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Participants Interviewees: • Victoria Sturman – Greater East Aurora • Jesse Griffis – East Aurora Tree Board, Chair Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director • Jen Gurbacki – Hall Ricketts Gurbacki P.C. Village of East Aurora Focus Group: • Doug Ford – Town Resident • Peter Mercurio – Village of East Aurora, • Dave Newell – Loptr LLC, CEO Mayor • Gary Schutrum – B&G Club • Randy West – Village of East Aurora • Bryan Smith – GHD Consulting Services, Planning Board, Chair Vice President • Kristin Cameron – Village of East Aurora • Peter Sorgi – Aurora Arsenal Soccer Cluib, Board, Trustee President • Allen Ott Jr. – Village of East Aurora • Bill Kramer – Former Town Building Planning Board, Member Inspector • Rachel Chrostowski – Western New York Town of Aurora Department Head Focus Group: Land Conservancy • Donna Bodecker - Town of Aurora Senior Center, Recreation Leder Agriculture & Natural Resources Focus Group: • Chris Musshafen – Town of Aurora • Sharon Bachman – Cornell Cooperative Recreation Department, Director Extension • Stephen Pigeon – Town of Aurora • Mark Gaston – Erie County Soil and Water Assessor’s Office, Assessor District, Field Manager • Raymond Wrazen – Town of Aurora Town • Jeanne Leccese-Beiter, Buffalo Niagara Board, Councilmember Waterkeeper, Senior Program Manager • Rich Miga – Town of Aurora Building and Housing & Neighborhoods Focus Group: Code Enforcement, Assistant Code • Donna Bodecker – Town of Aurora Senior Enforcement Officer. Center, Recreation Leder Contacted: 29 Interviewed: 22 Key Takeaways 1. Balancing Growth with Preservation of Aurora’s Small-Town and Rural Character Stakeholders highly value Aurora’s rural, scenic character and small-town feel, yet there is recognition that controlled residential growth and economic development are necessary. The community is concerned about development pressure on green space, the rising cost of housing, and the need for zoning updates to guide future growth in a way that preserves Aurora’s identity. 2. Diversifying Housing Options for a Thriving Community Stakeholders indicated that Aurora’s housing market is increasingly financially inaccessible for first- time homebuyers, young families, and seniors looking to downsize. Limited housing diversity is also making it difficult for businesses to attract employees. 3. Enhancing Parks & Recreation for Future Needs While Aurora’s parks are well-maintained, some need upgrades, and there is interest in expanded recreational opportunities like trails, splash pads, and a community center. The lack of indoor gathering spaces was also noted. 4. Promoting Environmental Sustainability & Climate Resiliency Many stakeholders emphasized the importance of green initiatives such as tree planting, flood management, solar energy, and sustainable infrastructure. There is strong support for protecting natural resources and preparing for climate impacts. 145