Survey

Each year the Becker Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Becker Expo. This event gives the community a chance to get together and showcase businesses and organizations that serve our community. This event is usually attended by a great number of people and has been a success from the start.

The City of Becker has participated in this event annually. Periodically we have done surveys to better understand the views of residents of the community. In the past we have asked about what businesses the community would like to have and be used by the residents. In part this has helped the city establish the clinic, the grocery store, and a fast food establishment. Other entries such as a bowling alley have been listed and will hopefully get accomplished in the coming year.

This year we will again have a city survey. Here too we are no different in asking this question of what businesses are wanted and needed within our community. But we also are interested in knowing some additional information about residents to assist us with Economic Development pursuits. Things like how far do you travel to work, gives us an idea of the work force available within the community. Knowing this may assist us in locating new companies who will create job opportunities within our community.

One area of concern has been that of a Railroad Quiet Zone. What this is is the ability to create a corridor where the train doesn’t have to blow its whistles. Creating a zone requires a formal study of the circumstances concerning individual crossings and analyzing the safety at each. Generally if a quiet zone is to be established certain requirements need to be met. These include cross arms and sometimes median islands or 4 cross arm gates rather than the general practice of 2. The use of whistles greatly improves safety at crossings but some people and businesses feel them a nuisance. Having a better feel from the public about the issue of railroad whistle noise will help us gauge how to think about this issue.

Responses to our survey will be posted on the web site in the near future so when the curiosity of knowing how it comes out strikes you, check it out. Thank you for your participation as our intention is to create a better Becker.