Oxford keeps building, building, building

By Jennifer Farish
Daily Journal Oxford Bureau

OXFORD - One year after city planning officials predicted a slowing of the construction market, building costs are proving otherwise.


Former Oxford Planner Colbert Jones reported to the Oxford Planning Commission this month that building costs are at a record $62 million this year, an increase of more than 60 percent over 2004's total.


The numbers may be positive, but the continuing growth has city leaders concerned about what the city will look like if growth is not carefully dictated.


"We want to work with the community to consider the site first, instead of planning the development first and then looking for a site to stick it on," Jones said in an earlier interview.





From $38M to $60M


In 2004, building costs In Oxford totaled about $38 million, a dramatic decrease from the $60 million reached in 2003.


Planners attributed the higher numbers in 2003 to a large number of commercial developments including the new Wal-Mart SuperCenter and to several large apartment complexes constructed that year.


The lower numbers in 2004 suggested the construction market had slowed, but it has become obvious through this year that the area is continuing to attract new residents and new businesses.





Curbing urban sprawl


Before retiring as city planner this month, Jones said preventing urban sprawl is the major task facing Oxford as the city continues to grow.


Planning Commissioner Debby Chessin agreed, saying prevention of sprawl is the major focus of a proposed agreement between the city and Lafayette County on requirements for county developments hooked to city water and sewer systems.


"Because the county is working toward a comprehensive plan, we decided not to focus on the smaller details but to draft a plan that would allow us to accept proposals based on meeting city specifications for water and sewer," Chessin said.


The proposal also sets density guidelines for the county developments requiring a certain percentage of green space according to the size of lots in the development.


"We want to eliminate the possibility of sprawl, so that Oxford is an attractive and well-thought out community," she said.





Growth-related measures


The proposal, if approved by city aldermen in December, would join a growing list of growth-related measures the city has adopted over the past few years.


The planning guidelines in the city and county are about more than just the way the area looks, Chessin said.


"We want to offer people to buy homes (of) quality construction that won't require long-term repairs, and the same goes for things like roads, which have to be repaired more often if they are not built to certain expectations," she said.


Therefore, she said, it is important to require developers to meet certain codes and to ensure that there is adequate infrastructure.


"Oxford is an undiscovered jewel, and it's becoming discovered," Chessin said. "People want to move here because of the quality of life and the small-town atmosphere, so as the growth increases, it is important that it is done in a careful and planned way that is attractive and safe for the people who live here."


Current projects


A wide variety of commercial and residential building is under way in Oxford. Here are a few of the projects residents are anticipating.


- Powerhouse Community Arts Center - Started this fall, the six-month project will renovate the former Oxford Electric Department warehouse into a modern theater, complete with arts council offices, exhibition areas and a transitional theater.


- Oxford Commons - The first phase of the project would include a commercial area to resemble the Oxford Square and to include a movie theater, restaurants and retail shops, as well as office areas and a hotel resembling the Lafayette County Courthouse. Also included in the first phase are the new upper elementary school for Oxford city schools, townhouses and single-family homes. Future phases could include a 48-acre lake and other residential areas.


- New condominums - This year, city planners have approved more than 80 new condominiums at various locations. Among the sites: the location of Forrester's Bar, which was leveled for condo construction.


- Oxford Skate Park - The city and private donors are building a skate park across from the public library on Bramlett Boulevard. Plans for the 10,000-square-foot concrete park include a playground, pavilion, restrooms, lighting and a parking lot that will also be available for library patrons.