A wide range of strengths and assets were mentioned by Committee members. The most frequently cited assets related to: a) quality community services; b) community pride, involvement and values; c) excellent schools; and d) the livability and pedestrian-friendliness of the Oakwood community.
Among the individual strengths most frequently cited were: a) schools, b) police and fire service, c) public works services, and d) the ability to walk to most destinations.
Quality City Services (37):
- Police/Fire service (19)
- Public Works – Trash, etc. (14)
- Library (2)
- Safety in the community, police and fire/EMS are highly trained (1)
- Pool
Community Pride, Involvement and Values (29):
- Citizen involvement (10)
- Large base of highly motivated, educated residents (6)
- Citizens that are genuinely interested in each other (5)
- Family orientation (2)
- Long time residents devoted to the community
- Diverse population
- Issue of encouraging diversity – I think this is a lousy objective. There is no logical reason to discriminate but we must have standards (taxes, services, etc.). These are for all citizens. If we introduce low-income housing, we create a blizzard of problems (ask Centerville).
- Our boundaries. We cannot expand so we must protect “who” we are and “why” we are. “We are family.”
- Mature community with family values
- Family friendly
Excellent Schools (27):
- Schools (25)
- History of excellent school system with strong community support
- The excellent school system and uniformity of the school district and City boundaries.
Livability and Pedestrian-Friendly Community (23):
- Ability to walk to most destinations, esp. children walking to and from school (9)
- “Neighborhood” feel (6)
- Sidewalks and public interaction spaces (2)
- Eclectic/unique community (2)
- Walking distance to businesses
- A variety of activities and facilities within walking distance
- Overall quality of life
- The City is of a manageable size and scale. A wise decision made 75+ years ago to keep it the size it has become
Housing stock (20):
- Beautiful older homes (5)
- Diverse architecture (4)