be used for stores, shops, and businesses. However, any minor expansion of the business district would have to be balanced within existing neighborhood character.

• Underground parking. Underground parking within the Far Hills Business District was considered a number of years ago, but was not approved. It is recommended that the City again consider the possibility of underground parking. Underground parking could be a long-term solution for the Far Hills business district. Underground parking, perhaps as a part of new business development, would offer a number of advantages to the business district. Underground parking would conserve land within the business district, and create opportunities for new commercial and business development. It could also create the possibility of a small new public plaza that could become a “centerpiece” for the business district and provide additional pedestrian amenities within the area.

Guidelines for the Far Hills Business District

The Far Hills business district should continue to be improved and enhanced as the traditional, pedestrian-oriented shopping, service and office focal point for Oakwood.

Building on the existing Business District Design Guidelines for the Far Hills business district, the City might consider the following additions to further enhance the district.

Land-Use

• The Far Hills business district should consist of a diverse mix of retail, restaurant, service, and office uses. It should continue to be oriented primarily to the needs of the Oakwood community.
• The Far Hills business district should remain relatively small and compact, and its present character should be maintained. However, redevelopment could take place in several blocks, along both the east and west sides of Far Hills Avenue.
• Attractively designed and compatibly scaled multi-family residential uses should continue to be located adjacent to the Far Hills business district, providing a transition between commercial uses and adjacent single-family neighborhoods. Residential uses provide a built-in market for many stores and shops. Safe, attractive and convenient sidewalk connections should be maintained between nearby residential areas and the commercial area.

Existing Sites and Buildings

• The storefronts of existing buildings should be improved to enhance the image and appearance of the Far Hills business district, and to help visually unify stores and businesses within the same block. Storefront improvements might include façade treatment and the coordination of colors, materials, signage, awnings, and related design features.
• The rear portions of all commercial properties should be clean and well-maintained. Rear entrances to stores and shops should be encouraged, particularly in blocks where public parking is located behind buildings.

New Construction

• New commercial buildings should respect the existing scale of the Far Hills business district and avoid extreme differences in building height. Two- and three-story buildings should predominate, although the height of buildings on specific parcels should continue to be governed by zoning.
• New commercial buildings should be located at or very near the sidewalk line in order to maintain close contact between pedestrians and the adjacent stores, shops and dis-