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5. Investing in Infrastructure and Digital Connectivity Reliable internet access is a growing concern, with some residents experiencing connectivity issues. Stakeholders also highlighted the need for infrastructure investments, particularly in water, sewer, tree maintenance and county/state roads. 6. Strengthening Hamlets as Vibrant, Self-Sufficient Hubs Stakeholders acknowledged the Town’s hamlets already serve as unique, community-focused centers, reducing the need for residents to travel to the Village for services. Stakeholders see an opportunity to further develop these areas while maintaining their character. 7. Supporting the Local Ag Economy and Protecting Farmland from Development Pressure Agriculture remains a defining feature of Aurora, but farmland is threatened by development, largely perceived due to the expensive and tight housing market. Stakeholders see opportunities to grow the agricultural economy through agritourism, local food initiatives, and conservation strategies. 8. Strengthening Coordination Between the Town and Village The Village serves as Aurora’s cultural and economic hub, and its future is closely tied to the Town’s. Stakeholders emphasize the need for continued collaboration to maintain shared services, manage growth, and preserve the area’s character. General Questions From your perspective, what are the Town’s greatest strengths and assets? Most of the stakeholders and focus groups identified the small town feel and rural, scenic character of the Town as a major asset. The number of parks, farms, and small businesses were also areas of strengths along with quaint commercial centers such as the Hamlets and the Village of East Aurora, where basic needs can be met. Proximity to locally sourced produce and farm to table options is also a draw. Another major strength acknowledged is the civic mindedness of the local organizations and people that live in the Town and their willingness to serve on boards, volunteer their time, and boost their communities. Residents are pleased with the number and quality of services the Town provides and praise the ease of travel and convenient travel corridors and feel of safety. What are the Town’s Greatest Weaknesses? Although answers varied across stakeholders, more than one response focused on the Town’s lack of a comprehensive plan and doing things “the way they’ve always been done” as a weakness considering the challenges that the Town is facing. Development pressure on green space, the increasing cost of housing, and limited availability of transportation infrastructure for any other mode but cars were also seen as a weakness as it limited the number of new people moving into the Town and available for employment. Some stakeholders felt that the Town and the Village of East Aurora were competing with each other instead of working together. Two stakeholders said there were no weaknesses in the Town. What opportunities do you see the Town being able to capitalize on? Stakeholders identified several opportunities including zoning updates to guide development and conservation areas; solar energy development; attracting more services to commercial areas so that residents wouldn’t need to leave the Town for medical, shopping, and other services; the need for increased residential development; encouraging economic development that is consistent with community vision; and attracting additional internet providers. 146