HAC continues discussion on plans for Western Knolls development

The Oxford Housing Advisory Commission (HAC) met on Oct. 1 to further discuss the development of 47 acres in Western Knolls and the upcoming Issue 8 ballot item. 

The commission discussed the recent draft regarding the request for proposal (RFP) for the 47-acre development in Western Knolls. The RFP says the city’s objective is to expand housing opportunities in Oxford.

A debate emerged regarding whether to include neighborhood business or retail components in the development. 

Planning Representative Shana Rosenberg and Board Member Chris Skoglind agreed that small-scale commercial options, such as a convenience store or coffee shop, could serve the growing population of the area. 

Skoglind described the area as a “food desert,” largely due to the lack of transportation in the area.

“There is no public transportation, at least right now. When I had discussions with the members of the Butler County Transit Authority, they (saw) no immediate plans to start running buses out there,” Skoglind said. “It might be a good idea to have, at a minimum, some type of convenience store there to serve that. A place where you can get milk or bread.”

The commission discussed how much further exploration should be done before moving forward with any decisions. The discussion focused on whether the commission should continue revisiting ideas that have been discussed for years or take steps toward action.

Board Chair Ann Fuehrer noted the need to clarify what it means to “benefit the community” and that sustainability can include the physical environment as well as the economic health of the community.

Council Representative Roxanne Ornelas argued that the city should consider resident opinion before making a decision.

“As we question what the council might do, what the commission may recommend, and so on, we have to have the public involved in this,” Ornelas said. 

Ornelas said residents should have a voice in determining whether business should be included in the development and raised the possibility of future transportation options, including a bus stop near the property. 

Rosenberg urged the commission not to let the search for a perfect proposal delay development. 

“From a planning perspective, this stuff goes on and on and on and on and on for years and years and years and years. I don't think that we should pause what is going on,” Rosenberg said. “The perfect is the enemy of the good.”

Members of the public expressed concern about the level of control the city would have after selling the property. 

“If you sell this land, the city sells the land. You're not going to control the development,” Steve Chaffin, an Oxford resident, said. “So I think that's the next decision you should make (is) do you want the city to sell the land or don't you?”

The commission decided to continue the discussion in November rather than immediately endorsing the draft proposal. Members wanted further clarification and public opinion at the next city council meeting before making a recommendation to the city council.

Fuehrer clarified that the goal was not necessarily to force an immediate vote, but to determine how the commission could provide meaningful input to the Oxford City Council. 

“My goal is to chair the commission and interact with the public in a way that gives the commission more input into decision making by staff and city council,” Fuehrer said. “And doing that on the basis of input we get from the public.”

Issue 8

The commission also discussed whether it should take a position on Issue 8, a proposed amendment to the Oxford City Charter concerning the development in Oxford’s mile square.

Members questioned who should have authority over development decisions and said more communication between city, commissions and residents was needed.

Fuehrer said the city should provide more opportunities for residents to learn about the proposed amendment. Members discussed upcoming educational events, including the League of Women Voters program and an Oct. 19 meeting that would include discussion of the ballot issues. 

The commission remained neutral on the amendment.

The discussion raised broader questions about communication between the city, commissions and the public. Fuehrer said the meeting highlighted unanswered questions and the need for more information about proposed changes. 

“This meeting today has been just as much about raising unanswered questions in problematic situations and the need for more information and how you know commissions communicate with each other,” Fuehrer said. 

New member

In other news, Chris Skoglind was introduced as the newest HAC member to the rest of the commission.

Skoglind is a member of the Police Community Relations and Review Commission and Chair of the Miami University Institute for Learning and Retirement Board

The Oxford HAC will meet again 5:00 p.m. Nov. 5 at the Oxford Courthouse, 118 W. High St.