2019 Community Survey Results

The results are in…

We are pleased to report a robust response to our 2019 Community Survey, which closed on October 31. The survey was visited by 192 community members, with 152 completed surveys (79% completion rate). This represents a 30% overall response rate relative to the total number of households in Overbrook Farms—a statistically significant portion of the community.

>>> Here is the full final report generated by SurveyGizmo.

This survey is envisioned as an annual temp check to understand the evolving priorities of the community and how the Overbrook Farms Club (OFC) might support these priorities. Overall, interest in public safety and preservation rose to the top of interest. Specifically, more cameras and surveillance and provisions to reduce speeding were top priorities for public safety. Respondents also prioritized better street tree maintenance and landscaping/preservation resources under neighborhood beautification. Under events, large seasonal and educational events rose to the top. And under local amenities, more retail selection on 63rd Street and better maintenance of Morris Park were priorities.

This year, in the context of the proposed Historic Designation by the Philadelphia Historical Commission (PHC), there was a special focus on historic designation. The OFC worked to provide robust public information, starting with a notice letter and FAQ sent in July to all Overbrook Farms households in the designation inventory in advance of the PHC’s official notice letter. We then held two public information sessions (August 19 and September 16), followed by the launch of our Community Survey on October 4. Electronic and postcard notices and reminders were sent to all Overbrook Farms households to promote participation.

Concerning Historic Designation, 49% of respondents support designation, 24% are neutral/undecided, and 27% oppose designation. More details from other questions pertaining to historic designation are summarized below.

Thank you to all who participated in the survey!

— The Overbrook Farms Club

Survey Summary

>>> There is a remarkable and even spread of home owner tenure in the community, spanning 1 to 56 years represented in the response.

>>> The historic and generous size of our housing stock and "suburb in the city" quality of the neighborhood is what drew most people here.

>>> Overall Community Priorities array as follows, based on preponderance of "priority 10" ratings:

(1) Improving public safety (55%)

(2) Preserving our historic homes and buildings (35%)

(3) Investing in neighborhood beautification (31%)

(4) Improving our parks and local amenities (29%)

(5) Organizing social and educational events (12%)

>>> Within Public Safety, priorities array:

(1a) More cameras and surveillance (37%)

(1b) More signage and speed cushions to address speeding (37%) [tied]

(2) Better street lighting (35%)

(3) More on-street parking limitations (15%)

>>> Within Neighborhood Beautification, priorities array:

(1) Street tree maintenance and additions (28%)

(2) Resources for homeowners to maintain landscaping (26%)

(3) Welcome signage at entry points (20%)

(4) Planters on 63rd Street and at the train station (18%)

>>> Within Events & Activities, priorities array:

(1) Large seasonal social events (18%)

(2) Educational events (all ages) (17%)

(3) Events for children and families (15%)

(4) Small/informal social events (9%)

>>> Within Local Amenities, priorities array:

(1) More retails shops on 63rd Street (26%)

(2) Better maintenance of Morris Park (24%)

(3) Coffee shop at train station (21%)

(4) Community supply/resource drives for community schools (17%)

Historic Designation

>>> Most respondents (77%) did not attend the live info sessions. Of those who did, 54% said they were very informative, 37% said they were moderately informative.

>>> Most respondents (75%) did review the website resources. Of those who did, 57% said they were very informative, and 41% said they were moderately informative.

>>> The benefits of designation centered around preserving the historic character of our neighborhood increased property value.

>>> The drawbacks of designation focus on costs of home repair and added administrative process, as well as lack of faith in government oversight.

>>> Considering the proposed legislation to benefits historic home owners, 52% said the legislation would enhance their support of designation, 44% said it would not change their stance on designation.

>>> Finally, 49% of respondents support designation, 24% are neutral/undecided, and 27% oppose designation.