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And the survey says ...
Ask 10 people to define "sense of community" and you're likely to get 10 different responses.
For some, it centers around safe neighborhoods, strong schools and a vibrant youth sports scene. For others, it involves managing traffic and dealing with the tangible impacts of growth and development. Some might mention church groups, social networks and central gathering spots downtown.
With that in mind, we were eager to see the results of a recent McLean Citizens Foundation survey on community priorities and concerns.
Not surprisingly, more than 60 percent of 284 respondents feel McLean lacks a strong sense of community identity or character.
Other responses to the open-ended, 14-question survey included:
- Focus on downtown revitalization, complete with safe sidewalks, bike paths and public square
- Improve and diversify commercial amenities -- restaurants, shops and a cinema
- Investigate traffic-calming measures to make area more pedestrian-friendly
- Add more parks, trails and green space
- Incorporate McLean
- Install a footbridge over Route 123 to McLean Central Park
None of these suggestions is particularly new. Revitalizing central McLean has been on the table for 20-plus years and discussions of incorporating the area go back even further. The footbridge over 123 has also been kicked around for the better part of a decade.
That said, the McLean Citizens Foundation deserves credit for putting the topic front and center once again. They appear to have identified projects they can safely take on and help raise money for.
Our hope is that MCF coordinates its efforts with other groups expressing similar visions for McLean's future. In addition to alleviating any duplication of effort, it would give all parties a bigger bat to swing in future discussions with county and transportation officials.
Onward and upward.
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