Because of the small size of the Far Hills business district, there is very little space for business growth or expansion, or for the provision of additional parking. Existing residential areas closely border the business district on both the east and west sides. There is some concern on the part of nearby residents about the spillover of commercial traffic and parking within the adjacent neighborhoods.

Other commercial areas in Oakwood include the following:

• Commercial uses along Park Avenue near the Oakwood City Building, which includes small retail and service shops, offices, and personal and business services. While conditions are generally good in this area, there is some concern that this area is somewhat underutilized and that it should be upgraded and enhanced in the future.
• The Sugar Camp educational and training center, owned by NCR, has traditionally been a major anchor in the northern portion of Oakwood. The facility consists of several buildings constructed in 1969 and arranged in a campus-like setting. However, Sugar Camp is currently for sale and will be subject to reuse or redevelopment in the future.
• Smaller commercial areas also exist at:
  • a)  Far Hills and Schantz Avenues, including legal and real estate offices;
  • b)  Springhouse Road and Oakwood Avenue, including the US Post Office and Routsong Funeral Home; and
  • c)  Shroyer Road and Acorn Drive, including a day spa and other services.

Public and Semi-Public Areas

Public and semi-public land-uses are widely scattered throughout Oakwood, including parks, open spaces, schools, governmental facilities, several churches, and a Jewish education center/synagogue. Virtually all of these are in good condition and are well located to serve the community. Many of the public and institutional buildings have architectural or historical interest and they add to the overall image and character of Oakwood.

Public and semi-public facilities are discussed in more detail in the Community Facilities section of the Plan report.

Parking Areas

Figure 3 highlights the parking lots that serve the Far Hills and Park Avenue business districts, as well as the parking lots that are part of schools, churches and other public sites within Oakwood.

Vacant Areas

Since Oakwood is a mature, built-up community, there is little remaining vacant land. The only vacant parcel of significant size, which totals approximately 12 acres, is located at the northwest corner of Far Hills and Schantz, adjacent to the Sugar Camp training facility.

However, as noted above, Oakwood does contain a number of larger residential properties that could be subdivided in the future, based on current zoning. Most are located west of Far Hills Avenue.

LAND-USE PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS

Residential Areas

Oakwood is primarily a residential community and its residential neighborhoods are among its most important assets. Much of the City’s image and identity are due to the unique character of its residential neighborhoods. The distinguishing features and characteristics of each neighborhood should be preserved and enhanced in the future.