By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

Did you know:

80% of survey takers see their transportation needs changing and would like access to a variety of transportation options.

73% of Bridgton people feel protecting local natural areas is a top priority.

60% say Bridgton should focus on creating and improving parks and community facilities.

45% believe adding more restaurants, shops and entertainment amenities downtown would have the greatest positive impact on quality of life, while 38% point to better infrastructure for walking and biking.

These are just a few early findings from a community survey — which is available online (https://berrydunn.mysocialpinpoint.com/bridgton/home) or a written version appears this in this week’s print edition — being conducted as part of the town’s rewriting of its Comprehensive Plan.

What should be the town’s short-term and long-term priorities?

How should Bridgton be developed moving forward?

The public can make their thoughts known by taking a few minutes to fill out the survey. However, the survey period is nearing its end, closing this Sunday, March 3. To date, 480 people responded to the Comp Plan survey.

The “printed” survey can be returned to the Bridgton Town Office today, or left Friday and over the weekend at the outside drop box. Or, completed printed surveys can be left at the Town Hall (North High Street) drop box, which is located inside the hall’s front entryway. The Town Hall will be open all weekend.

Community Development Director Tori Hill said no in-person meeting dates have been scheduled just yet, but the Comp Plan Task Force will analyze the survey data and create smaller events based on specific topics.

“We want events and discussions to be focused, inclusive, and low-barrier so that anyone can attend,” Hill said. “The intention of this survey is really looking at Bridgton from a 30,000-foot view.”

Hill said staff and elected officials anchor their decisions on the Town’s Comprehensive Plan.

“The Plan acts as a guide for decision makers so we know our efforts are generally supported by the public. This survey is the best way for the town to get a broad sense of what our community-wide priorities are, and how we should move forward,” Hill added. “We are more inclined to bring a project forward if we can say a certain percentage of our population stand behind it according to the Comprehensive Plan.”

For example, some questions and early findings include:

What are your top priorities?

• Preserving natural areas (e.g., lakes, rivers, conservation land), 73%, 331 people responded.
• Developing a vibrant downtown, 48%, 218 people.
• Maintaining public infrastructure (e.g., roads, sidewalks wastewater), 41%, 186 people.

What changes would have the greatest positive impact on your quality of life?

More restaurants, shops, and entertainment amenities downtown, 45%, 205 people.

• Better infrastructure for walking and biking, 38%, 172 people.
• More opportunities for community and social interaction, 36%, 165 people.
• Better/improved recreation facilities and programming, 36%, 164 people.
• Lower cost of living, 35%, 160 people.

How do you see your housing needs changing in the next 10 years?

• None of the above, 39%, 171 people.
• Smaller home/downsizing, 18%, 79 people.

What types of housing do you think are needed in Bridgton?

• Energy efficient housing, 46%, 195 people.
• Income restricted affordable housing, 34%, 147 people.
• Detached single-family homes, 33%, 143 people.
• Cluster or cottage court developments, 33%, 141 people.

How do you think the community should address the needs of vulnerable populations?

• Expand community outreach and education initiatives to keep residents informed of town services and programs, 49%, 216 people.
• Support the development of more affordable housing, 45%, 202 people.
• Expand programs for older adults, 44%, 194 people.
• Expand ride-share and transportation options, 43%, 193 people.
• Work with community and regional partners to develop a strategy to support the unhoused population, 43%, 192 people.

Bridgton by the Numbers

Some demographics from Comprehensive Plan work:

Where we are today

• Median age, 47.6

• 43.1% of residents are over age 55

• 13.1% of adults live alone

• Population increased 4.2% from 2020 to 2022 (5,643)

• Median household income, $73,250

• 73.2% of employees live outside of Bridgton

• 1,726 people work in Bridgton

• Average weekly wage increased 41.8% from 2012 to 2022 ($582 to $828).

• Median rent, $1,002

• 26.7% of renters spend more than 30% of their income on rent

• 87.5% of housing units are single-family detached or mobile homes

• 422, new housing units permitted from 2020 to 2023

• The percent of renter-occupied housing units decreased from 23.4% in 2012 to 17.6% in 2022.

• There are 10 ponds and lakes within or partially within Bridgton. Due to impacts from development, agricultural runoff or other significant threats to water quality, Maine’s DEP lists the following waterbodies as “threatened” — Beaver Pond, Highland Lake, Long Lake, Moose Pond, Otter Pond and Woods Pond

• In Bridgton, there are 111 miles of roads, 75.7 miles are town roads.

Open space in Bridgton

• 15% (5,000 plus acres) of land is conserved

• 430 acres of land is owned by the town

• More than 90 miles of trails

• 30 miles of cross-country ski trails

• 40 miles of snow mobile trails

• Open Space Plan goals (2023) — Protect natural resources, habitat areas and wildlife corridors; connect Bridgton’s open space network and improve access; activate opportunities for year-round recreation.