Published: July 02, 2009 12:12 am      

Survey results reveal support for initiatives downtown

More research, discussion needed to flesh out ideas

ASHLAND — A survey by Main Street officials completed during June’s First Friday reveals respondents overwhelmingly support a variety of initiatives downtown.

Director Danny Craig said the simple six question survey was given to 100 during First Friday in June. Officials say there were more than 1,500 attendees at the June art walk event, which also featured a street party with a car and motorcycle show and live entertainment.

According to survey results:

‰Sixty-four percent of respondents said yes, they “would like to see Winchester Avenue reduced to two lanes with diagonal parking and sidewalk cafes, while 32 percent said no and 2 percent gave no answer.

‰Sixty-two percent of respondents said yes, they would “like to see some downtown events serve alcohol in a controlled way.” Thirty-seven percent said no, while 1 percent gave no answer.

‰Eighty-four percent of respondents said “if businesses stay open later in the evening,” they would shop there, while 11 percent said they wouldn’t. Five percent gave no answer.

‰Seventy-nine percent of respondents said they would not be willing to volunteer with hosting Main Street Events. Only 19 percent said they would be willing to volunteer and 2 percent gave no answer.

‰Eighty-eight percent of respondents said they would like to see “a river front market in the old depot behind the flood wall.” Eleven percent said no and 1 percent gave no answer.

‰Seventy-seven percent of respondents said they were from Kentucky, 9 percent were from Ohio and 11 percent were from West Virginia. Eight were between the ages of 18 and 24, 31 were between the ages of 25 and 40, 22 were between the ages of 41 and 54 and 38 were age 55 or older. One did not give an age.

“Getting support in general is what we’re looking for,” Craig said. He said the survey was a way of educating individuals about some of the proposed ideas to stimulate business and economic growth downtown.

Craig said he was “very surprised” by the results, although he admitted, “these were my inclinations.”

He said the survey results tell him residents do support some of the more controversial initiatives including diagonal parking on Winchester Avenue and alcohol sales during street events and more research and discussion is needed into them.

Both ideas have been discussed by the Ashland Board of City Commissioners but to date have not had the political support to move forward.

Craig said he thinks one of the roles Main Street plays is to inform public officials of the public sentiment. “I think this was just a teaser survey,” he said, adding he believes a larger, more in-depth survey is needed.

“I think this proves its a worthwhile effort. It’s the people speaking. That’s what it is. You want to take the pulse of the community, guess what? We just did.”