On Feb. 10, the Oxford Planning Commission voted in favor of rezoning an approximately 25-acre tract of land off Highway 7 South from residential development to general business, allowing for a planned new shopping center to be pitched to the Board of Aldermen in the coming weeks.
The 60-acre lot’s original purpose was to be developed solely for residential use, but the planning commission’s vote will allow for both residential and commercial development to occur. The commission’s approval came with conditions, however. These conditions include the exclusion of certain types of retail establishments that may be seen as disruptive to the surrounding neighborhoods, such as warehouses or businesses that rely heavily on use of outdoor storage.
City planner Tim Akers commented on how the rezoning would correspond with the future of the Oxford community.
“Retail and service opportunities grow as Oxford’s population grows,” Akers said. “Commercial expansion will continue if there is sufficient population growth to support the expansion.”
The plan as it exists in its early stages features the 25-acre lot with one entrance facing Highway 7 South and another entrance off County Road 322. A retention lake is situated between the shopping center and Windsor Falls subdivision. The remaining 35 acres will be left for future neighborhood development.
The approval process will take about two months, according to Oxford real estate agent Wil Matthews. After the meeting with the planning commission, there will be three more meetings with the Board of Aldermen, the third being an official vote on the construction plan.
Neighborhoods in the area have expressed concern about the nature of the shopping center. The homeowners association of Windsor Falls, which immediately backs up to the property, has expressed its interest in the matter.
Matthews said he and his clients plan to meet with the concerned neighborhoods.
“We hope that any zoning changes undertaken will not harm but enhance our neighborhood’s appeal,” Matthews said.
Pending the approval of the Board of Aldermen, Matthews said the planned shopping center would likely contain community-friendly retail options such as grocery stores, restaurants and banks as well as other neighborhood-supporting everyday conveniences.
A previous attempt to get permission to develop student condominiums and apartments on the property failed. “The Board of Aldermen denied the rezoning request for more apartments on the site because they felt there was no need for additional RC-zoned property in the area,” Akers said.
— Kylie McFadden
kemcfadd@go.olemiss.edu
