Oxford Planning Commission Greenlights Three-Story Building
The Oxford Planning Commission on Monday unanimously approved the site plan for a proposed mixed-use, three-story building set to occupy the corner of N. 11th Street and Jefferson Avenue. At present, the lot remains empty, situated ideally between the historic Isom Place and Oxford Floral.
Design and Function of the New Building
The property’s owner, Stefano Capomazza, is all set to construct a building that promises to bring new vitality to this part of the city. A well-thought-out structure, the proposed building will feature light commercial space on the ground floor and six residential condominiums on the two floors above.
This innovative use of urban space was supported by the Historic Preservation Commission, which granted approval for the design in September.
Parking Arrangement
A total of seven parking spaces are scheduled to be part of the site plan. While parking was not a mandatory requirement due to the city’s downtown parking garage’s strategic location across the street from the proposed building, Capomazza has opted to provide one space per unit and an additional accessible parking spot.
Addressing Public Concern
In response to concerns raised by nearby residents, the Oxford Planning Commission suggested that worries about potential traffic or oversized delivery trucks servicing the new businesses may be somewhat premature. A local homeowner residing in the neighborhood behind Jefferson Avenue voiced apprehensions about overflow parking in the church’s parking lot and discussed potential traffic concerns, notably involving large delivery trucks servicing the planned commercial businesses.
The commission acknowledged these potential issues but ultimately deferred decisions until the nature of the businesses occupying the building’s commercial space are confirmed, stating that the concerns were raised prematurely as the type of businesses which might aggravate traffic or trucking problems currently remain unknown.
A New Milestone in Oxford’s Growth
This latest development signifies another significant page in Oxford’s urban development story. The new building, with its blend of commercial and residential spaces, is an exciting addition to the cityscape, bolstering the local economy while also addressing the residential needs within the city’s limits. Though the final business occupants are still to be determined, the location and thoughtful planning of the building are optimistic indicators of a successful integration into the already thriving Oxford scene.
The commission’s approval serves to reaffirm Oxford’s commitment to thoughtful urban planning that takes into consideration not only the immediate utility of new constructions but also their future impact on the broader community.
