STEP ONE: This first exercise is intended to get your perspective on the key values and trends for the Village of Mount Horeb. Please take 5 minutes to write down your responses to the following questions. This brainstorming session is meant to be completed in a short timeframe. At the end of this meeting, we will ask that you return this sheet, so please write as neatly as possible.

What do you value most about the Village of Mount Horeb? (individual)

Small Community atmosphere

Village Center

Good Schools, high quality education

Good Parks – green space

Safety (relative safety for children)

Sense of community (belonging to a group of people)

Good place to raise children

Community gatherings

Unique shops and area attractions

The natural beauty of hills, streams, Stewart Lake

Size (small number of people)

Location

Aesthetic

Convenience of the town (i.e., one minute travel to everything)

Clean streets and houses – quiet town

Best services (i.e., leaf collection, garbage collection, etc.)

Welcoming, attractive downtown

Culture of community/churches

Low traffic volume

Majesty of old neighborhoods

Slower pace of life

Close knit nature of community

Accessible village staff and government

The geographic divides of the village

Pedestrian downtown – conducive to shopping

Quality of life issues

Bike trail

Friendliness of small community

Topography – variety

Not a bedroom community – vibrant/vigorous complete community

Separateness from Madison

Location vis-à-vis recreation/businesses/Madison

Public Works department

Public services and infrastructure

Norwegian feel, banners and rosemoling

Nice small shops, tourism

Personable, character of community

Military Ridge Trail

Opportunity for community involvement

Chamber of Commerce

Recreation opportunities

Sense of history

Independently operating community

Provides a high quality living standard

Strong sense of pride and vision for the future

Access to Madison and natural areas

Clean, neat streets

Old downtown, turn of the century houses

Well kept houses

Good sidewalk system – ability to walk vs. drive everywhere

Great Library

Low crime rate

Just beyond the suburban fringe

What do you value most about the Village of Mount Horeb? (small group summary)

Education
Sense of community
Small size – population
Accessibility of Village staff/government
Safety
Many services (water, telephone, etc.)
Neighborliness/friendliness
Local businesses
Scenic/physical topography
Ethnic heritages
Proximity to Madison
Small town/village atmosphere
Village Center
Schools
Location close to Madison
Natural beauty, parks, recreation facilities
Well kept homes
Public services/infrastructure
People
Great place to raise a family
Little crime, safe, no gangs
Small town values – friendliness
Norwegian atmosphere, décor
Viable downtown – walk everywhere
Amenities – parks, bike trail
Slower pace of life
Opportunity for community involvement
Close to Madison and Wisconsin Dells
Good variety of businesses
Tourism
Good traffic movement – low volume
Chamber of Commerce
Community services
Pat Dann
Troll/ethnic Norwegian character
Good schools
Small size
Ability to walk everywhere in town
Scenery/views
Distinct downtown/Main Street
Proximity to Madison
Good recreational opportunities
Clean air and water
Easy to get out of town
Just beyond the suburban fringe
Less noise, more open space
Small town character
Complete community
Community support of local schools
Natural beauty of area
Geographic proximity to other communities
Know your neighbor/small town atmosphere
Old downtown – turn of the century houses
Hilly terrain
Reasonably sized schools
Parks, green space
Pedestrian downtown
Closeness to services and urban areas
Small look and feel
Tree City, USA
Aesthetics
Military Ridge Trail
Parks and Recreation Department

What are the most crucial trends affecting the Village? (individual)

Accommodating growth

Increased traffic, congestion

Loss of farms

Increased pressure/strain on schools

Increased pressure on water/sewer, infrastructure

Increased pressure on recreational facilities

Rapid, uncontrolled growth (do not want to see high density housing)

High property taxes, and rising

Mount Horeb to maintain the feeling of a smaller community

Spread to the edges

Inability to access areas for pedestrians

Cost of living

Epic

More commercialized growth than the town is used to

Younger people in general

Complex decisions being made by well meaning, but inadequately informed leaders

Loss of downtown

Shift in population

Closeness to Madison, Verona, Middleton

Conflict between pro-growth and no growth demographics

Loss of sense of community

Low involvement of populous in village plans

Communication between government and populous

Revenue source other than "bedroom community"

Growing population and its impact on services

Downtown retail is shifting to offices instead of shops

Need for commercial tax base that brings higher paying jobs

Business choices (i.e., big box vs. local ownership)

Subsidized housing: danger of opening flood gates

Services keeping pace with growth

Decline of farming as main economy

TABOR and tax issues

Industrial park

Supper club – we could use one

Too many single family homes

Need more space, further development for schools

Entertainment for children/teenagers

Improvements to business community

Lack of coordination between village and school district

Stormwater/erosion control

Central location, no longer central

Lack of job opportunities

Developers moving too fast

Proper balance of retail and industrial businesses

Loss of open areas

Becoming bedroom community to Madison

Building of large subdivisions with small lots

Maintaining community culture

Public transportation

Growth of elderly population

The east corridor expansion

Small shops closing

Farms selling out and neighborhoods starting up

Types/styles of housing

Effect of growth in neighboring communities

Too much reliance on "so called" consultants

Maintain integrity of downtown

Lack of building sense of community with new residents

Loss of variety of commercial enterprises

Loss of community interrelations

Development encroaching on sensitive areas

Stormwater

Strip mall type development

What are the most crucial trends affecting the Village? (small group summary)

Controlling growth (Mt. Horeb control)

Commercialization

Loss of variety in Mount Horeb
Lack of jobs
Land use (residential, business, recreation)
Communication (citizens/government)
Loss of ethnic heritage
Limited E/W secondary local thoroughfare
Traffic
Business marketing
Bedroom Community (newer residents)
Change from Village government to "mayoral" system
Lack of major retail shopping
Growth in Dane County
Increased traffic congestion
Natural resource issues (i.e., stormwater)
How to keep jobs, services, and citizens in town
Need for increase in services, schools, infrastructure, etc. fueled by growth
Need for economic and other facts for planning
TABOR and tax issues
Public transportation
Small businesses
More space for further development of schools
Need ability to handle more traffic
Need industrial park
Keeping housing affordable
Keeping property taxes down
Increased residential growth not balanced with commercial industrial growth
Growing too fast
More conflict among demographics (small town vs. big town)
Develop higher paying jobs
Schools and infrastructure keeping up with growth
Services/entertainment for children and teenagers
Rate of growth
Impact of growth on infrastructure (sewage plant)
A real extent of growth
Impact of growth on schools
Traffic/congestion
Taxes
Development encroaching into sensitive areas
Infill
External factors – Madison/Verona
Getting businesses to locate in the Village
Maintaining existing Village culture – friendliness
Preservation of existing architecture
Strain on public schools
Strain on utilities and services
Sprawl
Loss of small town identity
Local ownership vs. large retail chains
Rapid growth challenges values
Pace and position of local growth
Decentralization
Too much residential growth
Unattractive "Levittown" growth around beautiful core
Decline of farming
Growth away from downtown – shift from retail to offices
Water quality – need to maintain
Lack of infill
Loss of important businesses downtown – particularly for elderly
Loss of green space
Traffic levels – pedestrian safety
Increased enrollment in schools
Question of Village expanding south of bypass
Impact of growth on infrastructure and cost of living
Population growth
Bedroom community syndrome
EPIC Systems effect on us
Stormwater and erosion
Size of new lots for homes and businesses

STEP TWO: Hopes and dreams for Mount Horeb’s future.

Growth

Limited growth with integrity and charm of the Village maintained
Population does not grow anymore – village stays a small town
Balanced residential and commercial growth
Controlled growth of population
Slow growth
Control growth – don’t want to loose small town atmosphere
Mount Horeb’s population growth will stop at about 10,000
Mount Horeb’s Comprehensive Plan will promote low-impact development and conservation/Green Tier building … be a state/national leader in this.
Controlled residential growth not to exceed a set percentage or new housing starts per year
Growth not move south of 18-151
Moratorium on development – reduce residential development
That the Village would develop a strategic plan to limit and target growth
Limited manageable growth
The growth maintains the architectural character of the Village
Slow, even growth maintaining high level of service. Keep sprawl minimal
Slow sustained growth. Quality construction, encourage diversity
Keep rapid development under control (slow or no growth)
Plan and implement rational residential development
Controlled innovative growth
Residential growth should be respectful of existing older homes
Manage growth to protect community integrity
Continued growth with planned development
Smart, slow growth leading to a healthy, happy community
Lower taxes through careful and slow, high assessed value, growth
I hope that Mount Horeb is able to grow in a sustainable manner
That growth is governed using neutral factual economic, social, and natural resource data
Good infrastructure – grow only to our current capacities
I dream that Mount Horeb will be a leader for other communities in Dane County and Wisconsin as innovator and implementing sustainable practices on a Village level
Promote controlled, managed residential growth (preferably 1-2%)
Promote appropriate commercial and light industrial growth (ecotourism, etc.)
Preserve/plan housing/commercial growth to maintain sense of community and historical heritage

Natural Resources

That the Village would commit itself to protecting and enhancing natural resources and be a responsible partner
Lots of parks and green space
More investment in parks and green space
Remove some of the lights, it’s too bright to see the stars
That the Village properly conserves its natural beauty and retains sufficient parks and recreational facilities
I hope that the natural resources in and surrounding the Village are preserved, maintained, and enhanced
Emphasize and protect area’s natural beauty
Preserve current and create more green space
Keep access to parks and green space
Preserve parks, trails, green space, and natural beauty
Keep natural beauty as is without destruction by development
Retain and develop connection with nature and green spaces
Parks and Rec Department will continue to offer a wide variety of services and have ample green space for these activities
Keep park and recreation opportunities affordable and accessible to all
Green space/trees will be preserved and not plowed under for housing developments
Mount Horeb will have at least 4 natural area parks (i.e., no ball fields, mowed lawns, etc.)
Ensure continued access to green spaces, especially Stewart Park and Grundahl Park
Stay on pace for green space in Village
That we don’t lose open areas within the Village
Expand recreational opportunities
Preservation of terrain features and development of recreational opportunities (trails, passive parkland, open space, etc.)
Incorporate larger natural areas/greenways as well as more parks/recreational facilities in and around community

Downtown

Vital downtown with job opportunities
Keeping Mount Horeb’s downtown a destination (profitable shops and businesses)
That we have a vibrant, useable downtown with people living in it.
Vibrant downtown
Restore downtown anchor – Opera House, and put bandstand in Grundahl Park
That the Village would invest in and support a viable downtown
Emphasis will be put on maintaining the charm of the downtown and encourage upkeep and enhancements to the existing architecture
Maintain downtown shopping/town center
Promote and maintain a viable downtown

Economy

More job opportunities
Live and work within the Village
Strong local economy with jobs that keep people in town during the day
Village will become welcoming to new business locating in Mount Horeb
Jobs in town, keep businesses in Mount Horeb
More retail shopping to help other business such as restaurant
That Mount Horeb can develop a reputation as an artist friendly community: people come here looking for artists and work
That the tax base be sustained via community friendly industry and any residential growth consider the full service neighborhood concept
Growth in job sector and shopping a must to keep taxes and community alive and affordable
Opening up zoning to encourage new business and streamline process of bringing in business
Small shops
Business or industry for tax relief
My dream is to either telecommute or obtain employment in Mount Horeb that is comparable to my current position
I hope I can continue to pay my taxes and live in my house
Maintain relatively low taxes by being alert to growth costs
Hope we can maintain a genuine local economy and not become a bedroom community
Promote local businesses rather than chain retail
Avoid corporate-ization of village – no big box stores, promote local ownership
Keep eclectic mix of commercial businesses
We will have a variety of shopping opportunities
Incorporate more diversified retail offerings
Keeps taxes affordable
Ability for small businesses to thrive and be noticed
Attract arts related businesses (i.e., arts district)
Reduce dependence on Madison for jobs/community income
Hotel/motel that we would recommend
Full service village
Several nice restaurants
Attract large employers with logistic capabilities
Business will want to settle in not only downtown but outskirts of village
More commercial businesses
Industry

Housing

Adequate senior housing
Diversified housing availability
Incorporate multiple housing into all neighborhoods for integration and to avoid blight areas of mass housing.
Affordable housing done right
Retain small town atmosphere with a variety of housing, including small lots and alleys and large green space
Avoid influx of problem people from Madison (low income housing, Section 8)
Strongly consider "new urbanism" and other progressive development styles
Available low income housing – owner occupied
True neighborhoods (with parks, generous lots, and green space)
Limit cookie cutter housing
Continue healthy mix of housing stock
Lot sizes should stay the same or bigger
No multi-family homes built.

Traffic

Hwy ID on east side repaved
Unrestricted road access with minimal traffic tie ups.
Mount Horeb can be linked to adjacent communities and Madison through more effective public transportation
Mass transit to Madison
Potential Hwy 78 detour from north side to 18-151
Simple interchange on/off at JG and 18-151
Connecting street Robyn Ridge/Bergun Road to ID west side Mount Horeb
Safe traffic
Maintain low traffic volumes
Traffic does keep moving and flowing well throughout the Village

Historic Preservation & Downtown

Vibrant downtown and strong historic preservation
Maintain historic buildings and downtown
Preserve/respect historic residential architecture
Maintain and encourage maintenance of historic residential district
Maintain historic downtown buildings

Bike and Pedestrian

Enhance the pedestrian traffic and minimize impact of auto traffic
That we and our kids can walk or bike where we need to go
Mount Horeb can be as pedestrian friendly and independent of cars as was customary many decades ago, with serious planning towards accommodating walking.
The growth includes lineal parkways connecting neighborhoods to the trail system
Promote exercise friendly things like sidewalks, parks, and centralized schools and services
Establish a uniform "pedestrian" right-of-way throughout town
I will be able to ride my bike on bike trails from Mount Horeb to Milwaukee

Community Entertainment

That there will be places that cater to individual age groups
Community working together for children and teens
Community sport center, exercise facility (so we don’t have to use high school indoor pool)
Encourage more cultural activities
Full service indoor swimming pool
Develop YMCA Dane County Southwest in Mount Horeb (indoor pool, indoor soccer)
More recreational facilities (swimming pool, theater, community youth center)
Expansion of recreational land – golf course, cross country skiing, and hiking
Expanded children’s programs – parks, play areas
Water park
Plenty of community buildings and functions

Community Character

I hope Mount Horeb does not get too large
Small town atmosphere
People see Mount Horeb as a place to live, not just to sleep
That the Village would commit itself to enhancing the character and viability of Mount Horeb
I hope Mount Horeb can maintain a "small town" feeling
That the Village stays a manageable size and retains it’s small town character
Improved health and quality of life
I hope that Mount Horeb is able to retail its character while facing growth
Keep our character, we will continue to have an interesting downtown and small town community feeling
Preserve character of community
Maintain a clear sense of community
Maintain nurturing community
Maintain small town feeling (downtown shops, safety, moderate sized schools, and friendly atmosphere)
We will continue to have a safe community
That residents feel like a part of the Village
Stay friendly
We keep our Norwegian theme throughout the Village
To maintain a sense of community – music, drams, recreational activities
Maintaining the Mount Horeb style of living
Mount Horeb can maintain most of its present scale, small town character, and distinctiveness with respect to surrounding rural agricultural, parks, and wild lands while accommodating modest growth
We don’t lose our sense of history, of who we are and why we like it here
We continue to be friendly and welcoming to all who visit and decide to settle here.
Get the railroad bridge beautified
Cover Main Street to make mall for wonderful wintertime shopping
Neighborhoods have a classic look like mansions of old rather than subdivisions of today
That the Front Street area from Blue Mounds to 4^th can be redeveloped on the south side to include the bike path into an extension of the downtown area
Keep town free of crime
People remain safe and secure in their homes and neighborhoods
Continue to be a place to raise a family safely and affordably

Schools/Infrastructure

Good schools
Reasonably sized schools
The infrastructure and schools keep up with the anticipated growth
That the Village and School Board would work collaboratively to address goals that reflect community needs
That the Village retains good, safe schools
Good schools at reasonable tax rates. Keep them toward the basics, not too politically correct
Keep/maintain good education standards for all levels
Schools continue to provide superior education in small community setting
Inspire effective education
The school system will keep its quality and maintain ability for personal communication
A school system that is not overburdened/overcrowded with a variety of activities for all
Keep schools and teachers going strong
That we maintain good schools
Provide excellent educational and community facilities (schools, pool, parks)
Concentrate on continued improvement of schools
School space adequate for population
Children get a very good education
Our schools can remain top quality as they are now
Better citizen representation on Village Board/Commissions
Plan for long term utilities and services
Taxes will remain affordable without decreasing services
Front load costs for long term infrastructure needs (utilities, safety, libraries, schools)
Mount Horeb will have a well functioning and effecting ECM and stormwater program
Sufficient, effective services – police, fire, parks, plowing, street level pickup
Provide basic services at an affordable price
Keeping utilities affordable and under local control
Initiate higher fees for building permits to offset increased village/school costs
Maintain Village services and quality education and churches

STEP THREE: Shared Vision Statements.

Promote and encourage access to various kinds of green space within the Village.

Promote small business growth within a vibrant downtown.

Control growth to maintain the "small town" character.

Maintain high quality, accessible schools without overcrowding.

Ensure safe reliable access for multiple modes of transportation throughout the Village.

Maintain affordable public services with continued quality.

Limit tax increases and capture real costs of new development.

That the tax base be sustained via a community policy friendly to industry, small business, tourism, and retail.

Grow only to our current infrastructure capacity.

Encourage affordable, diverse housing including senior facilities and multi-family size under current limits.

Maintain small town character.

Maintain quality of schools.

Manage traffic to keep traffic flowing, with good access to main arteries, rerouting commercial traffic away from downtown.

Keep the character of the community, sense of history, classic look.

Adequate school space for population, remain top quality.

Full service Village – restaurants, hotels, industry, commercial

Affordable real estate taxes, offer alternatives.

Safety, free of crime

Continue upgrading Village appearance.

Preservation of character of community

Innovative slow growth respectful of classic community character.

Emphasize and protect natural green spaces and parks.

Promote and maintain viable downtown.

Promote local businesses and economy, rather than large chain retail.

Control taxes by determining true growth costs.

Promote pedestrian access to Village and Village facilities.

Maintain a small town atmosphere which preserves Mount Horeb’s culture.

Maintain downtown Mount Horeb’s historic character and vitality.

Expand recreational opportunities – parks, open space, indoor pool

Expand cultural opportunities and facilities

Attract desirable businesses and reduce the dependence on Madison for jobs and community income.

Provide excellent educational and community facilities.

Work to reduce our reliance on cars as our primary transportation.

Maintain fiscal responsibility and quality Village services.

The Village will plan when and how growth will occur.

Significantly limit residential growth.

Vibrant downtown and strong historic preservation.

Maintain engaged, close knit community.

Living wage jobs in Village

Sustainable economic community.

Conscientious, environmental development throughout the Village, including non-polluting industry

Invest in green space and pedestrian friendly neighborhoods.

Expansion of recreational opportunities and facilities for adults and youth (i.e., YMCA)

The infrastructure and schools keep up with the anticipated growth.

Adopt "Dark Sky" lighting ordinances and reduce number of residential lights.