BENNINGTON, Vt. (AP) – Many business owners feel town youth are affecting the area’s economy, but the impact on individual businesses is minimal, a new survey has found.

The Bennington Area Chamber of Commerce sent out an e-mail survey to 280 of its members asking various questions about loitering, noise, and youth activities – or the lack thereof – in the community.

Of the 62 survey respondents, 40 felt that youth problems in the community were having a negative impact on the town’s overall economy. Forty-six of the 62 respondents said the issue of youths did not affect their own business.

“I think the survey shows that whether the youth problem is real or perceived, the community wants to work for a solution,” said Patti Prosowski, chamber executive director, during a phone interview Friday.

Young people who use the downtown as a social gathering spot have raised concern from residents and town officials alike especially this summer. The select board passed disorderly conduct and noise ordinances after several residents complained about large groups of youth milling about the downtown.

About half of the survey’s responders listed problems they have encountered with the youth.

Lighting certain parks for after-dark sports, re-establishing a YMCA youth center in town, and supporting a program to raise the level of civic pride starting with elementary and middle schoolers were all seen by an overwhelming majority of responders as important steps to take in socializing the youth.

“We received a lot of positive comments that showed people want to help bring youth programs to the area,” Prosowski said.

AP-ES-08-31-03 2036EDT

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