Spring Break
Council interviews for assistance with city plan
Erin Bowen
Issue date: 4/6/07 Section: Community
Vice Mayor Prue Dana said portions of the current comprehensive plan, last updated in 1998, have become outdated.
"A lot remains the same," Dana said. "But there are new things to review."
Economic development, transportation and housing will be key items in the discussion of the updated comprehensive plan, Dale said.
Dana also pointed out that population density objectives, specifically the concentration of developments in the Mile Square, may have changed since 1998. While in 1998, the goal was to reduce density in uptown Oxford, Dana suggested this goal may have changed over the years.
"Density near the university is where it ought to be," she said.
Dana also said that areas like Stewart Square and the old Wal-Mart site will be part of future discussions in the creation of new developments that would be geared toward student interests.
"We need to look at these sites as good places for students," Dana said.
As the comprehensive plan continues to progress, Dale stressed the importance of community participation and suggestion.
"We really want to see public involvement," Dale said. "It's important that whoever we hire (to create the plan) actively involves the public."
Oxford resident Becky Hambach hopes community suggestions will be taken into account.
"I've heard talk about possibly putting in a bike path," Hambach said. "I think that's a wonderful idea."
Steven Elliott, Miami University associate professor of economics and an Oxford resident, also supports the comprehensive plan update.
"As a resident, I think it is important to have a broader vision of where we see the town going and what we want the future to look like," Elliott said. "As an economist, planning is always good. It ensures that we aren't making a decision today that won't be effective in the future."
Brady expressed his concern over student apathy and the lack of student involvement in community affairs, despite the effects of the comprehensive plan on Miami University.
"A lot remains the same," Dana said. "But there are new things to review."
Economic development, transportation and housing will be key items in the discussion of the updated comprehensive plan, Dale said.
Dana also pointed out that population density objectives, specifically the concentration of developments in the Mile Square, may have changed since 1998. While in 1998, the goal was to reduce density in uptown Oxford, Dana suggested this goal may have changed over the years.
"Density near the university is where it ought to be," she said.
Dana also said that areas like Stewart Square and the old Wal-Mart site will be part of future discussions in the creation of new developments that would be geared toward student interests.
"We need to look at these sites as good places for students," Dana said.
As the comprehensive plan continues to progress, Dale stressed the importance of community participation and suggestion.
"We really want to see public involvement," Dale said. "It's important that whoever we hire (to create the plan) actively involves the public."
Oxford resident Becky Hambach hopes community suggestions will be taken into account.
"I've heard talk about possibly putting in a bike path," Hambach said. "I think that's a wonderful idea."
Steven Elliott, Miami University associate professor of economics and an Oxford resident, also supports the comprehensive plan update.
"As a resident, I think it is important to have a broader vision of where we see the town going and what we want the future to look like," Elliott said. "As an economist, planning is always good. It ensures that we aren't making a decision today that won't be effective in the future."
Brady expressed his concern over student apathy and the lack of student involvement in community affairs, despite the effects of the comprehensive plan on Miami University.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Bob Karrow
posted 4/06/07 @ 5:18 PM EST
Perhaps the greater Oxford community should look into developing the type of planning blog that University of Maryland students in College Park have developed. (Continued…)
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