Faulkton Area Development Faulk County Housing Survey results

In an effort to better understand the current housing needs of the community, as well as looking into the future, the Faulkton Area Housing Task Force supplied a survey for Faulk County residents to fill out and return to Trevor Cramer.

Cramer, Faulkton Area Development director said he is very pleased with the outcome of the survey and the responses overall validated the need for the questions.

There were 91 responses to the survey with 66 sent over the internet; with 40 of the 91 responses commenting on question #10.

Following are the stats on the questions number one through ten.

Question 1: Sometime in the next 5-10 years, there is a chance I/we will consider building a new home in Faulkton.

Answers: five replied yes and already have land to build house; 15 replied yes and would need to purchase land to build the house; 68 replied no.

Observations: some of the lots that are vacant in town may have plans for a new house in the future; and there are 15 potential new home builders needing a lot to build.

Question 2: Sometime in the next 5-10 years there is a chance I/we would consider moving into a one level, low maintenance, two bedroom apartment/twin home with an attached garage. Something similar to the complex south of the hospital.

Answers: 13 replied yes; 74 replied no.

Observations: with 13 interested in one level living, down the road a new complex may need to be built.

Question 3: Sometime in the next 5-10 years, I/we would be interested in moving a modest sized modular home/governor’s house into Faulkton.

Answers: 8 replied yes, if could secure an affordable lot of adequate size; one replied yes and already has land secured.

Observations: multiple different types of housing are needed.

Question 4: I/we are currently using a vacated house for storage in Faulkton and would be interested in allowing that house to be demolished if there were available storage space for rent.

Answers: 0 yes; 76 no.

Question 5: I/we would be interested in renting storage space of adequate size to store the following items.

Answers: campers 10; vehicle 3; motor home 4; boat 9; miscellaneous household items 9 and other 12.

Observation: potential expansion of storage space of all kinds exists.

Question 6: I/we would be interested in upgrading to a newer/larger home if that option was available.

Answers: 4 yes, preferable a 1 1/2 or 2 story home; 17 yes, preferable a ranch style home; 69 no.

Observations: 21 indicated that they are interested in upgrading and that there is a good market for existing older homes.

Question 7: I believe that an apartment complex on Main Street would be of value and would make good use of vacated space.

Answers: 27 yes; 20 no; 18 not on Main Street but in another area of town; 20 no other apartment buildings are needed.

Observations: There is no clear answer to this question.

Question 8: I/we would be or know of friends or family who would be interested in more RV parking spaces in town with adequate water and sewer hookups.

Answers: 15 yes; 58 no; 7 definitely a need.

Observations: Potential exists for future development.

Question 9: I/we will be moving away from Faulkton in the next 5-10 years and have a house that will be for sale.

Answers: 4 yes, to be closer to family; 3, yes, don’t feel appreciated in this community; 6 yes, community is not going in positive direction; 70 no.

Observations: wide majority plan to stay and live in Faulkton!

Question 10: please provide any other thoughts/opinions you may have regarding housing issues in the community.

Answers: There were 40 out of 91 surveys returned who shared comments.

As of Wednesday, March 22 questions one through nine is provided in graph form. Go to www.faulktonsd.com/faulkton/faulk-county-housing-surveyresults/?item=9814

Plans are for a future business survey, to see what Faulk County needs are being met and what needs are coming up short.