Plans to Fix Up Parking Lot Move Forward

In a move that aims at improving the city’s infrastructure, plans for improvements to the parking lot at the rear of City Grocery were approved on Monday by the Oxford Historic Preservation Commission.

A Revamp In the Works

The parking lot, nestled behind the increasingly popular City Grocery, will undergo significant changes. These improvements include demolishing the existing asphalt, installing StormTech chambers, and reconstructing all curbs and gutters in the vicinity. Furthermore, as an enhancement to the outward appearance and efficiency, a new dumpster enclosure and landscaping and parking islands will be built – all in compliance with the city’s Land Development Code.

StormTech Chambers to Resolve Water Issues

Thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, a StormTech detention system will be installed underneath the existing parking lot. StormTech chambers, designed to be utilized under parking lots, roadways, and heavy earth loads, are known for mitigating water-related issues. This step aligns with the city’s goal to manage and efficiently use rainwater.

New Dumpster Enclosure

The proposed dumpster enclosure, to be constructed of brick with metal doors, will match other enclosures built by the city in recent times. “It will look very much like what we have near the parking garage,” said Project Manager Mark Levy.

Replacement of Rear Decks of Adjacent Businesses

Plans also suggest removing the existing rear decks from the businesses with their rears facing the parking lot and replacing them with steel structures. However, these plans have yet to be finalized with the property owners. If approved, decks facing the parking lot on Van Buren Street will effectively be removed and updated with more durable materials.

Marginal Loss of Parking Spaces

With the parking lot revamp, the city anticipates a loss of six to nine parking spaces, a small price to pay for the overarching improvements, as Levy pointed out, “This is going to function a lot better.” He expressed his belief that the trade-off between a few parking spaces and overall functionality would bring long-term benefits for all users.

Unanimous Approval

By showing unanimous support for the parking lot upgrades, the Oxford Historic Preservation Commission demonstrated their commitment to improving the city infrastructure whilst retaining its historical essence.