- b) Small-scale redevelopment on selected properties within existing commercial areas.
- c) New business or commercial development at and around the Sugar Camp property.
- New commercial and business development should be of a size and scale compatible with the established image and character of Oakwood. Commercial and business development should be characterized by the highest possible standards of design and construction.
- Multi-family residential development has already occurred in several blocks adjacent to the existing commercial areas, and more should be considered in the future. These locations can be quite convenient and desirable for many residents, particularly those who are elderly or less mobile. Multi-family development can add life and vitality to the commercial areas, and provide a market for many stores and businesses. Multi-family residential developments can also provide a transition between the commercial and single-family neighborhoods.
- A comprehensive study should be undertaken of the commercial and business uses now located within the City of Oakwood. The study should determine the uses and activities that are underrepresented within the community at the present time. Based on this study, the City should develop a strategy to help attract new commercial and business uses that would help further support local residents and businesses.
Recommendations for Commercial Areas
The Land-Use Plan designates four commercial and business areas, including: 1) the Far Hills business district, 2) the Park Avenue business area, 3) Sugar Camp and the adjacent vacant properties, and 4) the smaller commercial areas along Far Hills Avenue, Oakwood Avenue, Shroyer Road, and Springhouse Road.
Recommendations for each commercial and business area are presented below.
Far Hills Business District
The Far Hills Business District is Oakwood's primary shopping and business area. It extends from the southern corporate boundary to Peach Orchard Avenue on the north. The Far Hills business district is the traditional commercial and service focal point for the City. It contains a range of retail, service, and office uses.
The Land-Use Plan strives to strengthen and enhance the character and role of the Far Hills business district. It should be maintained as Oakwood’s multi-purpose commercial and business area. The Far Hills business district should remain unique in terms of its pedestrian orientation and the range of businesses, services and other activities it offers to the community.
Business Area Parking. Parking within the Far Hills Business District has been a subject of concern for many years. The amount of land area available for surface parking is limited, since the commercial area is closely bordered by residential neighborhoods.
Part of the “parking problem” within the business district may be that of perception. Many patrons of a small business district prefer to park directly in front of the store or business they intend to visit. If these patrons find it necessary to park a block or so away from their destination, they may perceive a “parking concern.”
Making parking areas more easily accessible and identifiable, improving the appearance of parking areas, and enhancing pedestrian connections between parking areas, stores and shops could help minimize these perceived parking concerns.
Several actions could be considered in the future to improve parking conditions within the Far Hills business area: