• Several existing lots would benefit from layout and striping improvements to improve parking efficiency.
• The use of directional signage to identify the location of off-street parking facilities.
• Visual enhancement of parking facilities through additional landscaping, fencing and light fixtures.
• Advising employees to use designated off-street spaces, thus freeing up more conveniently located on-street spaces for shoppers and business patrons.
• Encourage shared parking and explore the possibility of public easements that would allow multiple businesses to utilize the same parking facility.
• Consider the possibility of establishing a “parking fund” into which a developer could contribute dollars in lieu of providing parking. This fund might then be used by the City to upgrade existing parking lots and provide new facilities in the future.

As new parking is developed within the Far Hills business district, several policies and guidelines should be considered:

• To the extent possible, off-street parking should be evenly distributed throughout the Far Hills business district so that all areas are well served.
• On-street parking should continue to be permitted throughout the Far Hills business district, including the east-west side streets.
• Except for on-street parking, parking lots should be located behind buildings or at mid-block. Parking lots in front of buildings or at corner locations should be discouraged. Landscaping and decorative fencing should be installed along the edges of surface parking lots that border public walkways.
• Small, separate parking lots within the same block should be combined and consolidated where possible. Curb cuts and access drives should be minimized, particularly along pedestrian shopping streets and arterial routes.
• In the future, the City should consider undertaking a comprehensive, area-wide study of parking within the Far Hills business district.

Business Expansion. While most residents favor the small, compact commercial areas that currently exist in Oakwood, the City should explore opportunities for high-quality and compatible new commercial and business development within the Far hills business district that would serve to supplement and enhance the City’s tax base. New commercial uses, particularly restaurants, convenience retail and service uses, and offices would enhance the business district.

Compatible and high-quality commercial and business development might be promoted in selected locations. New business development would help the existing business district remain strong and viable, and help ensure that community service needs continue to be met. This might entail:

• Properties for redevelopment. While most buildings within the Far Hills business district are well maintained, there are several older, converted homes and small, marginal commercial buildings that should be subject to replacement in the future. These properties are located on both sides of Far Hills Avenue.
• Minor expansion. The possibility of small-scale expansion of the Far Hills Business District has been discussed in the past. The City might consider the possibility of acquiring selected properties along the east side of the business district to allow for additional surface parking to be located behind stores and businesses. Additional surface parking behind stores would permit all frontage properties along Far Hills Avenue to