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- Will go to village to walk - Biking I don’t feel safe at all- widened and paved shoulders would increase safety for both walkers and bikers - Well maintained shoulders help - Feels safe enough What future transportation initiatives or innovations would you like to see in Aurora to improve the quality of life, such as EV charging stations, complete streets, or multi-use paths? Several suggestions for transportation initiatives were offered including multi use paths, rail trail, EV charging stations, and complete streets around the schools, however some stakeholders said that situations in which the Town didn’t own the roads, or a path would require an easement would be a tough sell and difficult to implement. Agriculture & Natural Resources Focus Group Strengths People enjoy living here because of the natural resources, open space, and the many parks located within the Town. The proximity to locally grown produce and meat is also a bonus. Weaknesses The Agriculture and Natural Resources Focus Group identified weaknesses such as the need for updated zoning, high housing prices driving out families, limited farmland being threatened with development, and lack of environmental stewardship. Habitat conservation strategies were stressed as a weakness that needs to be remedied to respond to climate change, increased flooding in parts of the Town, and stream bank erosion. The need to manage invasive species was also recognized. Threats The decreasing availability of land to farm and the threat of solar farms on available fertile land was identified as a threat to the Town and the agricultural foundation on which it was built. The focus group was concerned about farmland not being protected as farms were sold and subdivided and called for the need for education and outreach. Some in the group said that Aurora used to feel much more rural but was losing that feeling. Opportunities The focus group identified several opportunities including connecting with landowners, the opportunity for small scale farming and niche markets, and supporting agritourism events and bringing agriculture awareness into the schools. They think the Town should first focus on identifying conservation districts and areas where development is prohibited instead of the other way around. What role do you believe Aurora’s agricultural sector should play in the town’s economic development? Stakeholders focused on agriculture and natural resources and point out that the Town’s economy is “built on the backs of farmers” and that creating a farm friendly community is vital to retaining the Town’s rural character. Supporting the local ag economy makes it easier for farmers to continue farming. Do you think there are opportunities for more agritourism (like farm tours, pick-your-own farms, or farmers’ markets) in Aurora? Yes, stakeholders say there are plenty of opportunities for Town initiatives to support seasonal agritourism activities. In what ways do you think the town should address climate change impacts on agriculture and natural resources, such as shifting weather patterns or increased flooding? 151