2008 Woodie Awards
Residents, retail could replace old Wal-Mart
Braden Lammers
Issue date: 4/17/07 Section: Community
The use of the site as residential space was the source of some conflict for the planning commission, according to Brewer.
Brewer said the approval of the development was not unanimous. The planning commission vote was five for and two against. Both Bill Brewer and Alysia Fischer, a council representative, voted against approval of the development, according to Brewer.
"Some of the people felt that (the development) should remain general business," Brewer said.
He said the development would take up some of the last prime real estate in Oxford's general business area, so some people feel that it should be entirely commercial instead of partially residential.
"There is no more room (for business in Oxford) to grow," Brewer said.
Brewer suggested that Trammell Crow's plan to include student housing was a monetary decision.
"Developers make their money off students," Brewer said.
Trammell Crow's final proposal still has to get approval from Oxford City Council, and should come before council in the coming months, according to Brewer.
Engel said she anticipated that the plan would be seen through to completion.
"I think the whole (development plan) will be successful," Engel said.
While the proposed development is not ideal for all members of the planning commission,
the business will be very important to Oxford, Engel said. She said the evelopment
is important because it offers housing, commerce and revenue for the city.
Brewer said the approval of the development was not unanimous. The planning commission vote was five for and two against. Both Bill Brewer and Alysia Fischer, a council representative, voted against approval of the development, according to Brewer.
"Some of the people felt that (the development) should remain general business," Brewer said.
He said the development would take up some of the last prime real estate in Oxford's general business area, so some people feel that it should be entirely commercial instead of partially residential.
"There is no more room (for business in Oxford) to grow," Brewer said.
Brewer suggested that Trammell Crow's plan to include student housing was a monetary decision.
"Developers make their money off students," Brewer said.
Trammell Crow's final proposal still has to get approval from Oxford City Council, and should come before council in the coming months, according to Brewer.
Engel said she anticipated that the plan would be seen through to completion.
"I think the whole (development plan) will be successful," Engel said.
While the proposed development is not ideal for all members of the planning commission,
the business will be very important to Oxford, Engel said. She said the evelopment
is important because it offers housing, commerce and revenue for the city.
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