Maintenance Code addresses property maintenance, and has been very effective in maintaining properties and promoting repairs and improvements as required.
Historic Property Recommendations
Oakwood has a number of homes and public buildings with historical and architectural interest, and these add significantly to the charm and character of the community.
The City should work with the Oakwood Historical Society and the Oakwood Preservation Trust to undertake a more complete inventory of buildings within Oakwood that have historical and architectural significance.
The City should also work with these groups to help educate local residents about the value of preserving and protecting historic homes and the fact that these historical features add to the unique image and character of the Oakwood community.
Landscaping and Natural Features Recommendations
Oakwood is a community with extensive public and private landscaping. This includes the landscaping of residential properties, landscaping around public and institutional buildings, tree-lined streets, landscaped boulevards, public gardens, and public parks and open spaces.
Parts of Oakwood are characterized by attractive natural features, such as rolling topography, ravines, wooded areas, and stream corridors. These features also add to the quality and ambiance of the community, and should be preserved and maintained.
Business District Recommendations
Oakwood’s commercial and business areas occupy highly visible locations along the major streets that pass through the community. To complement Oakwood’s neighborhoods, all commercial development should be characterized by the highest possible standards of design and construction. The design and appearance of commercial buildings, site development, landscaping, lighting, signs and graphics, parking lots, and pedestrian amenities should all be of concern to the City.
In order to improve the appearance of the commercial areas, and make them more compatible with the historical character of Oakwood, the City should continue identifying ways to enhance streetscape features, special design standards for commercial facades, and signage to reflect the traditional image of the Oakwood community.
Street Corridor Recommendations
While tree-lined streets and landscaped boulevards are distinguishing features of Oakwood, more attractive treatments should be considered along certain roadways, particularly Shroyer Road and Irving Avenue. Improvements might include sidewalk treatments, new street trees, street light fixtures, building enhancements, and public signage.
Attractive “welcome” signs and gateway features have been installed at several locations where major roadways enter the City of Oakwood. The City should maintain these gateway features and continually look for opportunities to enhance them in the future.
A new piece of public art was recently placed along Shafor Boulevard near Shafor Park to denote the 100th Anniversary of “powered flight.” Public art can enhance street corridors and public activity areas and help enhance the community’s identity. Oakwood might consider additional public art in selected locations.