What sort of a community do the residents of East Brandywine want in the years ahead? What do they want to see more of, what less of?
The answers are clear.
More open space, more preservation of farms and of historic buildings and sites, a more comprehensive township-wide trail system. On the other side, less residential development and less traffic. These wish lists emerge from replies to a survey of residents conducted by the Township in 2005. The survey was designed to provide input for Township officials as they work to update the Township’s state-required Comprehensive Plan—part of a road map for future decisions about land use, community services, roads, park facilities, recreation programs, natural and historic resources and community character. These factors combine to make the Township a desirable place to live and bring up a family. 


Why we live here
Q. Why choose to live in East Brandywine?
A. The top reasons clearly are housing availability or cost (ranked #1 by 21% of respondents), rural atmosphere (18%) and quality of schools (13%). Next, at 9%, is “I lived here all my life.” All rated most important by roughly 8% are close to work, family and friends nearby, scenic beauty and farmland availability or cost. Only 2% of those replying say they chose to live here because of low taxes.

Open space/environment
Q. Which open space, recreation and/or environmental issues are most important to you?
A. There are two clear top choices: natural resource preservation (38%) and open space conservation (26%). Far behind are opportunities for passive recreation (14%) and availability of active recreation facilities (4%). Protection of historic buildings and sites is the most important issue to only 6% of respondents.

Q. Would you be willing to pay a higher municipal tax (clearly marked for the specific purpose) to support the following:
A.
Yes No
Acquire open space 66% 34%
Buy additional land 52% 48%
Operate active recreation programs 31% 69%
Operate community programs 25% 75%

Note: In the November 2002 elections, East Brandywine voters backed the current 0.125% earned income tax to pay for open space preservation by a 74% to 26% ratio.

Q. Has the Township enough commercial land use to serve the current population?
A. Yes: 78% No: 22%

Q. Are the commercial uses in the right locations?
A. Yes: 87% No: 13%

Things that turn us off
Q. To what degree do the following factors “substantially detract” from your quality of life?
A.
% saying detract
Amount of residential development . . . . . . . 33%
Traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30%
Amount of non-residential development . . . .12%
Noise levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9%
Stormwater runoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7%
Outdoor lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5%
Signage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4%