Legacy Business District Changes Proposed in Oxford

Introduction

In a significant development for the Legacy Traditional Neighborhood Business district in Oxford, the Oxford Planning Department has recommended changes aimed at infusing dynamism into the local economy. While embracing tradition and preserving the characteristic milieu of the area, the proposed changes seek to capitalize on emerging opportunities within the framework of existing regulations. Prominently, these modifications may allow restaurants that serve alcohol and liquor stores under a special exception.

Backstory

A few years ago, Oxford undertook an extensive rezoning exercise across the city. As part of this initiative, it approved creating an overlay district termed “Legacy Traditional Neighborhood Business” for certain properties around the north side of what now come under Pat Patterson Parkway and Anderson Road. The original zoning was called “Traditional Neighbor Business.”

Proposed Modifications to The Legacy Zoning

During a recent meeting, City Planner Ben Requet introduced proposed changes to the Land Development Code. Specifically, these modifications could grant restaurants that serve alcoholic beverages and liquor stores the opportunity to operate under a special exception. This exception would, however, necessitate an appearance before the commission for approval.

“We explored the possibility of modifying the overlay district after receiving concerns from the neighbors about specific uses,” Requet stated. He further added that the limited uses under the Legacy TNB district included drive-thru restaurants, liquor stores, and restaurants that serve alcohol, amongst a few others.

Approval and Implications

The Planning Commission, after due deliberation and assessment, voted to put forward the modification approval recommendation to the Oxford Board of Aldermen. The Board is expected to review and decide on the proposal in an upcoming meeting.

If the Oxford Board of Aldermen approves the change, it would not impact any of the existing limited uses in the district. The alteration would merely permit restaurants serving alcohol and liquor stores to operate, once they gain approval for the special exception.

A Fresh Approach to Legacy Zoning

These proposed changes, if implemented, could be a game-changer for the businesses operating in the Legacy District. Besides promoting economic growth and drawing in more footfall, it may generate additional revenue for the city. Importantly, these changes aim to strike a balance between keeping the essence of the traditional neighborhood business and adapting to new opportunities for the betterment of the locality.

Stakeholders await further developments with keen interest, hopeful that this might pave the pathway for a more vibrant and flourishing Legacy Traditional Neighborhood Business area in Oxford.