Commercial Land-Use
The Land-Use Plan recommends that Oakwood’s established business areas continue to be the commercial focal points within the community. Together, these areas provide for most of the day-to-day commercial needs of Oakwood residents. Commercial uses should continue to be located primarily within the Far Hills business district, the Park Avenue district, the Sugar Camp area, and in several other smaller locations.
Existing commercial areas should be improved and upgraded as required, and compatible new investment and development should be promoted in selected locations.
Principles and Standards for Commercial Areas
The following basic principles and standards should guide improvement and development decisions regarding commercial land-use.
- Oakwood is primarily a residential community, and local commercial areas should continue to be strongly oriented to community needs. Commercial uses should be located within Oakwood's existing commercial areas. These areas should remain small and compact, and their present scale and character should be essentially maintained.
- Since commercial and business areas are located along important traffic routes, access to individual properties should be carefully controlled to minimize conflicts with through traffic. The consolidation of access drives for adjacent properties should be encouraged where possible.
- Adequate off-street parking should be provided within all commercial and business areas. The consolidation of parking facilities for two or more businesses should be encouraged. Parking lots should be attractively landscaped, particularly along major streets and sidewalks. Parking for commercial uses should be provided in a manner that is compatible with adjacent residential areas.
- While a number of improvements have been undertaken within the Far Hills business district, additional projects might be considered to further enhance the appearance and pedestrian orientation of this key commercial area. For example, this might include façade improvements, more design compatibility between buildings within the same block, and the landscaping and enhancement of parking areas.
- The image and appearance of the public rights-of-way might also be enhanced in the future, including additional landscaping, pedestrian lighting, signage, crosswalks, seating areas, and other pedestrian amenities. In particular, streetscape treatment along the west side of Far Hills, in the blocks south of Dell Park, could be upgraded. The rocks and wood walls, which were installed in the 1970s, are now somewhat dated, yet still serve their intended purpose.
- Commercial and business areas should not adversely impact adjacent neighborhoods. Screening and buffering should be promoted between commercial and residential areas, including landscaping and attractive fencing. Commercial traffic and parking should not “spill over” into adjacent neighborhoods.
- While most residents favor the small, compact commercial areas that currently exist in Oakwood, the City might explore opportunities for high-quality and compatible new commercial and business development in existing commercial areas that would serve to supplement and enhance the City’s tax base. Compatible new construction can help existing commercial areas remain strong and viable, and help ensure that community service needs continue to be met. This might entail:
a) Further utilization of the Park Avenue area.