Although most homes are in good condition, buildings in these areas may be more susceptible to maintenance concerns because of their age and type of construction. The City should continue to monitor conditions in these areas to ensure that individual homes and overall neighborhood quality are maintained in the future.

Multi-Family Residential. Multi-family areas are found in the following locations: a) in the triangular area bounded by Far Hills Avenue, Schantz Avenue and Oakwood Avenue; b) along the west side of Far Hills, both north and south of Park Avenue; c) along Shroyer Road; and d) in the area just east of the Far Hills business district. These areas are suitable for single-family homes, two-family homes, and multi-family developments.

Oakwood's current zoning map allows multi-family residential throughout much of the southeastern portion of the community and along the Far Hills corridor. The Land-Use Plan focuses multi-family uses within smaller, more compact clusters. This should help preserve existing neighborhoods and avoid large concentrations of multi-family development.

Many of the designated multi-family areas are located around the edges of single-family neighborhoods, adjacent to or accessible from arterial streets, and near public transit routes. Several also occupy transitional locations between commercial areas and single-family neighborhoods, providing a buffer between these two areas.

In addition, a portion of the Sugar Camp property should be considered for high-quality new multi-family development, as discussed below.

Subdivision of Large Residential Properties

Oakwood is experiencing a trend common to many mature, affluent communities. The City is beginning to see some interest in the subdivision of large residential properties and the development of new homes on smaller lots, particularly in the R1 District. Current zoning permits the subdivision of large residential properties.

Related trends are the construction of major additions to existing homes and the replacement of older, smaller existing homes with larger residential structures.

While residential improvements and new construction are good for the local economy and serve to upgrade the community’s housing stock, the City should ensure that residential improvements and new developments complement existing neighborhood character.

Issues of primary concern include:

• a)Bulk.
• b)Setbacks.
• c)Building height.
• d)Lot coverage.
• e)Traffic access.
• f)Site landscaping.
• g)Design character and building materials of new homes.

The Zoning Ordinance should be the primary tool for controlling new subdivisions, replacement housing, and major additions. The City should continue to monitor these activities to determine if additional controls are necessary to protect existing homes and traditional neighborhood character.