Renew Dorchester Releases Early Survey Findings

Recently, the Dorchester Times reported on a new group in town called Renew Dorchester.   

Last week, we received a new announcement from the group.  It is published below in its entirety:

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Renew Dorchester – a new non-profit – has released early findings from a survey being conducted of its new members.  As a member-driven 501(c)(3) organization, Renew Dorchester’s mission is to enhance the community’s quality of life, while expanding Dorchester’s opportunities.  

Nearly 40 individuals have already joined Renew Dorchester during its first 30 days.  To help the organization identify both long-term and immediate projects, the group is surveying members to shed more light on their key concerns and priorities.  

The following is a summary of early survey responses:

When asked about Dorchester’s current strengths, common responses included:

- There are several young families in and around town who are enthusiastic about Dorchester’s future and are getting involved.

- Dorchester has a growing school enrollment.

- Current businesses are successful, and several organizations (church, volunteer groups, county museum) are currently working hard to improve the community.

- Dorchester is a “friendly community” that is close to larger cities and employers.

When asked about the town’s opportunities, responses included:

- Location affords Dorchester the opportunity to grow its population and business base.

- Dorchester’s strong school allows for even more enrollment growth and more future residents.

- Dorchester’s tightly knit community affords the opportunity for more town events (such as street dances and festivals).

- Dorchester’s lower cost of living and new housing development efforts will attract new residents.

When asked about Dorchester’s weaknesses, responses included:

- More residents need to get involved in organizations and volunteer efforts.

- The appearance and conditions of some homes and commercial properties, including a few on main street, can leave negative impressions.

- Lack of available housing.

- Too few paved streets.

- The attitude of “it has always been this way.”

Renew Dorchester members were then asked for project ideas (or priorities) in five key areas.  The following were common responses in each category:

- “Community Improvement” – Pave more of Dorchester’s streets; develop a plan to pave one street per year; recruit new housing; clean up abandoned properties; offer more kid/family activities.

- “Business Cultivation” – Construct a “spec” commercial building to recruit outside businesses or start-up businesses; find new ways to boost support of existing businesses; encourage construction of new homes; recruit a grocery or convenience store to town; remove/renovate old commercial buildings.

- “Community Involvement” – Offer more community BBQs, street dances and other activities to bring residents together; provide residents an opportunity to help improve main street; provide more activities for younger couples and families; recruit DHS graduates back to Dorchester.

- “Main Street Improvement” – Construct a new community center; create incentives to recruit new businesses and fill vacant buildings; create incentives to improve appearance of Main Street; promote new programs to grow patronage of existing businesses.

-  “Housing” – Find ways to bring new apartment complex/duplexes/multi-family housing to town; remove neglected properties to make room for new homes; enforce housing/property codes more strictly. 

Renew Dorchester’s board is comprised of: Deanna Bird, Brett Boller, Shelly Bruha, Tiernan Creamer, Julie Holly, Jamie Karl, Chris Kirkpatrick, Marvin Kohout, Kyle Lehr, Amanda Nohavec, Cory Schlueter, Daryl Schrunk, and Diane Velder.  Membership to Renew Dorchester is open to all; applications are available in the Dorchester Post Office lobby or by e-mailing RenewDorchester@gmail.com.  

Donations to the organization, including membership dues, are fully tax deductible.  Any and all donations can be sent to RENEW DORCHESTER, P.O. Box 64, Dorchester, NE 68343.