Study shows Wilmington residents want better maintained streets

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington residents would like to see improvements in the quality of streets and sidewalks. That’s according to a citizen satisfaction survey by ETC Institute, Inc.

The survey was first conducted in 2007 and has been administered every third year since. A city spokeswoman says it costs about $21,000.

This year the results showed 72% of people say the city should spend more on street and sidewalk maintenance. In 2012, that number was at 53%.

Along with better roads, people would also like to see the management of traffic flow improve and availability of public transportation.

The city says these concerns are addressed in the 5 Year Improvement Plan and the Transportation Bond voters approved in November 2014.

The results showed gains in nine areas. Those include biking trails in the city(+8%), solid waste services(+6%), value received for city fees and taxes (+6%), and effectiveness of city communications (+5%).

The areas with decreases include city efforts to prevent crime (-13%) and variety of recreation programs and classes (-6%).

Residents were surveyed between February and March.