Marlow Land Use Study Presented by the Franklin Pierce College Small Business Advisory Group to the...

Marlow Land Use Marlow Land Use StudyStudy

Presented by the Franklin Pierce Presented by the Franklin Pierce College Small Business Advisory College Small Business Advisory

Group to the Group to the Town of MarlowTown of Marlow

May 2, 2006May 2, 2006

May 1, 2006 2FPC SBA Group/J. Little

For information and questions related to this study, contact:

Jason Little, Ed.D. (Principal Investigator and Project Manager)

Associate Professor of Marketing

Franklin Pierce College

[email protected]

Link for this study, available at: http://www.fpc.edu/pages/Academics/business/index.htm


IntroductionIntroductionBackground InformationBackground Information

Marlow is a largely undisturbed rural Marlow is a largely undisturbed rural community with a population of 781, located community with a population of 781, located on the northern border of Cheshire County, on the northern border of Cheshire County, and approximately 15 miles from the City of and approximately 15 miles from the City of Keene (pop. 22,955). Keene (pop. 22,955). 11

9.7% (1,635 acres) of Marlow’s total area is 9.7% (1,635 acres) of Marlow’s total area is developed, while 90.3% (15,325 acres) is developed, while 90.3% (15,325 acres) is undeveloped. undeveloped. 22

The picturesque historic district, unique The picturesque historic district, unique natural features, and overall character of the natural features, and overall character of the town have attracted visitors, since the town town have attracted visitors, since the town was granted in 1761. was granted in 1761. 33


Land Use and Preservation Land Use and Preservation GoalGoal

In 2003, a revised Master Plan was In 2003, a revised Master Plan was enacted by the Town of Marlow with enacted by the Town of Marlow with following land use goals and policies: following land use goals and policies:

““To preserve and enhance the physical To preserve and enhance the physical environment of Marlow, including its environment of Marlow, including its scenic, natural, and man-made elementsscenic, natural, and man-made elements.” .” 22


Land Use and Preservation Land Use and Preservation Policies:Policies:

(As quoted from Master Plan)(As quoted from Master Plan) ““Inventory and maintain the historic assets Inventory and maintain the historic assets

of the community, including historic sites, of the community, including historic sites, town buildings and other historic buildings, town buildings and other historic buildings, especially those within the designated local especially those within the designated local historical districts.historical districts.

Inventory, maintain and improve water Inventory, maintain and improve water quality of the Ashuelot River and various quality of the Ashuelot River and various streams, ponds and wetlands in the town in streams, ponds and wetlands in the town in cooperation with the Ashuelot River Advisory cooperation with the Ashuelot River Advisory Committee.Committee.

Regulate new residential and commercial Regulate new residential and commercial growth to occur on suitable land in keeping growth to occur on suitable land in keeping with the rural atmosphere of the community, with the rural atmosphere of the community, without taxing town facilities.” without taxing town facilities.”


Nature of the ProblemNature of the Problem

New Hampshire has experienced significant New Hampshire has experienced significant population growth and development during population growth and development during the last decade.the last decade.

As a result, many towns have had to act As a result, many towns have had to act reactively rather than proactively toward land reactively rather than proactively toward land use issues and zoning ordinances.use issues and zoning ordinances.

Example: Challenges related to providing Example: Challenges related to providing adequate town services (school, fire, police, adequate town services (school, fire, police, etc.) due to residential growth. etc.) due to residential growth.

As of 2002, 16 NH towns had enacted growth As of 2002, 16 NH towns had enacted growth control zoning ordinances pegged to building control zoning ordinances pegged to building permits. permits. 44


Purpose of The ProjectPurpose of The Project

The purpose of this project is to identify The purpose of this project is to identify land use issues that Marlow community land use issues that Marlow community members feel strongly about. The results members feel strongly about. The results of this study may help in determination of this study may help in determination of zoning ordinance changes and town of zoning ordinance changes and town policy decisionspolicy decisions..


Research StatementResearch Statement

Research is necessary to determine the Research is necessary to determine the attitudes and opinions of Marlow, New attitudes and opinions of Marlow, New Hampshire residents with respect to Hampshire residents with respect to land use and growth issues. land use and growth issues.


Research ObjectivesResearch Objectives

Determine overall growth Determine overall growth preferences.preferences.

Determine if current zoning Determine if current zoning ordinances are acceptable.ordinances are acceptable.

Determine if any zoning ordinances Determine if any zoning ordinances should be added or deleted. should be added or deleted.

Identify what types of businesses and Identify what types of businesses and organizations are preferred organizations are preferred

Identify conservation and historic Identify conservation and historic preservation preferences. preservation preferences.


Literature Review SummaryLiterature Review SummaryGrowth TrendsGrowth Trends

Marlow Population Marlow Population 11

350390

542

650

747781

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2004


From 1990-2004, NH’s population grew 17.2%, From 1990-2004, NH’s population grew 17.2%, twice the rate of the rest of New England. twice the rate of the rest of New England. 55

The state’s population is expected to grow The state’s population is expected to grow more than 28% - an increase of 358,000 by more than 28% - an increase of 358,000 by 2025. 2025.

There were an estimated 575,671 housing units There were an estimated 575,671 housing units for the year 2004 in the state of NH, an for the year 2004 in the state of NH, an increase of 28,647 from 547,024 in 2000 (5% increase of 28,647 from 547,024 in 2000 (5% increase in 4 years). increase in 4 years). 66

In 1970, 139 towns were classified as rural; by In 1970, 139 towns were classified as rural; by 2025, this number will most likely drop to 72. 2025, this number will most likely drop to 72. 55

Residential development is expanding north Residential development is expanding north and west along major highway corridors in NH.and west along major highway corridors in NH.


Why are people and businesses moving Why are people and businesses moving to New Hampshire?to New Hampshire?

Voted “Most Livable State,” for 2006 and Voted “Most Livable State,” for 2006 and previous two years, according to a Kansas previous two years, according to a Kansas research firm. research firm. 77

Positive factors include:Positive factors include: Economic performanceEconomic performance InfrastructureInfrastructure High median household incomesHigh median household incomes Highest percentage of high school Highest percentage of high school

graduatesgraduates Lowest teenage birth rateLowest teenage birth rate


Zoning Ordinance RelatedZoning Ordinance Related Growth control ordinances limit the rights of Growth control ordinances limit the rights of

property owners under the NH and US property owners under the NH and US constitutions to use their property. constitutions to use their property. 44

Under the NH Constitution, a property owner has Under the NH Constitution, a property owner has the right to be free from arbitrary and the right to be free from arbitrary and unreasonable land use regulations that deprive the unreasonable land use regulations that deprive the owner, whether permanently or temporarily, of the owner, whether permanently or temporarily, of the use and enjoyment of his/her property.use and enjoyment of his/her property.

Towns wishing to adopt growth control ordinances Towns wishing to adopt growth control ordinances should collect data that assesses the town’s should collect data that assesses the town’s development needs in comparison of those of development needs in comparison of those of surrounding towns.surrounding towns.

Growth ordinances cannot be based on arbitrary Growth ordinances cannot be based on arbitrary numbers, but rather should based on current and numbers, but rather should based on current and historical data.historical data.


As of 2002, 16 NH towns used growth As of 2002, 16 NH towns used growth ordinances based on the number of building ordinances based on the number of building permits issued. The number of building permits permits issued. The number of building permits issued for a given year generally ranged from issued for a given year generally ranged from 2%-5% of the current housing stock. 2%-5% of the current housing stock.

Most of these towns have never been Most of these towns have never been challenged legally. challenged legally.

22 NH towns are also using impact fees, in 22 NH towns are also using impact fees, in order to offset costs associated with order to offset costs associated with improvement of capital facilities owned or improvement of capital facilities owned or operated by a municipality.operated by a municipality.


The Comprehensive Shoreland Protection The Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act (CSPA) sets minimum standards for Act (CSPA) sets minimum standards for the development, use and subdivision of all the development, use and subdivision of all land within 250 feet of a water’s edge. land within 250 feet of a water’s edge. 44

Pursuant to the CSPA, most structures Pursuant to the CSPA, most structures must be set back 50 feet from public must be set back 50 feet from public waters, unless the municipality has set a waters, unless the municipality has set a greater or lesser setback requirement in greater or lesser setback requirement in its zoning ordinance.its zoning ordinance.

Towns that have no zoning ordinance Towns that have no zoning ordinance related to the CSPA, must adhere to the 50 related to the CSPA, must adhere to the 50 feet setback standard.feet setback standard.


Business and Employment Business and Employment Related TrendsRelated Trends

The fastest growing occupations during the next The fastest growing occupations during the next decade will include health-care related services, decade will include health-care related services, technology-related services, and education. technology-related services, and education. These occupational areas are projected to grow These occupational areas are projected to grow 30%-50%. 30%-50%. 88

NH continues to shift away from a production-NH continues to shift away from a production-driven economy to one that is service-driven. driven economy to one that is service-driven. 99

NH added 4,726 service jobs from June 2004 to NH added 4,726 service jobs from June 2004 to June 2005 – a 1.1% increase from the previous June 2005 – a 1.1% increase from the previous year.year.


Service-oriented establishments Service-oriented establishments are evident in Cheshire County: are evident in Cheshire County: 1010

Business Establishments in Cheshire County

156 157 163 165 210 247380

050

100150200250300350400

Pro

fess

ion

al

Man

ufa

ctu

rin

g

Acc

om

od

atio

nan

d F

oo

dS

ervi

ces

Hea

lth

Car

eS

ervi

ces

Oth

erS

ervi

ces

Co

nst

ruct

ion

Ret

ail

Tra

de


Statewide Land Use Issues-Cell Statewide Land Use Issues-Cell

TowersTowers As the telecommunications industry As the telecommunications industry

continues to grow, cell towers have continues to grow, cell towers have become increasingly part of NH’s become increasingly part of NH’s landscape.landscape.

As a result, many NH towns have enacted As a result, many NH towns have enacted zoning ordinances that spell out where zoning ordinances that spell out where cell towers should be permitted.cell towers should be permitted.

In addition, some towns require a cell In addition, some towns require a cell tower design that blends in with the tower design that blends in with the surrounding landscape, as well as a surrounding landscape, as well as a disassembly plan.disassembly plan.

As digital/satellite replaces As digital/satellite replaces communication technology, cell towers communication technology, cell towers will become obsolete. will become obsolete.


Statewide Land Use Issues-Statewide Land Use Issues-WindmillsWindmills

Benefits Benefits 1111

Reduced dependency on oil, coal, and Reduced dependency on oil, coal, and other nonrenewable energy resourcesother nonrenewable energy resources

Reduced pollutionReduced pollution

Creation of jobsCreation of jobs

Potential tax revenue for townsPotential tax revenue for towns


Issues and Potential Issues and Potential Problems:Problems:

Negative impact on wildlife such as Negative impact on wildlife such as migrating birds.migrating birds.

Visual impact such as clear-cut mountain Visual impact such as clear-cut mountain ridges and blinking lights at night.ridges and blinking lights at night.

Continuous audible drone within a ½ mile.Continuous audible drone within a ½ mile. Two–time tax consequence – tax dollars Two–time tax consequence – tax dollars

that support government subsidies and that support government subsidies and taxes collected on electric bills.taxes collected on electric bills.

Reliability – energy may only be produced Reliability – energy may only be produced when conditions are appropriate. when conditions are appropriate.


Statewide Land Use Issues-Bottled Statewide Land Use Issues-Bottled WaterWater

½ of 1% accounts for all available fresh water on the ½ of 1% accounts for all available fresh water on the earth.earth. 1212

Global consumption of water is doubling every 20 Global consumption of water is doubling every 20 years.years.

NH has a lot of “Blue Gold” that translates into big NH has a lot of “Blue Gold” that translates into big $. $.

Corporations know this too - USA Springs, Inc. was Corporations know this too - USA Springs, Inc. was granted a permit by the Department of granted a permit by the Department of Environmental Services to extract 112 million Environmental Services to extract 112 million gallons of water from an aquifer in town of gallons of water from an aquifer in town of Nottingham and Barrington – the largest bedrock Nottingham and Barrington – the largest bedrock water extraction endeavor in NH’s history. Local water extraction endeavor in NH’s history. Local residents feared their own wells would be tapped dry. residents feared their own wells would be tapped dry. 13 + 1413 + 14


Conservation TrendsConservation Trends Voters in 20 NH towns voted to spend a Voters in 20 NH towns voted to spend a

collective $8.4 million on land conservation collective $8.4 million on land conservation during the 2006 town meetings.during the 2006 town meetings. 1515

Last year, 28 NH towns appropriated $24.1 Last year, 28 NH towns appropriated $24.1 million for land conservation.million for land conservation.

NH has conserved more than 291,000 acres NH has conserved more than 291,000 acres in the past 6 years. in the past 6 years. 55

27.7% of the state is now protected, up from 27.7% of the state is now protected, up from 23.3% in 1998. But 75% of all conservation 23.3% in 1998. But 75% of all conservation land is in the northern half of the state.land is in the northern half of the state.

Many NH towns have increased their Many NH towns have increased their percentage of conservation land since 1998. percentage of conservation land since 1998. But nearly half have less than 10% of their But nearly half have less than 10% of their land conserved.land conserved.


Here’s how Marlow’s conservation Here’s how Marlow’s conservation land, as a percentage of the entire land, as a percentage of the entire municipality compares to border municipality compares to border

towns:towns:Conservation Land

3.5% 6.8% 9.1% 10.0%

44.6%

0.0%

10.0%

20.0%

30.0%

40.0%

50.0%

Alstead Lempster Marlow Gilsum Stoddard


Methodology and ProceduresMethodology and Procedures

Problem IdentificationProblem Identification

The problem under study was identified after The problem under study was identified after receiving feedback and support from receiving feedback and support from community members, town officials, and community members, town officials, and land use experts.land use experts.

A land use study of this magnitude has never A land use study of this magnitude has never been undertaken for the Town of Marlow.been undertaken for the Town of Marlow.


Development of the SurveyDevelopment of the Survey

The Marlow Land Use Study questionnaire was The Marlow Land Use Study questionnaire was developeddeveloped

using the following procedures:using the following procedures: Two land use studies, including a 2005 questionnaire Two land use studies, including a 2005 questionnaire

used by the Town of New Boston, NH, and a 1999 used by the Town of New Boston, NH, and a 1999 questionnaire used by the Town of Milan, NH.questionnaire used by the Town of Milan, NH.

A review of the literature.A review of the literature. Interviews with three land use experts from: State of Interviews with three land use experts from: State of

NH Office of Energy and Planning, Southwest NH Office of Energy and Planning, Southwest Regional Planning Commission, Law Firm of Baldwin, Regional Planning Commission, Law Firm of Baldwin, Callen, and Ransom.Callen, and Ransom.

A review of the current Master Plan and Zoning A review of the current Master Plan and Zoning Ordinances. Ordinances. 1616

Feedback from Marlow Planning Board members.Feedback from Marlow Planning Board members.


Definition of the PopulationDefinition of the Population

Based on the 2000 Census, the Based on the 2000 Census, the population of Marlow, people 18 years population of Marlow, people 18 years and over was 561.and over was 561.

Sample Sample SizeSize

The non-probability sampling The non-probability sampling method amounted to a sample size of method amounted to a sample size of 237.237.


Data Collection MethodData Collection Method

Interviews occurred during February, Interviews occurred during February, 2006 with three land use experts via 2006 with three land use experts via telephone.telephone.

Questionnaires were available during the Questionnaires were available during the month of March 2006, at three town month of March 2006, at three town locations: The Marlow Town Library, locations: The Marlow Town Library, Marlow Town Office, and Marlow Grocery.Marlow Town Office, and Marlow Grocery.

510 questionnaires were mailed with the 510 questionnaires were mailed with the 2006 Inventory of Taxable Property form 2006 Inventory of Taxable Property form on March 14, 2006, with a return date of on March 14, 2006, with a return date of April 15, 2006. The mailing was to all April 15, 2006. The mailing was to all Marlow taxpayers.Marlow taxpayers.


AssumptionsAssumptions

It was assumed that respondents of It was assumed that respondents of the questionnaire answered honestly the questionnaire answered honestly and accurately. and accurately.

It was assumed that all data was It was assumed that all data was entered accurately into the SPSS entered accurately into the SPSS software package.software package.


LimitationsLimitations

Time was of the essence for completing Time was of the essence for completing this study. The team had to develop, this study. The team had to develop, distribute, collect, and tabulate the distribute, collect, and tabulate the results of a questionnaire during a results of a questionnaire during a four-month period.four-month period.

More time would have been helpful with More time would have been helpful with regard to the literature review.regard to the literature review.

More feedback from more community More feedback from more community stakeholders would have been helpful stakeholders would have been helpful with respect to drafting the with respect to drafting the questionnaire. It is possible important questionnaire. It is possible important questions were overlooked.questions were overlooked.


Results of InterviewsResults of Interviews

1. What do you think are the most pressing 1. What do you think are the most pressing issues facing growth in New Hampshire?issues facing growth in New Hampshire?

Balancing growth with environmental and Balancing growth with environmental and historical preservation, as well as historical preservation, as well as providing adequate public services and providing adequate public services and infrastructure.infrastructure.

Maintaining town’s identity.Maintaining town’s identity.

Interview question responses from three land-use experts: State of NH Office of Energy and Planning, Southwest Regional Planning Commission, Law Firm of Baldwin, Callen, and Ransom


2. What do you think are the most 2. What do you think are the most significant challenges associated with significant challenges associated with zoning ordinances?zoning ordinances?

Ensuring the best interests of the Ensuring the best interests of the citizens are taken into consideration citizens are taken into consideration with new developments.with new developments.

Finding consensus among residents Finding consensus among residents with regard to zoning while respecting with regard to zoning while respecting property owner’s rights.property owner’s rights.


3. Can you think of any significant zoning 3. Can you think of any significant zoning ordinances that small towns should ordinances that small towns should consider?consider?

A comprehensive Master Plan that is A comprehensive Master Plan that is updated every 5 years.updated every 5 years.

Annual update of Capital Improvements Annual update of Capital Improvements Programs.Programs.

Housing laws for a variety of housing.Housing laws for a variety of housing.


4. What types of businesses and 4. What types of businesses and organizations does it appear from your organizations does it appear from your perspective that small town perspective that small town communities tend to support?communities tend to support?Jobs with high wages.Jobs with high wages.

Companies that don’t congest the Companies that don’t congest the roads, won’t drain natural resources, roads, won’t drain natural resources, but will relieve taxes for town.but will relieve taxes for town.

Locally owned and managed Locally owned and managed businesses.businesses.

Small businesses.Small businesses.


5. What types of businesses and 5. What types of businesses and organizations does it appear from your organizations does it appear from your perspective that small town communities perspective that small town communities tend to discourage?tend to discourage?

Heavy industry, big box retail (ex. Heavy industry, big box retail (ex. Walmart), and strip mall storefronts.Walmart), and strip mall storefronts.

Businesses that encourage a lot of traffic, Businesses that encourage a lot of traffic, including gravel pitsincluding gravel pits


6. Can you identify any conservation 6. Can you identify any conservation and/or historic preservation and/or historic preservation preferences that small town preferences that small town communities typically support?communities typically support?

NH citizens are becoming increasingly NH citizens are becoming increasingly proactive with regard to conservation, proactive with regard to conservation, historic preservation – there is a move historic preservation – there is a move toward rural and quaint. toward rural and quaint.


7. Is there anything else you would like 7. Is there anything else you would like to add related to land use and small to add related to land use and small towns?towns?

Regional and national patterns of Regional and national patterns of change increasingly require new change increasingly require new perspectives.perspectives.

Most NH towns prefer remaining small Most NH towns prefer remaining small and limiting growth.and limiting growth.


Results of Questionnaire

205 out of 510 mailed surveys were returned

16 returned at Marlow Grocery Store

8 returned at Town Office

8 returned at Town Library

Total = 237 questionnaires returned - a 43% response rate of eligible population!


I am comfortable with Marlow's growth rate.

26%34%

21%11% 8%

0%5%

10%15%20%25%30%35%40%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree

Unsure MildlyDisagree

StronglyDisagree

Per

cent

of

Res

pond

ents

Growth-Related


I feel NH's overall growth rate will increase development pressure on Marlow.

45%30%

12%6% 7%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


StronglyDisagree

Pe

rce

nt

of

Re

sp

on

da

nts


It is important to manage Marlow's future growth.

68%

21%6% 4% 1%0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


StronglyDisagree

Per

cent

of

Res

pond

ents


I am satisfied with Marlow's current zoning ordinances.

18%27%

38%

7% 10%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


StronglyDisagree

Per

cent

of

Res

pond

ents

Zoning Ordinances


Large scale developers should be required to pay additional fees to help offset the additional costs of town services and improvements such as roads, police, school,

fire, library, etc.

76%

11% 4% 4% 5%0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


StronglyDisagree

Per

cen

t o

f R

esp

on

den

ts


Marlow should impose limits as to large-scale housing projects that number 10 or more units during the calendar

year.

75%

9% 6% 1% 9%0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


StronglyDisagree

Per

cen

t o

f R

esp

on

den

ts


Marlow should limit the rate of development according to the services the town is able to provide.

70%

13% 8% 4% 5%0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


StronglyDisagree

Per

cent

of

Res

pond

ents


I support the idea of cluster housing on individual lots in order to conserve more open space.

25% 15% 18% 11%31%

0%10%20%30%40%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


StronglyDisagree

Pe

rce

nt

of

Re

sp

on

de

nts


I am supportive of heavy industry in Marlow (ex. power plants).

8% 13% 8%16%

55%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


StronglyDisagree

Perc

en

t o

f R

esp

on

den

tsBusiness Preferences


I am supportive of light industry in Marlow (ex. sawmills).

36% 40%

11%5% 8%

0%5%

10%15%20%25%30%35%40%45%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


StronglyDisagree

Per

cen

t o

f R

esp

on

den

ts


I am supportive of non-polluting industry in Marlow.

54%

25%8% 4% 9%0%

10%20%30%40%50%60%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


StronglyDisagree

Per

cent

of

Res

pond

ents


I am supportive of manufacturing in Marlow (ex. hardware, cosmetics)

32% 28%17%

7% 16%0%

10%20%30%40%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


StronglyDisagree

Per

cent

of

Res

pond

ents


I am supportive of shopping centers in Marlow.

10% 12% 9%20%

49%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


StronglyDisagree

Per

cent

of R

espo

nden

ts


I am supportive of small retail shops in Marlow.

44%33%

5% 8% 10%0%

10%20%30%40%50%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


StronglyDisagree

Per

cent

of R

espo

nden

ts


I am supportive of "Big Box" retail stores in Marlow (ex. Walmart).

6% 4% 6% 9%

75%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


StronglyDisagree

Pe

rce

nt o

f Re

spo

nd

en

ts


I am supportive of chain retail stores in Marlow (ex. Rite-Aid).

8% 15%7% 13%

57%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


Disagree

Per

cen

t o

f R

esp

on

den

ts


I am supportive of agricultural based businesses in Marlow.

57%

31%

6% 3% 3%0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


Disagree

Per

cen

t o

f R

esp

on

den

ts


I am supportive of home-based businesses in Marlow (ex. consulting, computer, farm products).

70%

22%3% 1% 4%0%

10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


StronglyDisagree

Per

cen

t o

f R

esp

on

den

ts


I am supportive of restaurants in Marlow.

50%

33%

6% 5% 6%0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


StronglyDisagree

Per

cen

t o

f re

spo

nd

ents


I am supportive of fast-food restaurants in Marlow (ex. McDonald's).

10% 8% 12% 12%

58%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


StronglyDisagree

Per

cen

t o

f R

esp

on

den

ts


I am supportive of motels in Marlow.

15%22%

11% 15%

37%

0%5%

10%15%20%25%30%35%40%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


StronglyDisagree

Perc

en

t o

f R

esp

on

den

ts


I am supportive of bed and breakfasts in Marlow.

52%

32%

7% 2% 7%0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


StronglyDisagree

Per

cen

t o

f R

esp

on

den

ts


I am supportive of professional offices in Marlow (ex. lawyers, dentists).

44%30%

10%4%

12%0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


StronglyDisagree

Per

cen

t o

f R

esp

on

den

ts


I am supportive of campgrounds in Marlow.

33%26%

17%9%

15%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


StronglyDisagree

Per

cen

t o

f R

esp

on

den

ts


Cell towers should be allowed only in areas that have the least visual impact.

42%

26%14% 9% 9%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


StronglyDisagree

Per

cen

t o

f R

esp

on

den

ts

Statewide Land Use Issues


I support large-scale windmill operations in Marlow.

25%19%

25%

10%

21%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

StronglyAgree

Mildly Agree Unsure MildlyDisagree

StronglyDisagree

Per

cen

t o

f R

esp

on

den

ts


There should be no limits as to the amount of water extracted for bottled-water operations in Marlow.

35%25% 23%

8% 9%0%5%

10%15%20%25%30%35%40%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


StronglyDisagree

Per

cen

t o

f R

esp

on

den

ts


I am supportive of large-scale mining operations, including gravel pit excavations in Marlow.

11% 15%21% 18%

35%

0%5%

10%15%20%25%30%35%40%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


StronglyDisagree

Per

cen

t o

f R

esp

on

den

ts


I am supportive of prisons in Marlow.

10% 4% 11% 7%

68%

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


StronglyDisagree

Per

cen

t o

f R

esp

on

den

ts


I like the open character of Marlow.

87%

9% 3% 0% 1%0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


StronglyDisagree

Per

cen

t o

f R

esp

on

den

ts

Conservation and Historic Preferences


Unique undeveloped tracts of land (ex. Grassy Brook Watershed) should be protected from development in

Marlow.

73%

15% 6% 3% 3%0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


StronglyDisagree

Per

cen

t o

f R

esp

on

den

ts


Unique geological features (ex. Marlow Profile) should be protected from development in Marlow.

76%

13% 6% 3% 2%0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


StronglyDisagree

Per

cen

t o

f R

esp

on

den

ts


Ashuelot River frontage should be protected from further development in Marlow.

57%

18% 12% 9% 4%0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


StronglyDisagree

Per

cen

t o

f R

esp

on

den

ts


Marlow should be active with the protection of unique scenic open space (ex. pursuing conservation easements

with willing landowners, partnering with conservation organizations, etc.)

65%

18% 12% 2% 3%0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree

Unsure MildlyAgree

StronglyAgree

Per

cen

t o

f R

esp

on

den

ts


It is important to maintain historic buildings and landmarks in Marlow.

70%

19%6% 3% 2%0%

10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


StronglyDisagree

Per

cen

t o

f R

esp

on

den

ts


I am willing to donate time, energy, and/or financial resources for the purposes of perserving or restoring

historic buildings and landmarks in Marlow.

30%24%

33%

6% 7%0%5%

10%15%20%25%30%35%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


StronglyDisagree

Per

cen

t o

f R

esp

on

den

ts


The town should be active with the preservation and/or restoration of historic buildings and landmarks.

51%

29%13%

4% 3%0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

StronglyAgree

MildlyAgree


StronglyDisagree

Per

cen

t o

f R

esp

on

den

ts


How long have you lived in town?

10%22%

10% 11%

47%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

Less than 1year

1-5 years 6-10 years 11-15years

Greaterthan 15years

Per

cen

t o

f R

esp

on

den

tsDemographics


I am a...

68%

2%13%

61% 55%

9%0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%

Year-round

resident

Renter Seasonalresident

Homeowner

Landowner

Businessowner

Per

cent

of R

espo

nden

ts


How far do you travel to work?

48%

6%18% 17%

4% 7%0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

'0 miles 1-9 miles 10-19miles

20-29miles

30-39miles

40+miles'

Per

cen

t o

f R

esp

on

den

ts


In what age group do you belong?

3%7%

25% 28%23%

14%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

'18-29years

30-39years

40-49years

50-59years

60-69years

70+years

Per

cen

t o

f R

esp

on

den

ts


Please provide comments related to any land use concerns you may have:

6% of the respondents answered with the idea: “Stay as we are and maintain rural character.”

4% suggested: “Have a long term plan or town vision to preserve the town’s charm.”

Overwhelmingly, respondents who commented, suggested growth, environmental, and maintaining town character concerns.


DiscussionDiscussion The expert interviews and the literature The expert interviews and the literature

review align with the results of this study. review align with the results of this study. In general, people who live in small NH In general, people who live in small NH

towns are concerned about land use and towns are concerned about land use and growth issues.growth issues.

Forward thinking towns have enacted Forward thinking towns have enacted zoning ordinances that control growth, zoning ordinances that control growth, while trying to balance the rights of while trying to balance the rights of property owners.property owners.

As NH shifts away from a production-driven As NH shifts away from a production-driven economy to a service-based economy, it is economy to a service-based economy, it is most likely heavy industry will decline and most likely heavy industry will decline and have less of an environmental impact.have less of an environmental impact.


ConclusionsConclusions

An overwhelming majority of An overwhelming majority of respondents:respondents: Agree (89%) that it is important to Agree (89%) that it is important to

manage Marlow’s future growth.manage Marlow’s future growth. Agree (87%) that large scale developers Agree (87%) that large scale developers

should be required to pay additional fees should be required to pay additional fees to help offset additional town services.to help offset additional town services.

Are supportive of small retail shops Are supportive of small retail shops (77%) and light industry (76%).(77%) and light industry (76%).

Are opposed to “Big Box” stores (84%) Are opposed to “Big Box” stores (84%) and fast-food restaurants (70%) in and fast-food restaurants (70%) in MarlowMarlow..


Agree (68%) that cell towers should be Agree (68%) that cell towers should be allowed in areas that have the least visual allowed in areas that have the least visual impact.impact.

Agree (60%) that there should be no limits Agree (60%) that there should be no limits as to the amount of water extracted for as to the amount of water extracted for bottled water operations.bottled water operations.

Have mixed opinions over large-scale Have mixed opinions over large-scale windmill operations (44% support, 25% windmill operations (44% support, 25% undecided, 31% don’t support).undecided, 31% don’t support).

Have mixed opinions as to large-scale Have mixed opinions as to large-scale mining operations, including gravel mining operations, including gravel excavation (53% don’t support, 21% excavation (53% don’t support, 21% undecided, 26% support).undecided, 26% support).

An overwhelming majority of respondents:


Do not support prisons in Marlow (75%).Do not support prisons in Marlow (75%). Agree (88%) that unique undeveloped Agree (88%) that unique undeveloped

tracts of land should be protected from tracts of land should be protected from development in Marlow.development in Marlow.

Agree (89%) that it is important to Agree (89%) that it is important to maintain historic buildings and maintain historic buildings and landmarks in Marlow.landmarks in Marlow.

Agree (83%) that the town should be Agree (83%) that the town should be active with the protection of unique active with the protection of unique scenic open space, as well as the scenic open space, as well as the preservation of historic buildings and preservation of historic buildings and landmarks (80%).landmarks (80%).

An overwhelming majority of respondents:


RecommendationsRecommendations While the Town of Marlow’s Master While the Town of Marlow’s Master Plan is helpful for future planning, it is Plan is helpful for future planning, it is not the law. Adequate zoning ordinances not the law. Adequate zoning ordinances should be adopted that carry out the should be adopted that carry out the goals presented in the Master Plan, and goals presented in the Master Plan, and validated in this study.validated in this study.

New ordinances should be written and adopted that:

Require large scale developers to pay impact fees to help offset additional costs of town services.

Reasonably cap the number of housing permits issued per calendar year, based on services the town is able to provide (after collecting town service data).


New ordinances should be written and adopted that:

Sets limits on “Big Box” stores and fast food restaurants (i.e., size, location, appearance, signage).

Identifies where cell towers should be located.

Limits the amount of water extracted for bottled water operations.

Adequately protects Ashuelot River frontage (towns can legally impose greater protection than state law requires).

Further research and education should include:

Large-scale windmill operations.


Encourage the growth of small businesses and light industry by building awareness and partnering with the Small Business Development Centers of NH (www.sba.gov), and other business support networks. Perhaps the Town Library could assist with seminars and maintaining information related to business start-ups.

Inventory and gather community input related to unique land that should be set aside for conservation. This could be done by the Conservation Commission, or an Ad Hoc Committee. Additionally, this group should identify strategies for land acquisitions and partnerships with willing landowners.


Develop active campaigns – labor/financial – that encourages and supports historical preservation initiatives. The data suggests community members are willing to participate on some level. Education and an effective communication plan may help in this regard.


Thank you for your time!

Questions?


ReferencesReferences 1. U.S. Census Bureau. (2006). Retrieved April 18, 2006 from 1. U.S. Census Bureau. (2006). Retrieved April 18, 2006 from

http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/SAFFPopulation?http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/SAFFPopulation?_event=Search&_name=Marlow_event=Search&_name=Marlow+&_state=04000US33&_county=Marlow&_cityTown=Marlow&_zip=&_sse=on&_l+&_state=04000US33&_county=Marlow&_cityTown=Marlow&_zip=&_sse=on&_langang =en&pctxt=fph=en&pctxt=fph

2. Town of Marlow. (2003). 2. Town of Marlow. (2003). Town of Marlow New Hampshire master plan 2003Town of Marlow New Hampshire master plan 2003. Marlow, . Marlow, NH.NH.

3. Town of Marlow. (2006). Welcome to town of Marlow. Retrieved April 18, 2006 from 3. Town of Marlow. (2006). Welcome to town of Marlow. Retrieved April 18, 2006 from http://www.marlow-nh.org/main.htmhttp://www.marlow-nh.org/main.htm

4. Gerrish, H., Ratigan, J., et al. (2005). 4. Gerrish, H., Ratigan, J., et al. (2005). Land development in New HampshireLand development in New Hampshire. Eau . Eau Claire, WI: Lorman Claire, WI: Lorman Educational Services.Educational Services.

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6. U.S. Census Bureau. (2005). American community survey. Retrieved December 19, 6. U.S. Census Bureau. (2005). American community survey. Retrieved December 19, 2005 from 2005 from http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/DatasetMainPageServlet?http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/DatasetMainPageServlet?_program=ACS&_subme_program=ACS&_subme nuId=datasets_2&_lang=en&_tsnuId=datasets_2&_lang=en&_ts

7. Morgan Quitno Press. (2006). State rankings 2004 names New Hampshire the most 7. Morgan Quitno Press. (2006). State rankings 2004 names New Hampshire the most livable state. livable state. Retrieved April 29, 2006 from Retrieved April 29, 2006 from http://www.morganquitno.com/srml.htmhttp://www.morganquitno.com/srml.htm

8. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2004). Fastest growing occupations, 2004-2014. 8. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2004). Fastest growing occupations, 2004-2014. Retrieved on April 14, Retrieved on April 14, 2006 from http://www.bls.gov/emp/home.htm#releases2006 from http://www.bls.gov/emp/home.htm#releases

9. New Hampshire Employment Security. (2005). Summary of the New Hampshire 9. New Hampshire Employment Security. (2005). Summary of the New Hampshire economy, Fall economy, Fall 2005. Retrieved April 16, 2005 from 2005. Retrieved April 16, 2005 from http://www.nhes.state.nh.us/elmi/pdfzip/econanalys/sumofnhecon/Fall_sum2005.pdhttp://www.nhes.state.nh.us/elmi/pdfzip/econanalys/sumofnhecon/Fall_sum2005.pdff


10.U.S. Census Bureau. (2003). 2003 county business patterns, Cheshire County, NH. Retrieved on April 15, 2006 from http://censtats.census.gov/cgi-bin/cbpnaic/cbpsect.pl

11.Jardine, J. (2005, July 28). Pros and cons of wind farms heard at forum. The Caledonian Record Online Edition. Retrieved on April 14, 2006 from http://www.caledonianrecord.com/pages/top_news/story/fb81cff2a

12.Barlow, B. (N.D.) Blue Gold: The global water crisis and the commodification of the world’s water supply. Retrieved on April 14, 2005 from http://www.thirdworldtraveler.com/Water/Introduction_BG.html

13.Saveourgroundwater.Org. (2005, September 8). Media advisory save our groundwater’s NH supreme court appeal scheduled Sept. 15. Retrieved March 26, 2006 from http://www.saveourgroundwater.org/pr/pr_2005-09-08.pdf

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