Oxford Board of Aldermen Approves New Cemetery Fence for Privacy Enhancement

Oxford Welcomes New Cemetery Fence for Increased Privacy

In a recent meeting that many locals were eager to attend, the Oxford Board of Aldermen took a significant step toward enhancing the privacy at the Oxford Memorial Cemetery. On September 17th, the Board unanimously approved the spending of $32,280 to install an 807-foot fence. This decision comes after a request from residents living near the cemetery who expressed concerns about privacy for both themselves and visitors honoring their loved ones.

Community Voices Matter

The initiative gained traction last month when several residents, led by Drew and Jill Stevens, showed up at a Board meeting to discuss their desire for increased privacy around the cemetery. Their call for action resonated with the Board, prompting them to explore potential solutions. Fast forward to two weeks ago, and the Board decided to get quotes for a fence that would blend aesthetically while providing the much-needed separation.

Choosing the Right Fence

At the recent meeting, Special Projects Director Mark Levy presented three quotes for installing the fence. The selected option comes from Top Rail Fence, which offered the most competitive bid for an 8-foot high, treated pine shadowbox fence. This style is designed to allow light and airflow while maintaining a barrier that respects the solemn nature of the site.

Understanding the Surroundings

Those familiar with the cemetery may recall that back in 2022, the city undertook a significant project to address erosion issues by building a new concrete drainage ditch along the cemetery border. Unfortunately, this led to the clear-cutting of the area next to the cemetery, prompting the need for a solution that would provide both privacy and aesthetics. In an effort to soften the impact of the construction, the city planted green giant arborvitae trees along the new fence line. Though currently standing only 3 to 4 feet tall, these trees are expected to grow to heights of 40 to 50 feet, creating a natural barrier over time.

What’s Next for the Cemetery

As promising as the future sounds, the wooden fence will remain in place until the arborvitae trees mature enough to provide sufficient coverage. Until then, visitors at the cemetery can look forward to enjoying a more peaceful and private environment as the new fence takes shape.

A Warm Response from the Community

After the Board’s decision to move forward with the fencing project, Drew Stevens expressed his appreciation, stating, “The Board’s unanimous and swift action here on behalf of Oxford citizens, both past and present, is laudable.” He highlighted the leadership of Aldermen Brian Hyneman and Rick Addy, praising their dedication to addressing community needs.

Looking Ahead

This development is just one of many steps being taken to enhance the quality of life for residents in Oxford. As the community continues to address their needs and concerns, it’s heartening to see such support from local leaders and citizens alike. The addition of this fence not only aims to improve privacy at the cemetery but also to foster a sense of peace and respect for those who come to honor their loved ones.

In a world where community matters more than ever, the ongoing efforts in Oxford exemplify how listening and responding can lead to concrete actions that benefit everyone. This project is sure to make a positive impact not just for the immediate neighbors of the cemetery but for all who visit to pay their respects. Here’s to the next chapter for the Oxford Memorial Cemetery!