play windows. If buildings are set back from the sidewalk, landscaping and/or decorative amenities should be provided to maintain this pedestrian orientation.
- Buildings should “front” the street. The placement of buildings at odd or irregular angles to the street should be discouraged. However, buildings at key intersections may incorporate angled corners or other small setbacks.
- New commercial buildings should be constructed of traditional building materials such as brick and stone in the red and buff color ranges.
Streetscape and Pedestrian Amenities
- Additional streetscape treatments should be considered to visually unify the Far Hills business district and make it more attractive and convenient for pedestrians. Building on the City’s existing Business District Design Guidelines, a comprehensive “streetscape design system” should be established which addresses street trees, light fixtures, paving materials, banners, benches, public signage, public art, and other features throughout the district.
- Once installed, it is important that streetscape amenities be adequately maintained. Trees and landscaping should be pruned, trimmed and upgraded on a regular basis. Damaged and defective amenities should be repaired or replaced as required.
- Public and directional signage should be improved to direct motorists to parking lots. Attractive new signs might also be considered to direct motorists and visitors to the Far Hills business district from other parts of the community.
Park Avenue Business Area
The Park Avenue business area is a small one-block commercial area located along Park Avenue west of Far Hills and east of Harman Avenue. This area includes a small cluster of offices, shops, and service uses. In addition, the Oakwood City and Public Safety Building is located within this area.
The City should explore opportunities for improving and enhancing the Park Avenue business area, which at one time was a more vital and active commercial area. While market conditions have changed and this area is not appropriate for major retail activity, the Park Avenue area might be intensified with office, service and small commercial uses.
The Land-Use Plan recommends that the Park Avenue business area continue to be small and compact, and that its present scale and character be maintained. This area should continue to be oriented toward neighborhood commercial and service needs, and no geographic expansion is recommended.
However, overall design, appearance and operational improvements should continue to be made in the future, including the enhancement of existing commercial buildings, improvement to commercial facades, and parking and signage improvements. The established residential neighborhoods which closely border the commercial area should also be maintained and protected. Selected redevelopment might also take place on certain properties in the future.
In addition, the Park Avenue commercial area could be one of several sites considered for a teen activity center to serve teenagers within the Oakwood community.
Sugar Camp Area
The Sugar Camp property and adjacent vacant land have excellent accessibility and visibility, being located at the intersection of two arterial streets and at the major entranceway to Oakwood. This property is the last remaining vacant land area within the City which has the potential for planned and coordinated new development. It is therefore recommended that this parcel be promoted as a high-quality, mixed-use planned development area which might ac-