Below are the eight (8) Goal Areas have been identified with accompanying comment areas to provide your feedback on the Goal Areas. These comment boxes include some questions that you can use to help guide your responses.
When you are ready to comment on a specific Goal Area, click "Read and Contribute", and you will be taken to the comment page where you can input your response. On this page, you can also view and respond to other feedback that has already been submitted for that specific Goal Area.
Your input will ensure that the goals highlighted in the comprehensive plan accurately reflect the community's priorities.
Goal Area: Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Access
What types of recreational facilities or programs are missing in Van Buren (e.g., dog park, splash pad, indoor recreation, boat launch)?
What would make it easier for you or your family to enjoy outdoor recreation in Town?
How can the Town better connect neighborhoods to parks, trails, and the Seneca River?
What kinds of activities or events would you like to see along the waterfront?
Goal Area: Economic Development and Local Business
What kinds of businesses or services are missing in Van Buren, and where would you like to see them?
Are there vacant or underutilized properties that could be redeveloped? What could the Town do to encourage investment in those sites?
How can the Town make it easier for small businesses and entrepreneurs to succeed?
Should Van Buren focus on creating a “main street” or gathering area for shops, restaurants, and events?
Goal Area: Agriculture, Farmland, and Open Space
How can Van Buren best protect its farmland and rural landscapes from development pressures?
Would you like to see more agritourism opportunities (e.g., breweries, farm restaurants, apple orchards)? If so, what kinds?
Goal Area: Neighborhoods
What kinds of projects could the Town implement to improve your neighborhood? (e.g., sidewalks, traffic calming, neighborhood parks, tree planting)
What types of housing are most needed in Van Buren (starter homes, senior housing, apartments, etc.)?
Where should new housing be encouraged and where should it be limited?
Goal Area: Transportation and Mobility
Where are the biggest traffic or safety concerns? How would you suggest addressing them?
What types of improvements are most important: roads, sidewalks, bike lanes, or public transit? Where are they most needed?
Would you support traffic calming in residential areas (e.g., speed humps, signage, roundabouts)?
What locations could benefit from better trail or bike connections (e.g., to schools, parks, businesses, or to the Village)?
Goal Area: Infrastructure and Public Services
Which public services or infrastructure needs the most attention (e.g., sewer expansion, drainage, broadband, brush pickup)?
What improvements could make Town services more efficient or user-friendly?
Should the Town explore renewable energy or green infrastructure projects (e.g., solar, rain gardens, EV charging)?
Goal Area: Community Character and Quality of Life
What kinds of events, programs, or activities would strengthen Van Buren’s sense of community?
How can Van Buren better showcase its history, culture, or local identity? (e.g., signage, murals, heritage trails)
Are there areas that need beautification or streetscape improvements?
What community amenities or spaces (e.g., amphitheater events, civic spaces) would make Van Buren more vibrant?
Goal Area: Natural Environment
What areas of Van Buren are most affected by flooding, drainage, or stormwater issues?
What specific actions should the Town take to protect water quality or prevent erosion along rivers and streams?
Should the Town prioritize invasive species management or restoration projects? If so, where?
General Recommendations
What's missing from these goal areas? Any other thoughts?
