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New Rochelle, New York, May 10, 2000 - Iona College's Survey of Westchester County residents, through its Center for Social Research, indicates a strong county-wide concern for a variety of social issues, including over-development, taxes, education, housing and crime.

County residents, by 61 percent, showed increasing concern for social issues, particularly those of over-development, the environment and education. This is 10 percent higher than the 51 percent identified by the Iona College Survey conducted at the same time last year.

In open-ended questions asking what people felt was the single most important issue facing Westchester County, respondents identified the following social-oriented issues:

• 16 percent with over-development/overcrowding;
• 15 percent with the environment;
• 12.5 percent with education;
• 9 percent with the cost and availability of housing; and
• 8.5 percent with crime.

Other categories this year included the cost of living at 2.9 percent and the economy at 2.7 percent.

Overall, concerns for over-development appear to be a key issue. Interestingly, when tying the related over-development and environment categories together, 31 percent of respondents are most concerned with these issues, probably fueled by the perception of increased construction, the reduction of open spaces and traffic congestion, largely resulting from the booming economy.

However, the single largest concern - 24 percent - was over the tax burden placed on County residents. This figure, however, is a decrease from the 29 percent of residents who viewed taxation as the most important issue at this time last year. According to Professor Brian Nickerson of Iona's History and Political Science Department, "This may be due, in part, to the robust economy and the resulting optimism that people have over their own financial health. Additionally, the state STAR Program did provide tax rebates to property owners last year."

The Survey results were completed in early April 2000 and have a margin of error of + /- 4 percent. Additional breakdowns according to party affiliation, gender, age and race can be provided by calling Brian Nickerson at (914) 633-2697.

Providing interdisciplinary research opportunities for faculty and students, the Iona College Center for Social Research was established to create dialogue about timely issues facing Westchester County, New York State and the nation. Surveys involved four disciplines - Mathematics, Political Science, Sociology and Social Work - and is staffed by six faculty members and more than 30 students who gain practical experience in an active learning environment.

For questions or more information please contact:
Meghan Finn
Public Relations Office
Iona College, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, N.Y. 10801
tel: 914 633-2005 fax: 914 637-2711

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