Oxford Aldermen Rethink Approval of Local Bar’s Expansion and Tackle Controversial Property Rezoning Amid Community Concerns

Oxford’s Aldermen Make Bold Moves on Local Developments

In the charming town of Oxford, big changes are stirring as the Board of Aldermen recently decided to appeal a green light given to The Velvet Ditch’s outdoor expansion plans. This decision comes amid *heated discussions* and divided opinions among residents, some of whom include faculty from the University of Mississippi.

To give you a little background, The Velvet Ditch is a vibrant establishment located at the busy intersection of University Avenue and South Lamar Boulevard, taking over the space where Abner’s once operated. The owner, Jared Foster, who’s also behind Landshark Seafood, has transformed the old bar into a whimsical “Mad Hatter-style bar.” It’s designed to keep folks entertained with food and drinks until the late hour of 1:30 a.m.

Concerns Over Expansion

The Board has been *churning over* the bar’s outdoor expansion plans since July 1, 2024. Foster’s proposal included expanding the outdoor patio by laying down turf over the parking lot, adding two bars, outdoor seating, and some cheerful umbrellas for shade.

In a recent meeting held on Tuesday, October 1, local attorney Lauren Ward, representing residents from the South Lamar Historic District, voiced some pressing worries. She pointed out that the plans didn’t seem to adequately address the potential impacts on traffic, parking, and the effects of noise and even smell that might arise from an expanded outdoor area. It’s not just about the bar; it’s about the *whole neighborhood’s vibe*.

Foster made his case before the board, appealing for fair treatment by comparing his business to nearby establishments like Back Nine and Proud Larry’s, both of which enjoy significant capacity. “All I’m asking is to be treated equally here,” Foster declared. “I have yet to hear how we are not following objectives.”

Safety Concerns Take Center Stage

Ward III Alderman, Brian Hyneman, who is also a local resident, raised alarms regarding the safety of the neighborhood. He argued that if The Velvet Ditch’s customers all exited the bar at once, potentially 260 of them, it could create a chaotic scene late at night—an event reminiscent of situations seen at The Library Sports Bar. Hyneman expressed, “You’re now increasing the odds of something happening.”

The motion to approve the appeal was made by Hyneman and seconded by Alderman At-Large Mary Martha Crowe. Only one member, Mark Huelse, voted against it. As a result, The Velvet Ditch has been given a window of 90 days to revisit its plans with the city planning commission.

Land Development Disputes

As if that weren’t enough excitement, the board also tackled a contentious property rezoning request from JWM Development. This proposal targeted 26.06 acres of land along Old Taylor Road, near the South Campus Rail Trail. Despite receiving a *no-go* from the city planning commission just weeks earlier, JWM argued that the ongoing *master leases* by the University of Mississippi for several local properties indicate a critical need for more housing options.

The board voted to rezone the property from a traditional neighborhood business and residential zones to a suburban multi-family zone, allowing for 40-foot tall buildings instead of the previous height limitation of 38 feet. This change has created quite a stir among locals concerned about losing Oxford’s beloved tree canopy and the potential visual impact on their surroundings.

Caring for Our Community

In the face of impending changes, many trail lovers wrote emails to Mayor Robyn Tannehill, urging her to consider preserving the green spaces. Tannehill added these messages to the official agenda, giving voice to community concerns.

Local resident Michael Weldy, a frequent trail user, pointed out the inadequacy of the proposed buffer zone of just 50 feet, stating, “Fifty feet isn’t enough. At least try to hide (the development).” This sentiment was echoed by others as discussions heated up, even involving *young researchers* like Sylvie Mendoza, who shared data from her fifth-grade science project showing that 67 out of 79 surveyed trail users would be deeply upset if the beloved trails were turned into properties.

Former UM professor Ann Fisher-Wirth emphasized the necessity of protecting the tree canopy to tackle global warming and enhance the town’s air quality. Mayor Tannehill noted while the land isn’t a preserve, the city is working on crafting future park and trail plans that would better align with community needs.

As Oxford continues to grow and change, the town’s residents remain deeply invested in ensuring that progress does not come at the cost of community values or environmental stewardship.