clay county, nc comprehensive plan

CLAY COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLANCommunity Input Summary

March 4, 2010 www.claycountycomp.wordpress.com

Clay County Comprehensive Plan Committee:

Dr. Gail Criss, Chair Joe Allen Davenport Ron Guggisberg Frank Leatherwood Tanya Long Harrell Moore Dennis Myers Keith Nuckolls Ed Roach Elizabeth Rybicki Commissioner Harry Jarrett, Ex-Officio

Please Direct Questions To:

Kristy Carter, Project Coordinator NC Department of Commerce Division of Community Assistance Community Planning Program Western Regional Office 31 College Place, Building B Asheville, NC 28801 www.nccommerce.com/wro [email protected] 828.251.6917

www.claycountycomp.wordpress.com

About the Cover:

The image on the front cover was developed using a word cloud program (www.wordle.net), where each word recorded throughout community input process was inputted into and counted by the program. The count of each word is visually represented in the image. The largest words in the image were recorded more frequently, whereas the smallest words in the imager were used less.

http://www.nccommerce.com/wro

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.claycountycomp.wordpress.com/

Clay County Comprehensive Plan Community Input Summary Page | 1

Community Input Process Community input for the first phase of the Clay County Comprehensive plan

began in August 2009 with small group gatherings and focus groups and ended

in December 2009 with the close of the Community Opinion Survey.

Community Opinion Survey: The Clay County Community Opinion Survey was

available to residents of Clay County in electronic and hard copy format. The

electronic survey link was posted on a variety of Clay County Comprehensive

Plan promotional materials and it was advertised on posters distributed

throughout the County. A link to the survey was reported in the Clay County

Progress, and a link was available on the Clay County Government and the

Comprehensive Plan websites. All 8,816 Blue Ridge Mountain EMC (BRMEMC)

customers who receive a paper power bill received a copy of the survey in their

October 2009 bill.

Response Rate: Five hundred and sixty (560) individuals completed the

Community Opinion Survey. Sixty-six percent of the survey respondents

completed the hard copy version while 34% responded to the online survey.

Survey respondents were not required to answer each question. Of the sixty-six

answerable items, there is a median of 538 answers per item—96% of people

answered each question.

Community and Small Group Meetings: In addition to the Community Opinion

Survey, a series of community meetings and small group gatherings were held to

solicit information from a wide variety of citizens. Community meetings were

held at the Brasstown Community Center, Hayesville First United Methodist

Church, and the Tusquittee Community Center. The first two meetings at

Brasstown and Hayesville Methodist were sparsely attended. The third meeting

at Tusquittee had better attendance, but the meeting was held in conjunction

with the Community Center’s regular monthly meeting and the community

input session was cut short. Additionally, Committee members hosted small

group gatherings and focus groups were conducted with realtors/developers,

ministers, the Hispanic community, school parents and high-school students.

Response Rate: Combined, 118 people participated in at least one type of

meeting.

Structure of This Report: The information in this report is a summary of all

forms of input. The structure of this report follows the structure of the

Community Opinion Survey. The Survey had three sections: Part One--

Questions One through Nine: Ranking Importance and Satisfaction; Part Two--

Household and Demographic Information; and Part Three: The Consumer

Survey1 (results from this section are not included in this report). The survey

also asked respondents to submit unstructured comments.

At each small group gathering, focus group, or community meeting, leaders

asked participants a similar set of questions. The charts that follow result from

the Community Opinion Survey and the summary of written comments are

combined from all forms of community input (survey comments, small group

gatherings, focus groups, and community meetings, as well as written

comments submitted through the website or letters).

The Rule of Three: The Comprehensive Planning Committee is pleased with the

large amount of written feedback received. However, in order to avoid a sixty

page report, the information contained in this summary report had been

condensed using the Rule of Three. In order for a topic to be included in the

summary report, the topic had to be named by three different people. All

comments are important and the Committee reviewed and will refer to the

entire set of comments as they move forward. Please direct questions about

the data and report to Kristy Carter at [email protected].

1 The Consumer Survey was conducted in conjunction with the Community Opinion Survey in Partnership with the

Clay County Communities Revitalization Association (CCCRA) and HandMade in America. These two organizations are working with merchants in the Historic Hayesville area to complete a Historic Hayesville Market Analysis that will assist with economic development efforts in the Historic Hayesville area. Without CCCRA and HandMade’s assistance, the wide distribution of the Community Opinion Survey through the power bills would not have been possible.

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Quality of Life Values Many of the comments received through the community input process had nothing to do with specific actions or things people would like

change or do. These comments describe what makes Clay County such a great place to live—they are the values that form Clay County’s

foundation.

Family and Faith Oriented: Clay County is a good

place to raise a family, with supportive activities through

recreation programs, the schools, and churches.

The People: The people of Clay County are vital to the

quality of life in Clay County. People of Clay County:

o Care for the Community and Have a Sense of

Pride: People in Clay County care for their home

and want to take care of what they have.

o Volunteer and Get Involved in the Community:

People in Clay County offer their time and

resources to maintain a high quality of life.

Sense of Safety: Clay County is a safe place to be and

live.

Education: Kids in the Clay County School System

receive a high quality education.

Small Town Feel, Quaintness: Clay County is a place

where you know your neighbors and someone is always

willing to help you out.

Rural Feeling, Rural Character: When the slow pace of

life, the farms and open land, and history and culture of

the people are honored, the quality life in Clay County is

enhanced.

Natural, Scenic, and Environmental Beauty: The

beauty in Clay County is abundant and is a non-

renewable resource of which the people of Clay County

are stewards.


Community Input Results

PART ONE: IMPORTANCE AND SATISFACTION Following are the results from Questions One through Nine from the Clay

County Community Opinion Survey. Questions One through Eight asked survey

respondents to rank 46 items from Very Important to Very Unimportant.

Question Nine asked respondents to rate their overall satisfaction with eleven

items. Five questions on the online survey were missing from paper survey due

to a printing error. These missing questions are noted below each chart.

Interpretation Guidance

Each section follows a similar format. There are nine topics that were

addressed: Human Services, Infrastructure, Housing and Buildings, Land

Stewardship and Landscape, Community Space, County Government, Economic

Development, Growth and Development, and Overall Satisfaction. These nine

topics set the structure for the overall summary. Following each chart are

comments from the community input meetings and the survey.

A. These are the statements evaluated under each heading. Statements

in the chart have been shortened and abbreviated. Readers may refer

to the Community Input Survey at the end of the document for the

complete statements.

B. The number at the end of each statement represents the number of

people that responded to the statement. Survey respondents were not

required to answer each statement or question.

C. There are several notes throughout the report. The N stands for note

and the number represents the note number. (N3) = the third note in

the document. Notes are explained immediately following the chart.

D. Because each statement had a different number of respondents, the

percentages represent the number of people who responded to that

statement. For example, 77% of 546 people who responded think it is

very important to implement water conservation programs. Sections

without a percentage listed are a small percent of the whole, generally

between 0% and 4%.

E. Rating Scales: Questions One through Eight: VI = Very Important, I =

Important, S = Satisfied with Current Effort or Level of Service, U =

Unimportant, VU = Very Unimportant; Question Nine: VS = Very

Satisfied, S = Satisfied, N = Neutral, D = Dissatisfied, VD = Very

Dissatisfied


1. Human Services: How important is it to increase services in the following categories?

Overall, the most important human service topics are the aging population and the need to match services to this group, and

access to medical care.

Senior Citizens Population is getting older, need services to meet the needs of the aging

population

Things to consider include: transportation, housing (assisted living, nursing

homes, low-income housing), medical care (home health care), and

affordable services and activities

Physical Health Need greater access to medical services such as professional practitioners

(family practice doctors, medical specialists, dentists) and urgent care

Medical care is also an avenue for job creation

Children and Youth More activities for children and youth

Need a strategy to keep young people in (or return to) the community

(addressed n more detail later in this report)

Other Better daycare/preschool options

46%

41%

32%

46%

29%

32%

34%

28%

22%

25%

29%

24%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Children and Youth (546)

Physical Health (539)

Mental Health (534)

Senior Citizens (544)

HUMAN SERVICES

VI

I

S

U

VU


2. Infrastructure: How important is it to increase, improve, or implement the following services or programs?

Overall, infrastructure was second most discussed topic. The County needs infrastructure systems that match

projected growth and economic development efforts. Recycling Increase recycling efforts by strengthening and better promoting the

existing recycling program

Provide an option to recycle glass

Recycle other materials (white goods, construction waste)

Increase number of recycling points Solid Waste Increase ability/flexibility to dispose of waste

Allow for disposal of white household goods and household hazardous waste Plan for the County to dispose of its own waste rather than transferring garbage to Georgia

Roads and Transportation Feedback related to roads and transportation have been grouped in to one of

three categories: Overall improvement, four-lane access, and safety

Overall Improvement

Road improvements that include widening, shoulder improvements, repaving, improved access, and improved maintenance

Better access in general, especially on some of the secondary roads

Improve traffic flow in some areas Four Lane Access: More people were satisfied with the current level of road access, however, some think four-lane access would benefit the community, particularly from an economic development standpoint

Safety: Some people are concerned about the safety of bridges, unsafe drivers

on mountain roads, speeding, and the number of car accidents

24%

12%

39%

24%

16%

52%

36%

34%

16%

32%

29%

29%

28%

37%

22%

30%

21%

35%

34%

16%

22%

13%

20%

6%

8%

12%

4%

7%

23%

4%

9%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Encourage Alt TPort Systems (537)

Encourage Four-Lane Access (543)

Expand Broadband Access (538)

Expand Water / Sewer Services (526)

Improve Major TPort Corridors (536)

Improve Recycling Efforts (543)

Water Conservation Programs (532)

INFRASTRUCTURE

VI

I

S

U

VU


Water, Sewer, and Septic Improve water, sewer and septic services

Expand and improve the public system (Clay County Water and Sewer District)

Increase the water supply

Connect with Towns County

Improve the permitting of septic systems

Water and sewer access is tightly connected to economic development. Broadband Increase broadband access throughout the County

Expanded DSL, fiber, and cable internet access at affordable rates

Broadband access is tightly connected to economic development

Other Communications Need for North Carolina television news coverage

Need for increased cell phone coverage

Alternative Transportation Create bike paths and lanes, greenways, and trails that people can use for

recreation purposes, as well as a means to get from place to place


3. Housing and Buildings: How important is it to increase services in the following categories?

Overall, compared to other topics, the housing and buildings category was not a much-discussed topic. Housing and Buildings Some need for more affordable housing

Need for more downtown apartments and living options

Concern about the overall housing market

Concern about the amount of dilapidated housing in the community and

the need for minimum standards to address dilapidated housing

25%

23%

15%

32%

30%

27%

38%

34%

42%

4%

6%

9%

6%

7%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Ensure Building Safety (539)

Increase Affordable Housing Supply (540)

Increase Choices in / Variety of Housing (538)

HOUSING AND BUILDINGS

VI

I

S

U


4. Land Stewardship and Landscape: How important is it to increase, improve, or implement the following services or programs?

Notes: (N1): This wording of this question caused confusion. Please refer to the section “Question Confusion” found in this document. (N2) This question was not asked on the paper copy of the survey.

Overall, many comments about Land Stewardship and Landscape were received. The most common theme was the

need to be good stewards of the area’s natural resources in order to preserve Clay County’s sense of place, the

health and quality of life of residents, and to enhance the economic viability of the area.

Water and Air Quality Water and/or air quality need to be protected and improved

Lake Chatuge There is concern about the decreasing quality of water in Lake Chatuge

The Lake is important to the County’s scenic beauty and economy

Efforts are needed to improve the Lake’s water quality

Farmland Preservation, Agriculture (Also See Rural Character) Relatively few comments about farmland preservation were made,

however, there is a large amount of support for preserving rural character; both in the chart above and in written comments. The Committee discussed that the County’s rural character, in part, is defined by the farmland found throughout the County.

69%

74%

55%

62%

5%

52%

77%

22%

19%

29%

25%

6%

29%

18%

7%

6%

14%

10%

28%

17%

4%

18% 42%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Preserve Rural Character (192) (N2)

Protect Natural Resources (548)

Additional Soil Erosion Tools (538)

Preserve Trees (546)

Signs and Billboards (537) (N1)

Preserve Farmland (544)

Protect Water Quality (546)

LAND STEWARDSHIP AND LANDSCAPE

VI

I

S

U

VU


Signs and Billboards Less signs and billboards, some would like to see no billboards at all; Some

suggested regulation as a solution Natural Resources Need a healthy environment and the area’s natural resources need

protection

The beautiful natural environment brings new residents and tourists to the area

The area’s natural resources and natural environment is a tool for economic development—particularly in regards to the green economy

Some also expressed the need for additional environmental controls, better enforcement of existing regulations and better environmental planning

Some expressed the need for less environmental controls

It was also noted that the area’s wildlife and the Nantahala National Forest are important natural resources

Rural Character, Scenic Beauty The rural character (scenery, farms/animals, small-town feel, rural lifestyle)

of Clay County needs to be preserved

Efforts to preserve rural character and scenic beauty need to be balanced with the need for economic growth and development


5. Community Space: How important is it to increase, improve, or implement the following services or programs?

Notes: (N3): This question was not asked on the paper copy of the survey.

Overall, the elements of community space most discussed were comments were recreation, community appearance,

and arts/cultural activities, all of which are community assets and they are important to economic development.

Recreation The wide variety of recreation opportunities are a valuable community

asset (County provided recreation services, outdoor recreation

opportunities, Lake Chatuge, etc.)

People would like to see expanded recreation center hours, a pool, a skate

park, a rifle/shooting range, and trails/recreation paths (for biking, hiking,

off-road vehicles, canoe/kayak paths) to the list of recreation amenities

Some would also like to see the current County Recreation Center (space

and activities) expanded

The array of outdoor recreation opportunities available can be used to bring

visitors, new residents, and jobs to the area

Community Appearance Make community physically attractive (landscaping /hardscaping, establish

gateways, and apply building/business appearance standards)

Community appearance should reflect and honor the community’s

uniqueness and heritage

Arts, Cultural Events, Activities The variety of arts, cultural events, and activities found in the County are an

asset

Some offerings, such as the Peacock Playhouse and the John C. Campbell

Folk School are unique. These resources can bring people more to the area

and enhance economic development efforts

The Peacock Playhouse needs financial support from local government

support

15%

27%

37%

41%

28%

26%

44%

37%

35%

37%

34%

33%

37%

31%

21%

18%

31%

33%

5%

5%

5%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Imp. Comm. Bldings and Facilities (192) (N3)

Expand Rec Facilities (542)

Preserve Historic Buildings (546)

Tools to Protect Open Space (543)

Increase Rec Programs (545)

Expand Rec Center Hours (541)

COMMUNITY SPACE

VI

I

S

U

VU


The number and variety of community activities and gatherings, the

presence of artists, and the availability of arts and cultural places/things are

assets that enhance the quality of life in the area and can enhance

economic development efforts

Other The library “is a jewel” that needs more funding for operations and

improvements

The post office is congested and the parking can be dangerous,

Improvements are needed


6. County Government: How important is it to increase, improve, or implement the following services or programs?


Overall, the County Government topic became a catch-all category for topics that, if addressed, would fall under

County programming.

Animal Control Need for some type of animal control measures (mainly for dogs)

Concerns about animal neglect

Concerns about animals (primarily dogs) that are allowed to roam unattended (hunting dogs)

Junk, Nuisances, Abandoned Buildings Concerns about “junk yards”, abandoned vehicles, abandoned/dilapidated

manufactured homes, decaying buildings

Some want regulation

Clean up is recommended

Litter Littering is a problem in the county

Solution may be some type of ordinance or a clean-up program

County Commission, Commission Size Change the commission size from three to five / Change the commission

size to four or two.

County commissioners should have focused leadership and planning (a

vision)

Some are satisfied with the work of the Board of Commissioners, some are

dissatisfied

Some are concerned that the Commissioners are perceived to be promoting

land use, some are pleased that the Commissioners are perceived to be

promoting land use

27%

39%

39%

28%

33%

46%

39%

40%

27%

32%

26%

20%

20%

26%

30%

9% 9%

3%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%100%

Increase Info About County Services (190) (N4)

Improve Efforts to Inform Citizens (547)

Increase Opp. for Pub. Involv. (540)

Increase Size of Commission from 3 to 5 (539)

Imp. Ordinance Enforcement (537)

COUNTY GOVERNMENT

VI

I

S

U

VU


Some would like to see more communication and openness from the

Commissioners and from County Government

Create more opportunities for public involvement (community boards,

solicit community input on issues)

Clay County Government More information from the County Government that is easily accessible (tax

records online, update citizens on emerging issues, better newspaper

coverage, newsletters)

Work for toward a responsive County Government

Smaller County Government

More progressive/forward thinking County Government

Taxing, Debt Some felt that the tax rate is low, and needs to remain so; Some felt that

the tax rate is too high

Some are concerned about rising property taxes

Building the tax base will help the County in the long run

Some are concerned about the County’s level of debt


7. Economic Development: How important is it to increase, improve, or implement the following services or programs?


Overall, Economic Development was the most discussed topic. Comments ranged from concerns about the current

economy to ideas on how to better support small businesses. Additionally, almost all other topics discussed in this

report relate to economic development in some way.

Support Small Business/Entrepreneurship, Support New/Existing Businesses Small businesses (new and existing) and entrepreneurs need unique

support for business growth and development

Strive to find a balance that supports small locally owned business with the

franchise/chain businesses that people would like to have in the community

Recognize that local businesses generate employment

Concern about the loss of small businesses

A strong Chamber of Commerce is critical for small business success.

Current Economy The current economy and the resulting job loss is the top concern named by

community input participants

Clay County’s economy was dependent upon the real estate and

construction sectors; the downturn has hit these sectors, and therefore the

County, extra hard; employers in these sectors need support

47%

62%

43%

36%

48%

39%

46%

61%

33%

30%

33%

27%

37%

31%

32%

28%

15%

7%

17%

20%

11%

20%

15%

8%

4%

4%

8%

4%

4%

9%

6%

4%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Revitalize Dtown H'ville (188) (N5)

Increase Empoly. Opportunities (545)

Attract Retail/Commercial Develop. (538)

Attract Indust. Develop. (538)

Increase Availability of High Pay Jobs (541)

Promote Tourism (541)

Attract Business/Industry (539)

Support Small Business/Entrepreneurship (542)

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

VI

I

S

U

VU


Locally Owned Businesses, Chain Businesses There are many who want to keep chain businesses out of the community

so that locally owned businesses are supported and there are many who

want to see chain businesses

Locally owned businesses add character to the community and feed the

local economy

Chain businesses, particularly discount shopping stores and restaurants,

provide choice and are perceived to be more affordable

Business and Industry Needs more employment opportunities through manufacturing and

industry, although the County’s size and location are limiters

Recruit light, clean industry and small scale manufacturing

This type of business will add to the tax base

Support existing industry

Use incentives to encourage businesses to locate in the County (tax credits,

rental assistance, training)

Real estate and construction will remain as cornerstones of the economy

Approach to Economic Development Economic development and growth need to be balanced with rural

character and natural resources and should be done responsibly

Economic development efforts should result in a diverse economic base

that is not too dependent on any one industry

Promote Tourism Tourism is an economic driver

Promote tourism (things to do, natural beauty, recreation offerings, events,

places, etc.)

Balance tourism promotion and growth with rural character and natural

resources and ensure that the things that bring people here are preserved

(natural beauty, views, lakes, rivers, events)

Need more lodging options

Promote the County as a place to retire

Increase Availability of High Paying Jobs Clay County needs more employment opportunities, the limited

employment opportunities are a major concern

The lack of high paying jobs prevents people from staying in Clay County

Economic development efforts should result in quality jobs that pay well

and are from a variety of employment sectors

Revitalize Downtown Hayesville Revitalizing Downtown Hayesville is important for economic development

and for preserving the rural character and heritage of the area

The businesses in the Downtown Hayesville need support from the local

community and visitors

Some think too much emphasis placed on Downtown Hayesville

Improve the appearance of the area (improved storefronts, flowers, clean-

up, paint)

Restore the Historic Courthouse and use if for community activities,

entertainment and programming

Youth/Young People Retention Concern about the number of youth/young people that leave the

community due to lack of employment opportunity

Develop a strategy that recruits and retains young people (things to do, high

paying jobs, quality schools)


8. Growth and Development: How important is it to increase, improve, or implement the following services or programs?

Notes: (N6): This wording of this question caused confusion. Please refer to the section “Question Confusion” found in this document.

Overall, there are some who don’t want to see growth management tools implemented while there are others who

would like to see a variety of growth management tools used to manage growth and development.

Steep Slope Development, Mountaintops, Ridges People were on both sides of the fence reading steep slope/mountainside

and ridge top development; There were more comments in support of

steep slope management that those who are against management

Concerns about clear cutting/gap tooth cutting, effect on water and

environmental quality, view sheds, safety

Property rights need to be protected

Tools to Manage Growth Those who want no or less tools for growth management want

No new or less ordinances or codes

To stop all zoning

To protect property rights

Keep unrestricted use of property

Those who want more our new tools to manage growth want

Better land use through zoning and/or ordinances

Land use planning, planning board

Development rules and regulation (subdivision, land disturbance,

guidelines)

Coordination between building department, emergency services, and

contractors

Appearance and lighting standards

Grandfathering if new regulations are implemented

Growth Comments about growth fell along a continuum from no more growth to

grow more

46%

56%

10%

48%

54%

38%

28%

10%

34%

32%

13%

11%

19%

14%

11%

15% 46%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Use Tools to Manage Growth (527)

Address Steep Slope Develop. (536)

Allow Junkyards Anywhere in County (525) (N6)

Promote Develop. to Preserve Open Space (535)

Promote Develop to Protects N Resources (537)

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

VI

I

S

U

VU


Grow in a way that protects small town charm, rural character, natural

resources

Grow in a way that is controlled and planned

Make sure there is infrastructure to match growth

Real Estate Development and Public Safety (EMS, Fire) Consider fire and EMS access when building

Private roads to meet state codes


9. Overall Satisfaction: How satisfied are you with the following services, programs, place?

Overall, people are satisfied with life in Clay County and the services provided by the County.

Schools and Education People are generally pleased with the quality of education, although a few

expressed some concern

The quality of the schools can enhance economic development efforts

School facilities need improvement/expansion (new primary school), a few

suggested that there is not a need for a new school

Balance emphasis on sports with arts and creativity

Neighbor Relations Clay County is a friendly place to live, but some perceived tension between

“locals” and “newcomers”; some suggested more community conversations

to ease this tension

Emergency Services (Police, Fire, EMS) Drugs and Crime Control: Concerns about drugs, crime, and speeding.

Fire Department: Would like a fully-staffed/paid fire department and a hydrant system

35%

54%

48%

18%

32%

44%

15%

13%

25%

33%

33%

54%

37%

34%

22%

43%

34%

45%

38%

43%

51%

44%

8%

7%

16%

32%

18%

18%

28%

29%

24%

13%

19%

20%

4%

3%

10%

14%

6%

3%

8%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Overall Quality of Life (190) (N7)

Place to Live (551)

Place to Raise Kids (515)

Place to Work (510)

Sense of Community (525)

Schools (540)

Services Provided by County (542)

Value Received for Tax Dollars (542)

Customer Service from County (539)

Sense of Safety (546)

Emergency Services (545)

OVERALL SATISFACTION WITH PLACE AND SERVICES

VS

S

N

D

VD


Question Confusion

Based on feedback received in the comments section of the survey, the wording

of two questions caused confusion. The two statements were:

a. Continue to allow signs and billboards anywhere in the county

(under Land Stewardship and Landscape), and

b. Continue to allow junkyard, concrete/asphalt plants and similar

business to be located anywhere in the county (under Growth and

Development).

Clay County does not regulate signs and billboards or high-impact businesses

(asphalt, junk yards, etc.). Therefore, these activities are currently allowed

anywhere in the county. During the survey design process, the question was

designed to interpret a VI response to mean that respondent wants no

regulation of these activities. Likewise, a VU response was to mean that these

activities shouldn’t be allowed to happen everywhere in the county, suggesting

some type of regulation might be needed. Many survey respondents made it

known that the statements were confusing and they used the comments section

to clarify their thoughts. People who submitted comments were supportive of

controls to regulate high-impact uses (junk yards, asphalt plants, etc.) and signs

and billboards.


PART TWO: DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION (SR=SURVEY RESPONDENTS)

Ten demographic questions were included on the survey. Below are the results and accompanying notes from those

ten questions.

10. I work in the following counties: Clay, NC; Cherokee, NC; Macon, NC; Towns, GA; Union, GA; Other.

Response: N = 288. 70% of SRs work in Clay County, 30% of which also work

outside of the County. Another 30% do not work in the County. .

Those who work out of the County travel to a variety of locations in and out of

North Carolina. The following chart details to where out-of-county employees

travel.

NOTE: Some people work in more than one county; therefore, the total number of responses (234)

does not equal the number of people who work out of the county (148).

11. Question: Employment Status (Check all that apply): Full-Time, Self-Employed, Unemployed, Part-Time, Work from Home, In School, Retired, Other.

Response: N = 477. The majority of SRs (51%) were retirees. 41% were

employed full or part time. The remaining 8% did not work due to

unemployment or by choice. Only 6% of SRs reported a primary status (full-time

or part time) plus an additional response, such as full-time and in school, or full-

time and work from home.

49% 21% 30%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Where People Work Clay Only

Clay and Other

Not In Clay

75 52 32 21 16 10 9 6 544

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Where People Work--Outside of Clay County

Cherokee County, NC Towns, GA Union, GA

Other GA County Out of State (Not NC or GA) Macon County, NC

Jackson, NC Graham, NC Swain, NC

Other Other NC County


12. Question: Which Best Describes Your Home (Select One): House, Apartment, Condo, Manufactured Home, Group Living, Other

Response: N = 546. The vast majority (89%) of survey respondents described

their home as a house. The second most common type of home was a

manufactured home, at 8.2%. Very few respondents lived in other types of

housing.

13. Question: Other Housing Information: a) I own my home, b) I live on a working farm, c) I live in Clay County Full Time.

Response: Most survey respondents owned the home in which they lived, did

not work on a working farm, and lived in Clay County full time.

The responses for this three-part question are in the table below. Many people

did not answer each question, as can be seen between the difference between

a) and b). The difference in responses may be due the fact that some people

may not have realized that a, b, and c should also be answered. It appears as if

respondents answered a) then moved on. For example, only 54 people stated

that they did not live in Clay County full time. However, in question 15, 110

provided an answer to the question, “In which state do you live when not in Clay

County.”

Yes No a) I own my home (N=538) 95% 5% b) I live on a working farm (N=266) 11% 89% c) I live in Clay County full time (N=392) 86% 14%

14. Question: In which township do you live? Tusquittee, Sweetwater, Brasstown, Town of Hayesville (in town limits), Hayesville (not in town limits), Hiawassee, Shooting Creek, Other

Response: N = 534. Just under half (47%) of the SRs lived in the Hayesville

(outside of the town boundary) or Brasstown townships. The 3% in the other

category listed a specific road, where they live when they are not in Clay County,

or listed a subdivision name.

51% 31% 10% 8%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Primary Employment StatusRetired

Full-Time

Part-Time

Do Not Work

89% 8.2%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Type Of Residence

House (486)

Manufactured Home (45)

Apartment (9)

Other (3)

Condo/Townhome (2)

Group Living (1)


15. Question: In which state do you live when not in Clay County?

Response: N=110. 110 people listed where they lived when they were not in

Clay County. The distribution of where people lived is below. None of the SRs

listed a foreign country, however, on person stated that they lived on a ship

when not in Clay County.

16. Question: Which Best Describes Your Race?: White or Caucasian, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, or Other.

Response: N = 536. The overwhelming number, (99%), of SRs were

white/Caucasian. 1% of SRs, or five people, were American Indian/Alaskan

native, Hispanic/Latino, or other.

17. Question: What is your family’s annual income?

Response: N = 397. 73% of SRs who reported their annual income had an

annual income below $75,000 per year. Incomes for those below $25,000,

those between $25,000 to $49,000 and those between $50,000 to $75,000 were

fairly well distributed, representing between 21 and 24 % of those who reported

their income.

29% 18% 13% 10% 10% 9% 7% 3%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Where Respondents Live

Hayesville (Out of Town) Brasstown

Shooting Creek Tusquittee

Sweetwater Hiawassee

Town of Hayesville Other

51% 26% 12% 3%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

State of Residence When Not In Clay

Florida Georgia North CarolinaSouth Carolina Alabama New YorkOhio California Massachusetts Michigan

21% 28% 24% 13% 10%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Income

Under $25K$25K to $49K$50K to $74K$75K to $99K$100K to $150K1Over $150K


18. Question: How old are you? (Age of person completing survey).

Response: N=501. The median age of SRs is 62. The youngest SR was 20 and

the oldest was 93. According to the NC State demographer, the median age of

the Clay County population in 2008 is 47.

19. Question: Counting you, how many in your household are in the following age groups?

Response: N=471. The 471 people responded to this question. The total of all

people in the 471 households is 720. The chart shows the age groups of the

total number of people in survey respondent households. 50% of all people are

age 55 and above and only 16% are below age 18.

5% 9% 25% 37% 22%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Age of Person Completing Survey20-29

30-39

40-49

50-59

60-69 3% 13% 10% 28% 39%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Ages in HouseholdsUnder 55 to 1718 to 2526 to 3940 to 5455 to 6465 and up

clay county, nc comprehensive plan

Documents

hispanic community

survey respondents

community input session

consumer survey

series of community

survey results

online survey

brasstown community