1. Ascertain the best mix of business uses in Oakwood. Target development of appropriate high-quality and compatible new commercial and business uses within Oakwood’s existing commercial areas that would enhance the City’s tax base and add community-valued businesses.
    1. The city regularly monitors the mix of business uses in Oakwood. Without much city intervention, the business mix remains balanced and provides a boutique-style shopping experience that is unique in the Dayton area and is a destination for many residents in the Dayton region.
    2. In 2007, the city approved a comprehensive master plan for reuse of the former NCR Sugar Camp property. Over the past 14 years, numerous business uses have made the Sugar Camp Professional Offices complex their home. Uses include medical, financial investment and general business, all of which together have contributed significantly to the tax base needed for the city to continue proving first-class public services.
    3. In 2011, the city approved the construction of the Routsong Retail Center at the corner on Oakwood Avenue and Irving Avenue. The center is home to four small businesses that add variety to the other businesses in the city.
    4. In 2017, city staff worked with representatives from Goodwill Easter Seals Miami Valley to open a Goodwill store at 2322 Far Hills Avenue. The store has proven very successful and is the destination of many local shoppers.
  2. Work with property owners to undertake improvements to further upgrade the appearance of the business area, including enhancements to private properties and the public rights-of-way.
    1. As mentioned above, in 2011 the city partnered with Miami Valley Lighting and the Greater Dayton RTA to replace all of the street lights in the Commercial Business District along Far Hills Avenue. The decorative lights add greatly to the business district ambience. In 2006, the city worked with the property owner at the southeast corner of Far Hills and Orchard Drive to construct what is now 2500, 2504, 2508, 2210 & 2512 Far Hills, the home of five unique Oakwood businesses. City staff is currently working with the new owner of 2533 & 2537 Far Hills on a plan to completely renovate the existing building and add new businesses to the community. In 2017, the Kettering Health Network (KHN) purchased the 2600 Far Hills building. Staff continues to work with KHN officials to plan a major improvement project on that site.
  3. Review the existing “Business District Design Guidelines” to ensure that all new retail and business developments complement the traditional image and character of Oakwood.
    1. The Business District Design Guidelines (BDDG) adopted in 1998 continue to be used to guide applicable projects involving commercial building enhancements. Staff regularly references the BDDG when evaluating proposed building improvements.
  4. Review existing zoning regulations to help promote creative site and building design solutions that can help off-set the small site sizes and other constraints present within Oakwood’s commercial areas.
    1. Staff has found that the existing zoning code provides for successful development of commercial properties in Oakwood. That said, staff is mindful of the possibility that
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