In the late Summer and Fall, #RespectBI distributed a digital survey probing attitudes about Block Island to a diverse range of stakeholders, from full-time residents to day-trippers. We collected almost 650 responses. The answers are summarized below.

Who responded?

About 33% (209) described themselves as Full-time Residents, approximately 20% of the total year-round population of the island. 23.5% (150) described themselves as Part-time Residents and 27% (172) as Summer Residents.

How are they affiliated with the island?

Almost 46% (293) are Homeowners and 18% (116) described themselves as Business owners. Another 18% (115) identified as Vacation home owners while 15% (94) answered Tourist/visitor. About 15.5% (101) identified as Workers.

How old are they?

The respondents tended to skew to the older end of the spectrum with almost 50% over 55. About 15% (95) fall between 25 and 34.

How long have they been associated with Block Island?

The respondents tended to have long relationships with the island with 46% (301) claiming over 20 years and 30% (196) lifetime connections. Only 3.5% (23) were relative newcomers with less than 5 years.

What are Block Island values?

The next question asked respondents to choose up to five values they would associate with the Island. Almost a full 79% (504) chose Environmentalism.

The top five in descending order are:
Environmentalism, Sustainability, Creativity, Hospitality, Self-reliance

The five least-popular choices were:
Elitism, Egalitarianism, Patriotism, Personal Liberty, Commercialism

What is Block Island like?

When asked to list 3 adjectives they would use to describe the island to a friend the answers were quite aligned. The top ten answers in descending order:

Beautiful
Peaceful
Unique
Natural
Community
Friendly
Special
Quiet
Magical
Small

Are things getting better or worse?

When asked to compare Summer 2020 to previous years there was considerable agreement with almost 95% stating that Visitor behavior was a little worse (17.5%) or much worse (77.5%). Almost 80% asserted that Congestion/traffic was a little worse (25%) or much worse (55%). Only 3 (0.48%) respondents felt quality of life was much better.

Where is the island headed?

When asked to express their hopes for Block Island in the future, 79% (502) wished it would be More peaceful, 77% (487) desired it to be More sustainable, and 73% (461) hoped it would be More eco-conscious, 58% (365) chose More family-friendly, and 55% (343) More diverse. Only 8% (50) thought More commerce friendly, and 5% (30) wished it would be More luxurious.

What makes Block Island great?

The last two questions were open-ended and provoked a wide variety of responses. When asked to list the island’s three greatest assets, the top ten suggestions were:

Community
Beaches
Beauty
Natural/Nature
Land
Open
People
Space
Conservation
Ocean

Some specific responses included: “Creative Spirit,”

“Diversity of local business (no chains or major conglomerates. Lots of local owners),”

“Hidden gem away from the mainland.”

“The many artists and other entrepreneurs inspired by and respectful of the BI experience.”

“Casual and down to earth community.”

“Diversity in the summer with regards to workers.”

“Charm of Victorian architectural building scale.”

“Lack of pretentiousness.”

“Open access to coastline-no permit only places, no paid parking etc.”

“So close and yet so different from how life is lived on the mainland.”

“Natural beauty.”

“Friends.”

“Open space/peacefulness.”

“48% of land in preservation.”

“Residents.”

What are Block Islands biggest challenges?

When asked to list the three greatest challenges facing the island going forward, the top responses included:

Mopeds
Tourism
Traffic
Visitors
Housing
Behavior
Congestion
Drinking
Overcrowding
Disrespect

Some specific answers:

“Traffic congestion and safety with respect to those that enjoy the walking and biking.”

“INFRASTRUCTURE COSTS OF LIVING ALWAYS GOING UP THUS NEVER TO GO DOWN. NOT SUSTAINABLE. WAKE UP!!!”

“Avoiding an image (and the reality) of being a “party-place.”

“Restoring focus to the island’s wealth of outdoor activities and a focus on family visitors.”

“A sense of lawlessness.”

“Weed out the obnoxious visitors without creating an elite image.”

“The Vegas/New Orleans mind set of visitors.”

“Ballards & everything that comes with that.”

“Bringing commerce and business to the island while curbing the destructive tourism.”

“The belief that policing can solve everything (anything...)”

“Rebranding and trying to keep BI’s low key family vibe, maintain and preserve what so many people love about the island.”

“Drunks.”

“Freaking mopeds!”

“Creating a fun and unique place that families enjoy to visit for generations to come.”

“Maintaining a sustainable environment for families who are not in the high income bracket.”

“Underage drinking/drugs (tourists and year round residents).”

“‘That’s just how it is’- things need to change and people need to adapt.”

“Visitors disrespecting and disregarding common courtesies.”

“Diversity of opinion in government.”

“Treating some business owners as if they are above the law.”

“Preserving the wildlife.”

“Housing.”

“Rising property prices.”

“Island reduced to a commodity.”

“Law enforcement.”

“Changing attitudes regarding exclusive ownership of property.”

“Controlling behaviors of tourists.”

“‘Block island has no rules’ mentality from tourists.”

“Reckless drunkenness/driving drunk.”

“Community engagement in town politics.”

“Policing needs to be more effective.”

“Not MORE but more effective regulation on things like drinking and driving, open container, belligerence. We don’t need to become a police state but something needs to be done to enforce laws.”

“Lack of respect.”