BELLEFONTE — The Bellefonte Borough Advisory Board conducted a study to determine community interest in sustainability.

A few years ago, the borough adopted a 30-year Climate Action Plan to limit harmful effects of climate change and prepare the community for future extreme weather events.

The plan, available on the borough’s website, outlines everything from Bellefonte’s greenhouse gas emissions to the action plan created to combat waste and improve sustainability in Bellefonte.

During council’s work session, borough member Deborah Cleeton presented some of the findings of the Environmental Advisory Board’s Sustainability survey.

First, Cleeton thanked those who contributed to the survey and praised community members who gave responses regardless of what the information was.

“All of the information we gathered will be helpful in making decisions,” said Cleeton. “The purpose of the Climate Sustainability Survey was to assess community interest in sustainability. The data collected will be used for planning educational workshops based on the areas of interest indicated.”

“The intent is that the workshops will be coordinated with organizations that volunteer their time and effort. There were different topics. The one that got the most response is a general overview of the Climate Action Plan,” continued Cleeton.

The survey had a series of statements in which responders could indicate their beliefs on a scale from “Strongly Disagree” to “Strongly Agree.”

The statements were centered around sustainability and the climate, and separated by whether or not you were a business owner and resident. A few of these questions include:

— I would appreciate it if our local businesses and organizations would work to reduce their carbon footprints. (Majority strongly agreed.)

— I want to do more to recycle, but I don’t know what can and cannot be recycled. (The majority disagreed.)

— We would benefit from the creation of a year-round indoor farmer’s market. (The majority agreed.)

— My business or organization would benefit from a program for curbside collection of food waste. (The majority strongly disagreed.)

The survey also had a series of statements about sustainability inside the home. Responders could answer either, “we already do this,” “we would consider doing this,” “this idea is not practical for us to do” or “not applicable.” Some of these questions included:

— Using/providing reusable market and produce bags. (The majority already do this.)

— Using water collected by a dehumidifier in the washing machine. (The majority found the idea was not practical.)

— Using biodegradable trash bags. (An overwhelming majority would consider doing it.)

— Using an electric lawn mower or a manual push mower to mow the grass. (An overwhelming majority found the idea was not practical.)

“I thought it was pretty interesting that overall the majority of people are already doing a number of these items or are considering doing it,” said Cleeton.

The survey also included options for written comments.

Each written comment was left anonymous on the report, simply compiled underneath each question stated. The public had a lot to say about the plan, both positive and negative, and each answer was compiled as is.

For example, in response to “please provide any comments on the importance of addressing climate change for Bellefonte” one anonymous response was: “To ignore solutions to Climate Change is to hurt Bellefonte’s future.”

Another was: “Bellefonte has larger problems than climate change, like creating more affordable housing.”

“I’m confused about all of this, but believe that if certain things are not addressed then bigger problems will arise. I’m wondering, however, how cost-effective are these changes and how will they affect low-income individuals,” was an inquiry given as an answer to this question.

Some of the other answers were more negative, some specifically denying the importance of climate change and others angry that the local government was trying to have a hand in it at all.

The collection of all the data is available for the public to read on the Bellefonte Borough’s “Latest News” tab, posted June 21, with a link to the results — including comments made by members of the public.

In other news:

— The borough’s consultant is working with PennDOT to secure grant funding for a planned traffic signal at Parkview and Zion Roads. They are currently in need of testimonial statements that reflect the safety issues at the intersection since crash history is low. Residents can email the borough with testimonial statements at boro@bellefontepa.gov.

— CATA announced the proposed removal of XB Route and will host a Public Hearing on Wednesday, June 28, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the Bellefonte Borough Building, Council Chambers, located at 236 W. Lamb St., Bellefonte.