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Infrastructure & Public Utilities Are there specific infrastructure or utility areas that you believe require immediate improvement or attention? If so, which ones and why? Stakeholders focused on infrastructure and public utilities emphasized the need for additional internet providers, cited spotty cell service, called on the need for more trees and more maintenance for trees, and identified sidewalks as needing improvement. How would you rate the overall reliability of essential services like water, electricity, waste management, and internet access? Are there any recurring issues? All stakeholders agreed that the reliability of services has been good and said they haven’t experienced any issues. To what extent do you think the town’s infrastructure planning should focus on climate resiliency (for example, flood management, stormwater systems, and green energy)? Stakeholders said the focus on climate resiliency is critical and the Town should have a heavy focus on environmental impacts. They specifically call out water systems, flood lands, water and snow management to hone in on. Are there emerging technologies or sustainable infrastructure practices you think Aurora should consider to improve municipal services? Stakeholders mentioned several different technologies or practices that Aurora should consider including solar farms, Town-wide composting, more trees to provide shade, and using mass timber for large structures. Are there any specific issues or opportunities in Aurora that you feel we haven’t covered today as they relate to Infrastructure & Public Utilities but should be included in the comprehensive plan? A specific issue raised is putting in new internet services or other infrastructure and then cutting down trees as a result. This stakeholder thinks the Town should hire their own arborists to maintain the trees and trim them instead of being cut down because of communication services being added. Land Use & Zoning How well do you think current zoning regulations reflect Aurora’s character and the community's vision for growth? Are there zoning or land use changes that you believe would enhance the quality of life in Aurora? Stakeholders focused on land use and zoning offered these comments: utility zoning needs work for better siting; while appreciative of the lack of big box stores, now how do we promote local retail stores; and area and use variances seem to offer flexibility. Are there any specific areas within Aurora that you feel are overdeveloped or underutilized? The focus group offered many varying suggestions with some liking the new development on Mill Road; others pointing out that if there is new development it should offer a healthy mix of uses. Development should occur in commercial centers like the hamlets and the village, supporting growth where there is already retail and existing housing and reducing transportation needs. One stakeholder said reuse of older vacant buildings should occur before anything new is built and another offered that Olean Road and Center Street near the school should be a focus area for new development. Another stakeholder said that new development is already occurring outside of the Town limits and that sidewalks should be installed to connect Town residents to that development. Are there any specific issues or opportunities in Aurora that you feel we haven’t covered today as they relate to land use & zoning but should be included in the comprehensive plan? 149