Copake 2025 Smart Growth Comprehensive Plan Survey
- Jeff Lazarus
- Sep 20
- 2 min read
Hi everyone,
The Comprehensive Plan Review Committee, tasked with reviewing Copake’s 2011 Plan and recommending updates, circulated a survey throughout the Town.
As the summer drew to a close, we had to acknowledge that the survey had not gotten enough responses. In 2011 we received 400 responses- this year only 250 Copake residents have responded. In a town of 3,346 residents, we have to hear from at least 400 to make the survey meaningful. In order to meet that goal we are extending the deadline to reply to October 17, 2025.
A lot has changed in Copake since 2011. The population has decreased, for the first time since the early 1950s. Before that the last time our population decreased was in 1920- presumably a result of the 2018 Flu Pandemic and World War I. What is causing the current decrease? We need to find out. Your survey responses will help us understand changes. Another significant fact: the median age in Copake is almost 60. An aging population may have needs which we should plan for. But the other side of that: why aren’t more young people moving to or staying in Copake? And if most of our population is senior citizens, where do businesses find employees? And who volunteers for the Copake Fire Company?
The bottom line is that in order to make a plan for the future - to try to understand both the challenges and the goals of Copake, we need to hear from you.
Please, take the survey. It will take 20-30 minutes but it will matter for many years to come.
Paper copies of the Survey are in the Clerk’s Office. You may take the survey online by going to:
Thanks,
Richard
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Richard T. Wolf
Supervisor
Town of Copake
Copake Town Hall
Tel. 518-329-1234 Ext 1
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