.
• Rural, small community
• Nice place to live&raise children.
• not expensive.
• It is a small quiet little community that should remain so.
• I love that it is a small town full of natural beauty and seems to be less tainted by greed than many of the big
cities.
• Country setting, away from city, quiet
• Quiet rural setting
• Small, quiet
• Small town.
• Quiet,
Progress
• that a wind farm is opening up! That's so exciting! I will cry for joy when it happens.
• That it is now coming into the 21 st century.
• I've seen some new improvement like new Enfield Highway Building.
General
• It's where my families land is located.
• I know everybody because i grew up here.
• I grew up here its my home I love it. My family lives next door to me. I really like that we can share this
space together and be so close.
• Best place to live.
• Always home
• I like that we have history here. It feels right to be here and to consider this the place we will always be. I
know our family's land like the back of my hand. My head is full of stories from relatives long lost and of my
own experience...tromping through the swamp, learning to drive a Ford 9N on my own under the instruction
of my granddad.
Question 24: What is your biggest concern about the future of Enfield?
Agriculture
• I am strongly opposed to industrial farming/"right-to-farm policies" that produce toxic air and can
contaminate water.
• Recent so-called"conventional" farming that destroys hedgerows, lovely woods, creek valleys.
• My biggest concern is for the possible commercialization of the town. Many remember the "Pig Farm"years
ago. I certainly do, as I lived downwind of it. This type of commercial farming, as in the Town of Lansing,
can downgrade the environment of the town and should be discouraged.
• I would not support CAFOs as they are essentially agriculture fracking.
• Loss of farmlands
• Restrictions on Farming
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108 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results
• It is extremely important to protect the environment by enacting regulations which prevent practices such as
spraying of chemicals on the soil. We need to encourage green energy, organic farming, and preserving the
land for future generations to enjoy.
Environment & Health
• I am very concerned that heavy industrialization associated with fracking or other heavy industries will ruin
our roads,pollute our aquifer and deplete our clean water resources.
• I am strongly opposed to hydrofracking that produces toxic air and can contaminate water.
• I am very concerned about the possible effects of natural gas development(fracking)on our community. The
effects on water quality and the increase in truck traffic and noise are of particular concern. I believe it would
so degrade the quality of life here that we would be forced to move.
• Hydro-fracking ruining the water&roads
• Fracking
• My biggest concern is that our community and water will be destroyed by hydrofracturing.
• fracking could wreck everything
• I am very concerned that fracking will ruin not only my well water but also the air and noise quailty of my
home. I moved here for the natural beauty and quiet. I don't want these taken away because of fracking.
• fracking
• fracking would change everything and could destroy my land and water
• That they allow Fracking in Enfield or any were else. Because Fracking will ruin the land and destroy
everything. I dont want to have to live with all the spills, loudness and most improtantly traffic. I also dont
want my water to catch on fire.
• The potential negative consequences of hydro-fracking.
• The possibility of fracking. I am part owner of a lake property in PA and we worry greatly about the quality
of both our lake and our well water. There have been many instances of contaminated well water in
neighboring communities. I can't take a drink from the tap and not wonder if it's safe to do so. I can't say
how comforting it is to know that my water here is safe for myself and my dogs. It seems as though people
take clean well water for granted,particularly those who have never experienced the fear of contamination.
• Hydrofracking,polluted water and air,unsafe deteriorating roads, homes surrounded with trash,junk,
garbage and vehicles.
• That fracking will destroy the water supply and general health of the area.
• Fracking
• The threat of fracking.
• Changes that will occur if hydrofracking comes to town
• That frackers come! I will hit them over the head with a baseball bat if they come on my land! Maybe we
should frack their land how would they like that! I don't want my land and water contaminated!!!!!!!
• protect Enfield lands from activities such as hydraulic fracturing and other such damaging activities
• Worried about fracking&wall water, fracking&beauty, fracking& incoming of rough necks.
• Gas drilling
• Hydrofracking's impact on environment
• being overrun by oil and gas exploration companies.
• The effects of fracking, including traffic and water quality.
• Fracking
• Industrial development/hydrofracking
• Fracking
• High volume slick water hyrdrofracking is a danger to the community and could easily destroy our wonderful
community.
• Nothing is even remotely more important than to ban fracking
• RIGHT NOW WE MUST BAN HIGH VOLUME SLICK WATER HORIZONTAL HYDROFRACTURING
• Fracking
• impact of fracking either in or nearby Enfield
• concerned that fracking will be allowed
• Allowing an irrevesable hyrofracking in our community
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Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results 109
• Fracking
• hydrofracking
• That fracking will destroy the area.
• Hydrofracking
• The risks and side effects of fracking
• Fracking! Don't let it happen!
• economic pressures to exploit resources of water, land,natural gas will lead to environmental degradation and
contamination.
• My biggest concern is that Enfield will be negatively impacted, environmentally and economically by
fracking.
• Hydrofracking
• NO FRACKING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
• The occurence of fracking.
• I'm most concerned about gas drilling. It would be a fatal mistake to allow gas corporations to come in and
run roughshod over all of us just for a few residents to benefit financially. Please no gas drilling!!
• The possibility of high volume drilling for natural gas. I am not opposed to other forms of natural gas
development.
• The possible industrial development of hydraulic fracturing for natural gas. I have deep concerns about the
negative effects of that industry on the Enfield community(as well as other rural towns), especially relating to
air and water quality,road maintenance and overall quality of life.
• being "run over"by gas drilling companies
• I do not want to see ANY fracking or oil drilling.
• I'm very concerned about the possibility of fracking. I see no positive gains and only a multitude of
headaches and problems if that type of gas drilling is allowed to go forward. The residents of Enfield stand to
gain nothing but only to lose our health, and wealth of natural beauty.
• It is extremely important to protect the environment by enacting regulations which prevent practices such as
hydrofracking.
• I believe that fracking would decrease property values, drive people and healthy business/agriculture away
from Enfield, and degrade the environment and health of the people who live here.
• 1 believe that industrial scale agriculture is also harmful to the environment. Also, concentrated animal
feeding operations(CAFOs) should not be encouraged in Enfield. Large-scale farms should be held to high
standards in relation to air,water, and noise pollution. Small scale organic operations should be encouraged
in Enfield.
• The consequences of hydro-fracking on our land and water.
• Fracking. If it happens we will move. We have our first child on the way and we aren't raising her in a gas
field.
• My biggest concern currently is that fracking will NOT be banned. I would like to see a comprehensive ban
on fracking in the town of Enfield.
• I believe that industrial scale agriculture is also harmful to the environment. Also, concentrated animal
feeding operations(CAFOs) should not be encouraged in Enfield. Large-scale farms should be held to high
standards in relation to air,water, and noise pollution. Small scale organic operations should be encouraged
in Enfield.
• Fracking spoiling the town& our water
• My biggest concern is the potential for water contamination due to hydrofracking.
• My biggest concern at this point is that we protect our community from the big gas corporation's plan to frack
our community and that our water will be poisoned for generations to come. I have children,we drink from
our well. They need not to be exposed to cancer cause chemicals. I love where we live. Everyday when I go
for a run in the morning,I am in awe of the beauty that surrounds us. Please protect this beautiful
community.
• fracking would ruin the town for me
• Hydrofracking
• Destruction of natural resources, e.g. fracking
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110 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results
• that hydrofracking will come and poison everything
• Fracking will change the entire rural nature of the town,destroy natural beauty,destroy water, air and
community.
• Fracking for natural gas and its impact on the environment, especially water quality
• do not want gas drilling here
• Hydraulic fracturing for natural gas and the pollution that will ensue.
• I'm most concerned that gas drilling will be allowed in the area,placing a hazard on our water table, air
quality and rural nature of the town. I'm concerned that we will lose the agricultural nature of the town and
would like to encourage more farming and less industrial development.
• hydrofracking will turn the town into an industrialized zone for years and i'll be forced to sell my home at a
reduced value and leave..
• The possibility of fracking. Leave the gas in the ground.
• I dread extraction of natural resources of any sort without long term considerations of sustainability. Right
now it is fracking. Global warming is coming to all of us and that is actually my largest concern.We need to
get off fossil fuels.
• Hydrofracking
• Fracking would destroy enfield and must be avoided at all costs.
• The possibility of fracking makes me hesitant to buy a home or start a business as I do not believe that in the
event of water and land contamination that anyone will be held responsible in a reasonable amount of time
which means there is no deterrent for those seeking profit.
• I am concerned that Enfield could become industrialized due to natural gas extraction techniques and other
large scale commercial agriculture or industrial ventures. I want to continue to live in a healthy, quiet rural
environment. We need to protect our air, land and water and the overall quality of our rural life.
• I really do not want to see it become a fracking town I know of people that live in Pennsylvania in a tracking
town before they came in it was great another wonderful rural town in the United States one four corner stop
sign with a small town store the fracking company's came in the roads are thrashed they have to wait at a stop
light for sometimes up to fifteen minutes for a long line of gas trucks. They were invaded they can't sell there
land because no one wants to buy it in a town over run by fracking company's they are concerned about there
children's health.
• The most awful future I can imagine is an Enfield dotted with gas drilling rigs pounding 24/7, spewing diesel
fumes into the air&turning clean water into chemical stew. We have such a treasure of beautiful woods&
streams, farmland&meadows--how can we even consider turning such an environment into a dirty industrial
zone?
• hydrofracking and wind farms changing the landscape and noise levels
• That hydrofracking will ruin the water supply and cause many homes to be worthless.
• That the town become home to increased heavy-industrial activity and accompanying pollution that goes
along with fossil fuel extraction. It's really important to protect our valuable and thus far plentiful water
supply through an aquifer study and local laws.
• My home is my biggest investment and if hydrofracking is allowed its diminished value is assured. Lower
land values will lead to diminished tax base for town maintenance and repair of the destructive nature of the
drilling practices so apparent in Pennsylvania. The noise air and water pollution will prompt many to leave, it
is a slippery slope that has left many communities in desperation. I do not want to leave Enfield but am not
willing to live in the midst of these installations.
• That hydro fracking will be allowed and a spill will contaminate our water. Even if there is no spill the
industrial development of Enfield would most likely drive us away at great cost to us.
• That we won't adequately protect our community against high volume natural gas drilling-Ban fracking in
Enfield!
• Possibility of fracking, at this time.
• Messing up the place with fracking.
• I am very concern about fracking. We are on a well and I would really HATE to loose our water supply.
• That hydrofracking or other heavy industrial development will destroy the clean air,water,peacefulness and
quality of life that we have here.
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Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results 111
• 1. That hydrofracking NOT be allowed here, and that we have the right to determine that as a town.
• Possibility of hydrofracking
• No Fracking! No fracking! No drilling! No,No,No!
• Fracking
• Fracking-Don't Want!
• Fracking and what it could do to our water and air, especially 2 years down the line when the chemicals have
had time to disperse and seals have had time to break.
• High volume drilling for natural gas(fracking)
• Allowing fracking for gas wells
• Don't want to see hydro-fracking and the heavy industrial look that accompanies it.
• Fracking coming here
• Although I am not necessarily opposed to developing natural gas,I am none the less concerned about the
effect it will have.
• The big businesses and gas drilling will come here. We NEED to encourage solar and wind energy.
• Hydrofracking will render homes uninhabitable, destroy property values,increase taxes by destroying tax
base and increase infrastructure maintenance cost.
• Stop fracking!
• I'm very concerned about fracking.
• Threat of hydrofracking
• Eventual approval of hydrofracking and resulting environmental and traffic impacts
• Fracking
• Pollution of air and water. Industrialization through natural gas development or CAFOs.
• Hydrofracking. We will leave town if it comes.
• Fracking
• Fracking is a huge threat to our quality of life. I strongly oppose drilling and hydrofracking in the Town of
Enfield.
• I'm concerned that our community will change...it's way too small of an area to invite huge industrial
operations like gas drillers in to disrupt and pollute this beautiful landscape. I'm saddened that people who
claim to be the most concerned about the land have more regard for making money at the expense of their
neighbors than really, and seriously considering the damage that will occur to the land if high volume slick
water hydraulic fracturing is allowed to commence. Even if there was never to be a spill,the toll that this type
of activity will take on the surface,the landscape,the terrain...it will change it forever. This type of mindset
is disappearing. It isn't realistic in today's society and it isn't sustainable in a community the size of ours.
• losing access to parks and lakes
• Increased pollution
• Water well protection.
• Pollution of ground water and bodies of water.
Governance
• EVFC Members should not serve on the Town Board. The Town employs too many family members. Town
clerk, code officer,brother and sister, councilperson married to code officer, etc. Conflicts!
Growth & Development
• Commercialization of natural resources
• That decisions being made now are based on fear and speculation. This town could use an economic boost
and writing an entire industry out of a plan is short-sighted. This town should welcome ANY industry into
our tax base. So my biggest fear is creating a plan that prohibits the growth of this community.
• Development
• That it is not over-developed, or the countryside ruined for someone's profit
• Currently I would be most concerned about property taxes continuing to go up
• Taxes will become so high that residents will sell and move because of affordability. We need to think long
and hard before spending beyond our basic needs. We cannot continue to increase taxes at the expense of our
residents.
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112 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results
• Cost of services and taxes for unfunded state and federal mandates •
• Increasing Property taxes- especially for residents on fixed incomes.
• I'm concerned about what the large landowners will do with their land to make money. I can only hope that
they will consider the community when making decisions.
• No plan for the infrastructure to meet the future needs of the town.No in town housing for the elderly,no
community center or recreational space (ball fields,basketball courts, etc.)for our young. We don't even have
a decent Town Hall and the center of our town in distened for slum lord city!
• Commercial development
• Development with no safe pedestrian spaces.
• Increased population
• over population
• Lack of proper land use, ie small home/lot sizes. Min size 3 ars.
• It will lose its rural charm.
• Over development of industry.
• Over expansion of public buildings
• Sprawl development ruining the rural area. I grew up outside Philadelphia in a rural area where farms were
replaced completely by strip malls and housing developments, each uglier than the last. Result is no
community identity,no way to walk or use public transport to services.No beautiful landscape. Just endless,
characterless sprawl and crowded roads and everyone living atomized lives. I think fostering community and
stewardship of land and resources should be the top priorities.
• Take over by"oil companies"
• Big brother(oil co)taking over
• too many indians and not enough chiefs.
• Growth.
• I'd hate to see it become like Ithaca, over run by students with no respect for those who live and work here.
• traffic on t. 79 and back roads
Housing Quality & Maintenance
• Come look at the properties on either side of me! Deteriorating buildings. The "newest"buildings made out
of scrap.
• Deteriorating housing stock.
• too many welfare section 8 housing opportunities. attracting bad acting and scary people to our area.
Lack of Services
• That we get a better gas station and for the TCAT to come out here more and for the town to get a program
for people that need help with services and food and the children.
• Lack of good cell service.
• 2. The lack of affordable high-speed internet service, except for those who have Haefele TV,which provides
internet services.
• Lack of choices of Internet providers.
• Lack of public transportation.
Rights & Restrictions
• Planning should not change the character of Enfield so large landowners can make a buck on the backs of
hardworking middle class residents as has happened in past.
• Losing its free rural lifestyle.
• loss of property owner's rights through poor planning
• Lack of zoning will lead to undesirable uses establishing businesses near my home or my neighbors.
• Lack of zoning, lack of code enforcement.
• Unregulated buildings.
• Lack of building/zoning regulations
• unplanned growth
• Unregulated housing development, esp. mobile homes.
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Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results 113
• Lack of zoning
• NOSY NEIGHBORS PUSHING THEIR AGENDAS ON OTHERS
• Rights of the minority are being trampled by the majority.
Threats & Nuisances
• Break-ins to rural homes
• Drugs.
• Road racing.
• Drugs.
• Lower class people making it a dumpy area.
• Slum landlords w/flop houses.
• Dogs across the road left out all the time,barking and whining(SPCA will not do anything unless formal
charges are pressed).
• Drugs.
• Continued transient, low or no income people wandering around.
• Welfare will be the primary employer
Question 25 Comments: What would you change in Enfield?
Town Government
• More planning, controls
• Some consistancy in our Town mamnagement would be a plus
• I would hold more referendums to encourage inclusiveness in Town of Enfield policy&planning.
• I would like to see more of the kind of community involvement in Town events and governance we've seen
over the last couple of years.
• I'd like to see the Town make a greater effort to create and maintain a town-wide e-mail list so that
announcements about meetings and laws are more readily available. People could be encouraged to stay in
touch with the Town website more than they do. We'd become a more cohesive community.
• Find a way to acknowledge the contributions of the few residents that keep the town running and safe (elected
officials, employees, fire company personnel-- all volunteer far more time than most residents realize).
• the town board,too many conflicts of interest
• Transparency of the Fire Company
• focus of town government
• New people in town Gov.
• Land owners should have more input on major financial decisions.
Community
• To see everyone work for the common good of our community. We have a lovely firehouse but no
community events can be held there,why? Would like to see more community involvement and support with
our Grange.
• I would like to see more community socializing. While it would be great to have an actual community center
building to meet in,I think we could be creative as a community until the time that's possible. Perhaps some
open houses a few times a year or once a month...open our homes for snacks and meeting new people. Maybe
a progressive dinner a couple times a year. I have loved getting to know so many people who live
here. Really, it's such a small population, it is possible to know nearly everyone here in some capacity sooner
or later. The more we know one another,the more committed we are to one another in making our
community strong.
• more recreational opportunities
• too much influence from ithaca
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114 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results
• I wish there was more of a community here -more gatherings or a place to gather(cafe?). Would be nice to
have some small businesses here or kid-orientated activities for families to come together.
• Enhancing sense of community
• Idealistically, I would work on changing the attitude that "what I do on/with my land is nobody else's
business". Fostering an attitude of"I care that what I do on/with my land affects my neighbors" could be a
worthwhile goal.
• More community events to bring residents together and to "get to know" some of our neighbors
• There seem to be a lot of people living in very marginal-looking structures. Info and connections -perhaps via
the website- about how residents could help neighbors in need would be nice.
• feed the hungry, encorage our young people, and have more of a sense of a caring community
• More activities for children.
• Get people to get to know each other better. Have more opportunities to meet your neighbors.
• repurpose fire hall to a community facility,
• increase communication and cooperation of citizens on individual and community projects.
• I would like to see more opportunities for the kids- a bigger space for them to gather in,more resources for
after school activities and programming.
• Less sense of"I can do whatever I want to my property" and greater awareness of the public good.
• Encourage more community learning opportunities and use of facilities for adult classes and education.
• That more to be done to encourage the community to stay small.
• People like me who are not involved enough. I/we should be. More engaged with neighbors. Can we start a
community cafe like Dryden? Need better relationships between new comers&old timers. Less arrogance
from new-comers towards rural families. More mutual respect.
• I would build a community center for all to use.
• Need a community center so people have a place to run into each other.
• I would increase the sense of community by not splitting us into so many different school districts.
New or Improved Infrastructure desired
• We need a sustainable model of development that includes improved internet access, improved public
transportation access
• I would also really LOVE to have high speed internet!
• High speed internet availability.
• I would improve cell service and internet options to invite small,home-based businesses into our community.
• Develop high speed internet access
• We need improved internet access that is more affordable-we don't have cable or DSL. Satellite internet
access is expensive and not always reliable.
• I've only lived in Enfield for 6 months,but I am very happy with everything so far and glad to have bought
property here. If I had to pick one thing, access to high-speed internet would be really nice. I am only able to
access that at work.
• Modernize ie Internet-High speed
• Poor cell phone coverage and no legitimate Internet access.Needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
• I'd bring in affordable high-speed internet service. The state broadband map has been wrong. It shows Time
Warner Cable serving Enfield, and also shows other internet services that are not available. I have been in
touch with the state Broadband Commission on numerous occasions to help them correct the errors on the
map,because they need to know that there is little to no high-speed internet service in Enfield.
• Bike paths on major roads. So it will be safer for the people who are biking.
• make the busy roads safer by creating bike paths.
• More safe pedestrian spaces-- sidewalks and walking/bike trails.
• a town water system, sewer system, connection to the world due to cable,telephone cables,maybe a small
movie theather, etc. for residents to enjoy.
• More commercial activity and urban landscaping in Enfield town center.
• I would bring on the farms/restaurants/parks/bike lanes/all the other good ideas mentioned above.
• More public green space,perhaps more local businesses in the center of Enfield
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Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results 115
• Make a real town center(see below). Add sidewalks and more et lights so pedestrians stop walking in the
road, especially on Enfield Main. Encourage *small* business development and better quality affordable
housing, and elder care. Elder care would need to come with proper public transportation and a small grocery
store in the center of town. Above I indicated that I wanted to increase certain types of housing,but I would
not want to see massive housing developments with identical houses on postage-stamp sized plots of land. If
housing is increased I would want it to be done thoughtfully, and with priority placed on keeping the rural
nature of our community.
• maybe start a park to encourage some sort of visiting to the area. Start small and grow.
• It would be wonderful to have our roads more pedestrian and cyclist friendly. It would also be great to have a
recreational park nearby with a playground.
• I would love to see some storefronts in downtown Enfield.
• The town area needs a little renovation.
• Historic preservation and re-purposing of existing structures in a planned focused way to build a community
center.
• A restaurant or two would be nice,but maybe unrealistic.
• I would like to see sidewalks along Enfield main road and a proper bus stop across from the town hall.
• develop bike paths
• I would build a stronger town center area
• Build a bus shelter for riders.
• Better internet service,
• Replace Kuma's with a regular tavern.
• Make a nice center of town. People associate Valley Komer as the center and that doesn't promote the gentle
character of Enfield.
• Make the village center more attractive.
• Shooting range-
The establishment of a traditional general store would serve as a community"watering hole", community
center, grocery and retail store,while fitting with the character of the community.
• A place to bring lawn clippings, leaves, Christmas trees, etc.
Cleanup encouraged
• Improve condition of buildings and maintenance of green areas,
• I'd also like to see the gravel piles moved out of the center of town to the new highway department site.
• get ride of junk sites near the roads
• Improve the town hall and meeting Facilities
• Demolish the corner store-bring in new store with a paved parking lot and affordable prices.
Energy
• people shouldn't be wishy washy about this --just ban it before it's too late
• the weather,but if you can't do that at keast stop the frackers!
• I'd definately want to leave if fracking were allowed.
• Pass a ban on gas drilling to protect us from fracking and other high volume industrial drilling techniques
which will ruin our way of life here in Enfield.
• Ban Fracking forever.
• And I would like to see a ban on high volume hydrofracking in the town.
• Change the moratorium to a ban on hydrofracking.
• I would like to see Enfield focus on green energy,like the wind farm that is going to be built on Black Oak
Rd and
• Introduce a moratorium on fracking.
• A ban on fracking until it can be done safely.
• the moritorium on fracking to a complete ban on fracking
• I would change the fracking moratorium to a fracking ban
• make the moratorium into a ban on fracking
• I would enact a ban on high volume hydraulic fracturing.
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116 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results
• Institute a Ban on Hydrofracking
• Slowness of relictivity(?)to ban fracking
• ban hydrofracking,
• Put a ban on Hydro Fracking in place.
• The slow move to ban fracking. It needs to be done NOW!
• Natural Gas drilling when safer forms would be Ok
• ban tracking.
• Town should adopt a BAN on Hydrofracking.
• Ban hydrofracking
• Reduced cost electrical power through wind energy and a ban on hydro-fracking would make me very proud.
• Also, if farmers are allowed to "frack" their land,the environment of the town will be so adversely affected
that it becomes beyond repair.
• I would institute a ban on fracking as soon as possible.
• also green renewable energy sources in more abundance I think it's great the outside lights in the parking lot
at the school are solar powered cudos that's great
• more emphasis on energy conservation, development of renewable energy technologies.
• I do think that every effort should be made to incorporate green energy wherever possible.A wind farm
would only be an asset. Any other moves toward green energy would be welcome.
• increase energy efficiencies of all buildings.
• Build/approve wind farm and solar generation. Energy independence without toxic waste.
• The addition of a wind farm.
• Complete wind farm
Agriculture
• and"new agriculture" ventures that do not contaminate the land or air, and that have genuine respect for the
well being of neighbors in what is becoming a more residential area.
• I would encourage farmland protection laws and any programs that would encourage farmers to keep large
tracts of farmland intact.
• Explore ways to enable land to stay open space so that it's available for current and future (green)agriculture.
• Farmers used to be the primary protectors of the land. Ever increasingly,they use and abuse the land to
maximize profits. The increasing use of herbicides and pesticides will eventually adversely affect all aspects
of the environment,
• I would love to see huge embrace of development of renewable energy and organic farming. We are in the
perfect place for it with Ithaca so close by.
• Not much it would be nice to see more organic farmers in the area
• fostering of small-scale agriculture,
• NO MORE CAFOs!
Housing
• More housing
• improve substandard housing
• Limit manufactured housing
Roads and Transportation
• More bus service.
• Better public transportation to more areas of Enfield. For example,the Enfield Falls area is not served at all.
A small feeder bus along Rt.327 four times a day to connect to the lines at the Enfield Town Hall or on Route
13 would be nice. Could be served by some 8 passenger van. There is a need,but there may not be enough
folks using the service in the beginning,thus a relatively small public transport vehicle would suffice.
• I don't understand the resistance to having a bus stop at the new highway facility. I think it would be very
useful to have a bus stop there.
• public transportation options,
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Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results 117
• reroute TCAT to a loop that runs to the new highway barn crosses over to Bostwick Rd. and over Sheffield to
Meck Rd. ;
• Stop digging such huge trenches on the sides of the roads. Drainage is one thing but standing water(now a
problem in front of my place)leads to more mosquitoes (West Nile virus problem) and big problems for
minor skids in the winter.
• Bus service to all of Enfield
• Better Winter plowing.
• Better road repair
• Small TCAT buses or vans operating more frequently and coming out to S. Buck Hill Rd. (County/Town line)
Regulations/policies
• Enforcement of junk yard code /dog licensing.
• More zoning and more enforcement of property code requirements; it's embarrassing to drive visitors around
certain areas of Enfield,the way some of the properties look
• stricter codes and enforcement regarding property maintenance.
• Develop a long term plan for sustainable development. Countryside residents across the country have realized
too late that zoning would have protected them from big trucks running over their dogs, or that loud noise that
keeps them up at night, and the traffic that doubles their commute. There is room in Enfield for industry,
commerce,multifamily homes, etc...but we must have a plan that is realistic for keeping traffic reasonable,
allowing space for recreation, and not disturbing the existing rural character of Enfield.
• I would encourage stronger land use planning/zoning to maintain the rural and agricultural nature of the
community. I am concerned about the effect of substandard housing on the nature of the community and the
schools.
• Realistically, I would like the town to explore the idea of land use zoning to see if some form of it would
work for Enfield.
• Put in place a noise ordinance.
• Get farm/animal run-off under control.
• stricter rules to prevent industrial development
• At least enforce building codes and maybe have some zoning regulations
• I would love to see zoning in Enfield, like you see in every other town in the country.
• I would like to see the sheriffs dept. out here more often setting up speed traps.
• I also have some concerns about recreational gun usage.
• I am very glad that the ATV track on Shudaben Rd. closed. That was quite a noise nuisance and is a
concern. I would discourage the development of another ATV or dirtbike track.
• I would like to see some sort of code to help people learn to keep junk cars and junk trailers and general level
of extremely unsightly waste limited,behind fences and NOT right along our beautiful creeks. I hike at night
and smell burn barrels all the time. I don't know how to locate exactly where they are coming from.
• I'd like more zoning,more protective ordinances, as an example no single-wides. Would like noise
ordinances on dirt bikes and four wheelers.
• Much less illegal shooting on properties adjacent to mine.
• Well,we need zoning...
• consider zoning and get some law enforcement protection full time. I think the town could provide free
housing to a young police officer willing to make this area their home for their family.
• It would be nice if junk laws were enforced- Clean up our town- get rid of junk cars-
To enforce the speed by the school and
• Impose fewer restrictions on commercial farm land use.
• get rid of road racing, loud car stereos.
• Disabled veterans in most of the United States pay no school tax and no land tax. Why not here,please tell
me why. Cornell is tax free.
• Now that Bostwick between Applegate and 327 has been so improved, speeding(esp. vehicles w. little or no
mufflers) and littering is out of control...speed bumps, signage?Enforcement.
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118 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results
Business/Services
• incubator for small businesses to get started and employ more Enfield residents.
• I would encourage small, low impact businesses
• encouragement for small businesses and definitely another grocery/gas station store
• more education,better access to educational resources
• more food pantry times in this town.
Environment
• Enfield's pure air and water, its natural beauty, its organic gardening and maple syrup industries are very
important to me.
• Not sure how,but more encouragement of nature and wildlife.
• Control water use and contamination from all sources, including agriculture, industry and residents. Control
outdoor burning to minimize environmental impact.
• As little as possible about the natural environment.
• Encourage responsible land use regulating to preserve open space and view sheds.
• The water is extremely hard.
About change in Enfield
• Nothing
• Nothing. What's wrong with a small town? Eveything doesn't have to change. If it works, leave it alone.
• Nothing special at this time.
• Peoples stubbornness to change
• not sure
• Not much.
• nothing at the moment
• Not sure
• Nothing- Leave it alone!
• Not much.
• More of what is suggested
Question 26 Comments: Do you believe Enfield is changing for the better or worse
and why?
Town Government
• it's taken awhile to get away from the families that usually ran the town "residents are slowly getting things
done by vote,better local government leaders, etc.
• For reasons stated above.No plan and the lack of caring out a plan if there was one. We have a huge turnover
rate with our elected officals which adds to this problem.
• When I grew up politicians and political appointees looked out for those who they represented verus their
personal interest. Can you folks who are charged with planning really tell me you are looking out for the
concerns of all residents or positioning yourselves to make more money at the expense of the rest of us,You
call it capitalism and it's okay when in fact you've benefited from tax breaks and government subsidies which
is socialism.
• I appreciate the responsiveness of the Town Board to community concerns and have faith that it bods well for
Enfield's future
• Town is attempting to make improvemens for a better Enfiedl.
• I am concerned that the planning board may not represent the wishes of the majority of the Town who would
welcome some reasonable land use regulation.
• The Town Board listens to the concerns of the people and neighbors help each other through the fire
department,the churches and the school.
• same kind of problems,no matter who is "in charge"
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Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results 119
• I believe that the town of Enfield Board is thoughtful and caring about this community.
• don't know..maybe better as the town board meetings are now so open and inviting?
• I think the effectiveness of our Planning Board& Town Bpard is also on the rise. Their effectiveness will
certainly be put to the test during the next year as the issue of a hydrofracking ban comes front¢er!
• town government is becoming more responsive to the voice of the citizens-including the newcomers,
• Environmental concerns are being addressed appropriately by the Town.
• The Town Board meetings have become very respectful, and more welcoming of input from residents.
• I am glad the Planning Board is inviting community participation on their committees for updating the
Comprehensive Plan.
• there is some forward thinking,planning,but not enough and not fast enough.
• Finally a town board that works in relative harmony for the betterment of the town.
• The town leaders are asking the right questions and seeking input from town residents.
• it's thinking carefully about its future and trying to do what's best for most of us.
• Lots of great new/old board members
• Town board seems to have forgotten the fact that they are charged with protecting our town and posterity(?),
new small business,the board needs to be more pro-active instead of re active -protect our land and water.
• The Board seems less concerned about water/environmental issues and appears to be preparing to let "oil
companies" do damage.
• Town board that works together. More town info available through website, ENSAW mailings, etc.
• I am so pleased to see a new mindset on the Town Board. Including the constituents in the process is the
American way.
Community
• Lots of new people taking an interest in the town
• If we can continue that success with a complete ban on fracking,the community can come together to
continue this model of engagement and development that meets the needs of more of Enfield's citizens.
• People are getting involved more and more, and that's a good thing.
• I'm optimistic that increased involvement in local Enfield government by many thoughtful residents can help
build a more prosperous and caring community for the 21st Century.
• Enfield appears at a cross roads with large old time resident land owners wanting to making a financial wind
fall at the expense of folks who enjoy living here.
• i guess this is what its like to live in a growing community
• Sense of investment and real care for the place amongst the community.
• This is how community is built.
• I live in the area and hear nothing, ever, about anything. There is no sense of community involvement that I
have felt in 18 years.
• Being new to Enfield,I am heartened by the number of people who actively care about the town and want to
• Involved community members.
• more community involvement
• I think youth are the life-blood of a community. They bring energy and fresh ideas.
• I like Enfield's community events like the chicken barbecues and fall harvest festival.
• However,I do want you to know I appreciate the attempt to build community with chicken bbq's, fall harvest
festivals, and the like, and the yearly(spring)dumpster in the center of town has been hugely beneficial for
us. Please continue these efforts.
• The continuing harvest Festival&ECC programs
• I am feeling more sense of community among the residents here.
• too many political agendas of large land owners
• People care and are willing to work hard to keep each other safe and healthy.
• Far too political
• becoming polarized
• Perhaps because of the hydrofracking threat, Enfield's citizens seem to be getting more involved in the
political process.
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120 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results
• Also ENSAW and this survey are good indicators of positive change because they indicate community
activity.
• There have been more opportunities for community gatherings like movies and dances, and more public
information presentations.
• Citizens are paying attention to things that affect their lifestyle..
• Just a gut feeling. Seeing lots of people get involved in ENSAW(including my wife and mother in law) give
me hope that things can change.
• More people are becoming involved/taking action to protect the town and quality of life here.
• A few landowners want to become oil tycoons and the expense of everyone else.
• Only permanent residents should have say regarding land use.
• Residents are becoming more progressive minded&want to plan for the future.
• Not enough co-operation by political opposites.
• I think people are trying hard to build bridges and increase communication and respect in the community.
• Organization& community awareness.
• Seems to be more citizen input,more intellectual discourse. More of a community feel to the town.
• Relatively new(10-20 yrs)residents are becoming involved in community events
• It's a blessing to work with our fellow neighbors to make our community better and to keep it safe.
Physical environment
• seems like the large truck travel is getting worse
• I like the new lamp posts along Enfield main road and I am looking forward to all the gravel piles being
moved out of the center of town. The recycling/dump program that Enfield conducted every spring for the
last few years was also a great service.
• When we paid taxes to have the new highway building built,I expected the eyesore of the old town highway
building to be addressed-preferably torn down. Especially the piles of road materials need to be relocated to
the new building. The center of town needs to be improved now that that new highway facility exists; instead
it continues to languish unattended. Please finish what we paid you to start!
• Junk has been getting cleaned up in general but I think there is still a little ways to go.
• The beautification of Enfield Center.
• Nice treatment of Enfield Center with the plantings, signs, streetlights
• town remains rural
• Because I love this place.
• Its being cleaned up.
• New highway dept. building,
• It seems there is an effort to keep Enfield looking good.
• Enfield center is more attractive than it used to be. The Enfield is top-notch. could something be done with
the old"Gregg's Market"?It's a eye-sore.
• Recycling,road maint.,parks
• I would like to create a natural world healing and education center and have Enfield be its home. As a small
town that has not yet been taken over by big business and greed/selfishness,we have a rare opportunity to be
a model town that thrives while still existing in harmony with our earth and each other!
Energy
• The passing of a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing is a very positive first step toward protecting the natural
resources on which this community will thrive. The people that have worked together to bring this about
have helped create a new sense of community that was lacking in the past.
• It depends on whether or not fracking is banned
• don't know, it depends on whether or not they allow fracking
• better to have a wind farm but it'll be a nightmare if they allow fracking
• That depends on whether or not Enfield bans fracking
• Fracking
• Hydrofracking is even a possibility
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Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results 121
• The culture of non-education leads to carelessness regarding protection of natural resources.Acceptance of
hydrofracking will quickly lead to wholesale destruction of those resources. Poisoning the water will make
agriculture impossible. Affluent citizens, including those who make money from frackin leases,will leave,
and rising food costs means that low income residents will be in worse trouble than ever. In short, fracking
will drive the local economy into the ground.
• amazing turnout by residents to speak from their hearts against fracking
• Ban on hydrofracking.
• I am pleased with the sense of community that has developed in opposition to the possibility of fracking. I
was pleasantly surprised to see so many people in our community stepping forward to protect the Town. I
hope to see further action towards a full ban and an aquifer study and aquifer protection law.
• Because our little community is under the direct threat of HVSWH hydrofracking, it forces us to get out there,
meet&talk to each other& start thinking about questions 23-26.
• The community involvement around hydro-fracking has been very positive. I am also excited about the
potential of the wind farm.
• Until a ban on fracking is put in place, and until there is some good zoning, I can only give this a 3 instead of
a 1.
• Moratorium on Hydrofracking
• I can't say that we are changing for the better until the board finally agrees to a ban on hydro-fracturing in the
Town of Enfield. We have fought long and hard to be heard,now it is time for the Town Board to take a
stand on behalf of its residents.
• Better because the fracking moratorium was passed. If a permanent ban isn't passed then things will be worse.
• We're making progress toward banning hydrofracking, and a wind farm is going to be built.
• They are committed to stopping the oil companies from destroying our way of life and the health of our
children.
• The time and energy that the Board has dedicated to learning about the issue of fracking is heartening and I
am grateful that the Board passed the moratorium and am very hopeful that the Board will pass a ban on
Fracking
• Well that's to be determined. I now that the majority of the land is owned a few people and most a pro
fracking I hope that the town doesn't get ruined by the greed of a few
• I've seen the outpouring of concern for Enfield as far as the fracking issue is concerned. Many residents have
devoted time and effort and study and outreach with the belief that the possibility of going forward with that
kind of gas drilling could have dire effects not only for us who live in Enfield,but for many future
generations. I've heard the many perspectives of those who oppose fracking and it's only reminded me to
appreciate what we have and also what we stand to lose.
• alternative energy is being explored,
• The major change I have seen in my time here is the election of town board representatives that worked to
move the wind farm project ahead instead of holding it back. Green energy is good for the world, and I would
rather look at and hear a wind tower than look at the coal fired plum across the lake.
• Regarding Wind farm and large scale solar-with current technology,not cost effective for Enfield area.
• Because people are getting together and fighting against the gas companies.
• I'm impressed by the large number of citizens who oppose and are willing to fight hydrofracking.
• I like the wind farm and similar green projects.
• Well we were told a wind farm was coming to Enfield. Where is it? The high cost of electricity through
NYSEG is over the top. Why aren't there a solar energy here in Enfield encouraging everyone to use it and or
wind.
• Decrease in organic farmers moving in to the town/starting agricultural businesses as they fear that gas
drilling may be permitted. Documented cases of farmers refusing to purchase until the matter is settled.
Decrease in real estate purchases for the same reason.
• Against fracking
• Interested buyers waiting to see how fracking issue is resolved. Problems for real estate agents selling in
Enfield.
• No complaints now but am concerned about future development, especially hydrofracking.
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122 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results
Agriculture
• growth of organic farming
• We are a community small enough to be self-sufficient in a whole host of categories including food& energy.
• I think that Enfield is attracting young people with a strong interest in the environment and new agriculture.
• We have at least one successful organic farmer in the town.
• I see many people moving here who are starting organic farming activities and other healthy environmental
activities who care about Enfield and want to participate to make it a better place.
• smaller scale agriculture is on the rise,
• encouraging farming
• Also, a lot of contemporary agricultural endeavors are making their home Enfield. From seedling businesses
to organic grain growers and millers...they give me hope that there will be a sweeping change in the way we
treat our land for the purposes of growing.
Housing
• Too much section 8 housing with sex offenders and drug users;residents allowed to build ugly and probably
dangerous buildings that are an eyesore and lower property values;
• increased influx of homeless and drug court people being moved out of Ithaca city and into Enfield multi-unit
houses, apartments and the trailer parks contribute to unsafe feeling of long time residents. Enfield has 3
unsolved murders over the past few years.
• There has been a lot of housing development in our neighborhood, and some of the rural character has been
lost.
• Too much low quality housing being built that doesn't generate enough of a tax revenue increase to balance
increased services and drains resources--especially groundwater
• home improvement.
• Increase in poorly constructed apts.
• People taking pride in their homes.
• Development-sprawl from Ithaca for cheap housing
Roads and Transportation
• A real bus stop in the center of town would help a lot of people who use public transportation-just to let
people get out of the rain, snow, and wind while they're waiting.
• I see that Enfield has gotten so populated now with people it seems good. But the TCAT don't.
• Also,kudos to Buddy and his crew for doing such a good job on our public thoroughfares.
Regulations
• Again, the community needs to better support the organizations that it has. We also need zoning so that we
can clean up the "junk",makes the town look trashy, or maybe code enforcement can help accomplish this.
• Since we bought property in Enfield,the Town has adopted a leash law and junk car law.
• Even though planning has emerged in the town, and a junk code has been put in place,many ares of the town
are essentially trash heaps,which are not only unsightly,but tend to degrade the environment and lower
property values. However, county assessment does not believe so. These "trash heaps" are also unsightly. I
speak from experience, as several years ago the properry was purchased next to my beautiful home, and has
been allowed to become a disgusting junk yard. Too bad there is not a real and enforceable junk law on the
books.
• Too many rules®ulations.
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Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results 123
Taxes
• I haven't seen any changes except tax increase.
• I also think that the increasing residential population is good for the tax base.
• I have not seen any growth nor anything being done to correct its present situation. It's all about money and
doing
• less but yet take the money, increase taxes for less services.
About change in Enfield
• Haven't noticed much changing.
• I haven't lived here long enough to know
• N/A Have only been here 3 years...not sure at this time if things are better,not changing,worse.
• I see great if not unlimited potential in Enfield. Let's make it heaven on Earth.
• I have lived here from the age of 5 and I have not noticed that Enfield has changed that much.
• Haven't lived here long enough to identify how things have changed.
• I haven't lived here long enough to answer.
• To slow of a process to get things done
• HAVEN'T BEEN HERE LONG ENOUGH TO TELL
• can't tell
• It doesn't seem like it is changing too much and I think that that is good. I would like to accentuate the good
qualities of the town.
• In the year I have lived in enfield I have seen no development of any kind. Once I did witness two road
workers slap some tar into pot holes on my road. Beyond that I have not seen or heard any mention of
progress or growth.
• I have not noticed any major or rapid changes. Growth has been steady and within the natural capacity of the
environment.
• I don't do much with the town of Enfield.
• We do not see any changes, so we can not answer this.
• Too many people looking for easy fixes.
• Since I've been here, I haven't seen a lot of change.
• Quickly enough
• Same as it was years ago.
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124 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results
FEEL FREE TO WRITE ADDITIONAL COMMENTS BELOW (organized by topic)
About the Survey(14 Comments)
• THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR MAILING ME THAT LITTLE POSTCARD!
• I HAD NO IDEA THERE EVEN WAS A townofenfield.org!
• I GENUINELY FEEL THAT MY INPUT IS IMPORTANT.
• THANK YOU FOR ASKING ME.
• WHOEVER HAD THE IDEA FOR THIS ECP SURVEY NEEDS A PROMOTION!"
• Thank you for considering my comments! ....
• This survey is a sign by itself,that we are on the right path.
• Thank you for offering this survey.
• Thank you for your work and consideration.
• Thank you so much for creating this way for all of us in Enfield to have a voice.
• Thank you for doing this survey and for the public service that you are providing.
• Thank you for all your time and hard work on this very important document!
• Congratulations to the Planning Board for the care in constructing this survey.
• Thank you,neighbors, for working on this plan.
Town Government (9 Comments)
• ....The town board is proving to be a great asset in the furtherance of democracy.
• ....I am also happy with the current supervisor and town board.
• Town clerk and deputy clerk do not have to be at the Town Hall the same time-this is an area that can be cut
back on!
• The process of putting new members on the planning board should be more democratic. Either have our
elected officials nominate and put them in or have them run in an election,voted on by the public.
• Question#20- Checked"Increase"for Town Hall svcs/hours-also commented: or at least install a drop box
outside
• For the last couple of years the town board has been more open to listen to residents and I applaud
them.....Let's keep it that way. If we all work together for a common goal we will accomplish so much more.
• Page 1 Comment-I would love to be on the committee,but as a single mom,would need to bring my kids to
meetings. Would this be OK?
• I love this town. I am proud of the Town Board and the way it has become a professional group of
individuals with the goals of a whole community in mind. I would like to see the behavior of the Planning
Board members checked. It is often very unpleasant, and not impressive at all,to see the way a select couple
of Planning Board members obstruct processes that benefit our community and don't take their charge
seriously. I'm disappointed to say the least. It shows a lack of respect to the community and is a shameful
way to conduct themselves.
• People are in office for their own personal gain....
Roads (7 Comments)
• Roads are very hazardous for joggers and cyclists. 70 mph with no shoulder and lots of dips in the road means
the fairly late number of joggers, cyclists and walkers are constantly in danger. The desire of residents to use
roads for recreation is quite clear. They should be made safe for this use because I don't think you can
disallow it. Bike lanes are expensive. But in the meanwhile we could work on the culture so that drivers and
pedestrians and cyclists can more safely share the roads. there could be info campaigns about safe speeds,
reflective lights and clothing, etc.
• Please complete the road use agreement.
• #20. Re: Snowplowing. We have been plowed in with 4 feet of densely packed snow,more than once,when
the plow turns right from **** Rd onto **** Rd.
• Too much unnecessary and destructive work being done-road maintenance-ruining the small roads with huge
equipment, damaging trees,unnecessary road widening, can this be stopped? Snow plowing seems too
frequent.... Pave the dirt roads.
• Snow plowing is excellent.
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Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results 125
• No selections in#20 but comments as follows: Under the "decrease" column for Snow Plowing was the
comment : poor
• .... I love the Highway Department! They are professional,thorough, conscientious&responsive. I'm very
impressed with the quality of service. Thank you Highway Dept!
Fire Protection (3 Comments)
• The taxpayers pay too much for nothing(Fire protection)
• Not many fires now,more of a rescue service. Fire company has too much equipment that never gets used at
tax payer's expense. Town board needs to get a back bone and cut back the EVFC!
• No selections in#20 but comments as follows: Under the"appropriate" column for Fire Protection/rescue
was the comment: good
Police Protection (2 Comments)
• No selections in#20 but comments as follows:
• Under the"decrease"column for Police Protection was the comment: very poor
• Look at the roads where people are road racing, spinning tires. 1. Motorcycles 2. race cars 3. Spinning tires
(late at night)boom boxes in cars 4. garbage burning
Zoning — Housing (8 Comments)
• I'd be glad to share "before"pictures of our property--the code enforcement officer has already seen them.
We've worked hard to make our place look nice, only to have our neighbors make us wish for 12-foot fences.
• The major trailer park in the town should also be seriously looked at by town officials, It is an eyesore and
and a magnet for crime, especially domestic violence. The owners of the park should be required to enhance
the aesthetics of the park and take steps to work with local law enforcement agencies to reduce the crime rate
in the park. The owners are simply taking money in from the park and giving nothing back to the community.
How about a tree or two?
• 5 because I am concerned about the increase in sub standard housing. Residential development,multiple unit
dwellings,mobile home parks,townhouses/condominiums, and affordable housing should only be
encouraged if kept up and looking nice.
• There are some"dumps"in the town of Enfield, one being the trailer on right of road just before Waterburg
Rd coming from Enfield."
• More residential/townhouse/condo/mobile home parks can be developed if public transportation improved.
Building code enforcement-Need better enforcement-junk code same,too much junk in Enfield and getting
worse all the time
• Years ago it was worth living here. Now there is too much junk and people running the town for their
personal gain.
• Residential multiple unit dwellings-The ones we have now are dumps especially if owned by ***** and/or
*****
• Also am concerned about large houses in poor repair being turned into multi-person housing, landlords need
to be held accountable for extra burdens these properties put on Town services.
Zoning — Business (3 Comments)
• Grocery/retail stores should be clustered within village. Light industrial/manufacturing depends on specific
impacts: noise, energy,water-use,waste management, etc.needs regulation.
• #22 next to Encourage Light Industrial/manufacturing was the comment: if aesthetically appropriate
• Commercial development can be encouraged depending upon the type.
Zoning — General (5 Comments)
• #19—some of the criteria listed seem biased;why not have the opposite of lack of zoning/lack of regulation?
It would be very important to me to have more zoning
• Rd: #19. We do not like a LACK of zoning/reduced regulation. It leads to slovenliness and makes the town
look run down.
• There is no zoning,wish there was,or at least better enforcement with NYS Regs.
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126 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results
• ....we need some basic zoning- campers parked in yards for extended periods, etc. ...
• We really do need to face the fact that we NEED zoning,very badly. I don't care that the"old-timers" say
about having the right to do anything they want; the world doesn't work that way. We all need to take others
into account, and that will mean zoning, if we want to make it into the 21"(or maybe 20th....)century!
Zoning — Signs (1 Comment)
• I feel shame for our neighborhood every time I drive by *****'s property with those huge political signs. I
know it's freedom of speech,but that's how I feel.
Zoning —Dogs (1 Comment)
Just about everyone has a dog- courts need to be stricter
Site Plan Review (1 Comment)
Thank you for the Site Plan Review. I hope it's being honored.....
I would like to suggest and see included in the plan:
1. Support for an aquifer study,the determination of aquifer and re-charge locations and appropriate protection
areas, and support for the adoption of protection regulations
2. Floodplain and stream buffer protections
3. Protections for Unique Natural Areas, such as conservation zones
4. Protections against fragmenting agricultural lands and intact forest
5. Industrial land use definitions
6. Differentiation between heavy and light industry, and buffers between industrial land uses and other uses
7. Priorities that would support a ban on high volume hydrofracking in Enfield
8. Identification of local Critical Environmental Areas to ensure protection from harm
9. Prevention of any heavy industry that could potentially:
o pollute the local air and water
o create disturbing noise or light pollution
o risk damage to our roads and natural resources
o put at risk the health and well being of the local residents
o risk the lowering of our property values
o interfere with the viability of other already established businesses that depend on clean air,water, and
soil and/or tourism
o interfere with the integrity of,use and enjoyment of Treman State Park
10. Limit uses that might impact the quantity or quality of water in our principal aquifers, streams, and wetlands
11. Define the range of illicit discharges from construction activities or industrial development to be covered by
local law, and specify the enforcement mechanism. Establishment of a reporting and tracking system for those
discharges.
12. If industry attempts to put gathering lines in Enfield(pipelines with smaller diameter and lower pressure that
fall below the thresholds for which the Public Service Commission regulates, and are not regulated by any
agency—except where lines go through environmentally sensitive areas),then regulate gathering lines by
adopting a local law that specifies the conditions and requirements for building and inspecting those gathering
lines.
Fracking (21 Comments)
• I am very against fracking. Thank you for all of the public hearings on the Town Board about this issue.
• The town board, even after multiple meetings still doesn't get it. NO FRACKING .Any board member
having a gas lease should recuse themselves from any voting on the issue because of conflict of interest.
HEY! BAN FRACKING!!!!!!
• I think we have an opportunity to build a very desirable community with a more solid and stable tax base,
long term,by rejecting fracking and industrial farming as part of our comprehensive plan. .... I also think we
need to be very clear that hydrofracturing someone's land is NOT farming/agriculture, or, as some would like
to suggest, "harvesting" the gas! The community is clearly and substantially opposed to the toxicity and
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Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results 127
industrial nature and impact of fracking, and I think that should be reflected in our discussion of agriculture in
the comprehensive plan.
• The things that attract me to Enfield are threatened by the natural gas industry. If it comes, even to Tompkins
County, The things that make this area what it is will slowly disappear even if we get lucky and our water
does not get polluted. Rather than a bucolic rural place, it will become an industrial place. That is not why I
live here. Ban hydrofracking now.
• Fracking may be seen by some as a way to get rich,but after the damage to the environment,those citizens
will not want to stay. The money that they make will likely not be returned to the community. Enfield can not
bear the cost of hydrofracking.
• I like the fact that Enfield"seems"like a laid-back sleepy town,but everyone got together to try and stop
fracking. It shows that everybody does care a great deal about the quality of life in this town.
• Please enact a ban on fracking before the current moratorium expires.
• If fracking is allowed in Enfield we will move to a town with a ban.
• If fracking is permitted in Enfield my answer to the above question(#26)will change to a 5. What bothers
me is how will I live here if I can no longer drink the water? Facking is safe right up to the point where it isn't
and then it's too late.
• Most of all,PLEASE BAN FRACKING!!!
• I really want there to be info about the bad aspects of fracking to be distributed to Enfield residents. .....
• Hyrofracing would bring many negative side effects , in addition to pollution. It would have a boom town
aspect to it. The workers coming in would be a wild bunch bringing in drug and alcohol use,prostitution,
domestic violence, and criminal behavior.
• Please protect our environment from hydrofracking. It will ruin our water and ruin the tourist industry in the
Finger Lakes.
• Without safe water we have nothing.No Fracking!
• because I am pleased with the growing community involvement around the fracking issue and protection of
watershed and natural beauty of the area.
• Have not heard anything positive or safe about hydro-fracking
• Talk of a water treatment plant to add costs to the residents so they don't fight against"Tracking"?Most of us
have fine water,why would we want to pay for something extra unless the ""board"" has already decided to
put our water at risk.
• The implications for damage to our lands and water supply by fracking is terrific. I am so personally proud of
my town of Enfield for its leadership in proceeding with such caution about a decision that could impact our
town and our lives forever.
• I have really appreciated the careful cautious approach town officials have taken to date on fracking. I'm just
concerned that they will come under increased pressure to allow it in the future,possibly lawsuits. I hope
they will remain resolute. Fracking is easily the biggest risk we face to our environment, safety, our whole
way of life.
• Question#21-Discourage High Volume drilling for natural gas(fracking)then commented: "I think the
dangers of hydrofracking go way beyond poisoning our water. We need to look at the big picture of what this
will do to our planet."
• Encourage any natural gas development(future technologies beyond fracking). The person who owns the
land and pays the taxes should protect it. Anyone with common sense isn't going to harm their land, air, or
water. Personally I don't need a plan to tell me how to protect what I own.
Wind Farm (1 Comment)
• Question#21.Next to Wind Farm-Chose"No Opinion"but also commented: "not enough info"
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128 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results
i
Water Quality (3 Comments)
• #9 -I have arsenic in my well water at levels above drinking water standards; I wonder how many other
people have tested for arsenic and whether it is generally a problem?
• I'm concerned about what may be leaching out of the old Enfield town dump on Waterburg Road,that was
buried. This could be quite a liability for the community should there be problems with contamination from
the site down the road, or should someone want to develop this piece of property.
• Water quality should be paramount....
Aquifer Study (2 Comments)
• I would like to support an aquifer study. I though there was going to be a public hearing about it,but don't
see any information....?
• Thank you for moving forward with the aquifer study.
Organic Farming (6 Comments)
• ....I want to encourage organic farming. I don't want to discourage conventional farming. Can conventional
farming exist along side organic farming?If the answer to this is yes,then I wish to encourage conventional
farming. If the answer is no,then I wish to discourage conventional farming.
• ....I would like to encourage organic and small scale farming. I would like to discourage CAFOs. I don't
know quite what is meant by conventional farming.
• I'd rather encourage organic agriculture.but if that isn't happening,then keep the farmland and the farming
going
• I'm happy to see us encourage organic agriculture.
• #22 next to Discourage Conventional Farming was the comment: "encourage change to organic"
• Organic farming is not as good as some people think.
Conventional Farming (5 Comments)
• ....I support small to moderate scale,traditional as well as new economy(e.g., organic) agriculture in
Enfield,....
• .... I think conventional agriculture at the levels we have it is fine.
• I wrote "no opinion"on light manufacturing and conventional farming. These are fine if they do not harm the
environment....
• ....I would encourage small scale manufacturing and farming businesses.
• ....but it just isn't clear that discouraging conventional agriculture is what we need. Conventional agriculture
is better than a lot of other things that could happen
Large or Industrial Farming (7 Comments)
• .....and no industrial zones inluding operations such as the pig farm as they are incompatable with quality
residential living.
• I think we have an opportunity to build a very desirable community with a more solid and stable tax base,
long term,by rejecting fracking and industrial farming as part of our comprehensive plan. but I do not NOT
support farming operations that include and/or create potentially significant/toxic air,water or noise pollution
that puts neighbors' lives and/or lifestyles at risk--E.g., I'm strongly opposed to allowing the collection and
distribution of large pools of liquid manure, often connected to certain kinds of larger scale livestock
operations. I also think we need to be very clear that hydrofracturing someone's land is NOT
farming/agriculture, or, as some would like to suggest, "harvesting"the gas! The community is clearly and
substantially opposed to the toxicity and industrial nature and impact of fracking, and I think that should be
reflected in our discussion of agriculture in the comprehensive plan.
• I'm opposed to increasing large-scale agriculture if increased use of pesticides,manure lagoons, and other
practices that pollute the air and ground come with it."
• I would not want to see Enfield become a center for industrialization, a treeless expanse of large-scale
housing developments, a place full of large tour buses in the summer,or a place for large-scale commercial
farming,which can pollute our air and water also.
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Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results 129
• I do not want to see large scale industrial farms, such as the big manure type, or manufacturing which is noisy
and pollutes the air/land/water.
• I have a great reluctance about chemical agriculture
• I am concerned about(and hope the plan will address):
o preventing nutrient and pesticide runoff from contaminating our freshwater sources
o preventing the storage and spreading of large quantities of manure produced by large scale dairy
or swine farms
o I don't want natural gas to be considered a harvest-able crop
Public Transportation (9 Comments)
• Rather than adding strip malls, add transport to Ithaca and Tburg.
• TCAT goes up 79, but with no park'n'ride and no night service, it is impractical for me."
• See that like me I can drive so that's how I go places during the week.
• More park&ride space at old hwy dept or existing site.
• Bus service as far as Mecklenburg during commute hours at their park&ride-carpool
• Restore van ride service
• (Agenda: I walk 1.4 miles to the Park&Ride. I am 67 and don't know how much longer I can do that,
especially in bad weather)
• I use bicycle for primary transportation until the snow flies,then use TCAT.
• Taking the TCAT costs the same as driving!
***** Enfield's Future * *
Sidewalks & Streetlights (3 Comments)
• Sidewalks along Rt. 79 and to the school. Very dangerous currently between Sandy Creek&the store/gas
station.
• The main road could have sidewalks put in in certain areas.
• Street lights-a few benefit at the tax payer's expense.
Community Events & Facilities (9 Comments)
• A community center for all,Young and mature residents. Center would have, court,town offices,youth
center and gathering space for adults and community gatherings-like family reunions and weddings
• I wish ***** would donate the old fairgrounds for a youth center.
• Community events should be increased-but not under the Community council.
• Youth svcs-parents should be more responsible,very few benefit or use this service now.
• Seniors have a good program now.
• Availability of buildings-Increase- especially the Fire company. We are paying but can't use the facility.
• Community Center-not a lot would benefit only a certain few would.
• Library-not needed.
• A great community center with lots of activities.
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130 Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results
Community Development (13 Comments)
• The town of Enfield needs to develop revenue from other sources than just property taxes.
• I would like to see small shops in the center, especially if they are attractive and inviting. They would give it
more of a community feel.
• Would like to see municipal water on 79 for more businesses to come to Enfield.
• Restaurant and banking.
• I'd like to see Enfield redevelop some of its economic and social independence from Ithaca. More small
businesses clustered in the village,more multi-family units, affordable with good transportation.
• .... You should look to the future and make Enfield self-sufficient, gas banking,restaurant, store, sr. housing,
municipal park, farmer's market,businesses on main street, etc. Make it so medium and higher income
residents would want to live here and quit catering to low income residents and what they will bring to a small
town.
• In#22, a check mark was in both Encourage and No Opinion under the row for"Service business" so no
choice was entered as it was unclear which it would be.
• Question#22- Grocery/retail stores-Possibly a natural food store
• Question#22-Professional offices, etc...Safe natural healing and Western medicine
• Should continue to contract with Tompkins County SPCA in order to ensure appropriate animal care &
emphasis on adoption/reuniting with families. No kill policy
• Green energy will be the future. We should get involved as soon as possible.
• Internet connectivity is a major problem for us
• In order to have our students on an equal footing with those from other towns,we need better internet and cell
phone service. Also,why not make town hall part of the town-put up decorations along street like rest of
town.
General Comments about Enfield (3 Comments)
• If it isn't broken, dont fix it.
• hopefully, i'll live long enough to see some of these changes come to fruition.
• We live in a beautiful place with great opportunities for the future.
Miscellaneous (6 Comments)
• Enjoy Kayaking
• Student who works part time.
• "Question#1 answered Full time AND self-employed.
• In Question#1-Part time AND Retired were selected.
• Question#2- Chose Town of Enfield and Town or City of Ithaca
• Question#14-Trumansburg school district-would really like this to change!
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Town of Enfield Comprehensive Plan —Appendix 4: 2013 Resident Survey Results 131