With the support of SUNY College at Brockport and the Assistance of Ed Lehman (retired SUNY) the West Side Economic Development Council (WEST) conducted a telephone survey of a sample of residents in the 395 and 637 telephone exchanges. The purpose of the survey was to gain information on the concerns and projected impact the planned extension of Route 531 would have on the residents of the Brockport community. Results of the sample survey indicated the following:

Currently respondents use 531 in the following manner - 54 percent, going to work; 76 percent, shopping; 82 percent, recreation and entertainment; and 56 percent, medical and dental needs.

On a scale of zero to five, with five being the most benefit and zero being no benefit, respondents believed the planned extension would rank the following categories as follows: economic benefit - 4; benefit jobs - 4; be a benefit to SUNY Brockport - 4; make it easier for emergency vehicles to reach their destination - 5; and will benefit the residents of Orleans County - 5.

Questioned on the impact Route 531 would have on the Brockport/Clarkson area, 78 percent felt there would not be a negative impact on the area. For the 22 percent that felt Route 531 would have a negative impact, the reasons mentioned most were: increase of traffic and crime because of population growth; tax increases; impact on the environment; loss of village retail; impact on Northampton Park; demand on local roads; and loss of rural atmosphere.

Extending Route 531 was believed to be a good idea by 83 percent of the respondents, while only 8 percent thought it was a bad idea. The remaining 9 percent had no opinion. The median birth date of respondents was 1951 and the median length of time living in the area was 21 years. Sixty-eight percent of respondents were employed in various fields with the balance being students, homemakers or retirees.

Recently WEST has added members from the Orleans County Chamber of Commerce, Eastern Orleans Chamber and the Niagara County Industrial Development Council to its membership. Since the extension of Route 531 has an impact on the economic development west of Brockport, the board felt a combined effort would be very effective as the process moves forward.