By Betsy Brewer Brantner
Contributing Writer

The Moran Farm Development is finally moving forward after some delays. Oxford Borough Council overcame what was the last stumbling block for the development during the Aug. 5 meeting.

Borough Council closed the meeting and opened up the public hearing to adopt Ordinance #965-2024 Chapter 27, Zoning, of the Borough of Oxford Code of Ordinances regarding maximum building height in the PD-1 and R-1 Zoning District for Lot Clustering.

It was noted that the hearing only related to zoning districts PD-1 and R-1, and the decision doesn’t affect how many houses would be allowed under the guidelines, just the maximum height.

Beth Thompson, a local resident, spoke during the hearing saying, “It’s a wonderful borough. I moved here from Delaware County and had a historic picture of what is in Oxford. I looked at the neighborhoods and I’m not against the 35 foot height, but I’d be careful where they go. New homes should stay like the neighborhood homes. I took pictures of Sycamore Crossing and would like to keep neighborhoods in kind. On West Locust, almost all of them are ranch homes, and wouldn't like to see that height change.”

Council member Peggy Russell said that there are concerns about homes on Third Street that might be overshadowed if taller buildings were constructed nearby.

Russell asked, “Can you have the first row of homes staying at 25 feet?”

She explained that if the first row of homes could have a maximum height of 25 feet, then the other homes that would be 35 feet wouldn’t be right behind the homes that have been there much longer.

Debra Shulski, attorney for the Moran farm development said, “I don't think I’ve ever seen the height just at 25 feet at any other places. Even mobile homes can be 35 feet.”

Borough Manager Pauline Garcia-Allen said, “We already have all other districts at 35 feet.”

Council member Bill Fitzpatrick said, “Just get it done. Mr. Frost has been more than patient, they can build what they already plan by 35 feet.

As the discussion continued, Thompson said, “The property is close and has no green space.”

Shulski replied, “I respectfully disagree with that.”

Council member Luke Neidigh said, “We need to get this done or we may lose it.”

Garcia-Allen said, “We should get it done. The borough is not going to create a special zone just for this.”

Shulski said, “Requirements are different dependent on the lots. This development has certain area of open space which is open to the community.”

The hearing was then closed and the regular meeting resumed. The motion to adopt was seconded. Council then voted in favor to adopt the ordinance, except for Russell and council member Amanda Birdwell, who both voted against the motion.

In other business, William Fasick, a member of Boy Scout Troop 13, updated council on the 9/11 Memorial being planned for Oxford Memorial Park. The monument has been installed and Fasick  is just finalizing paperwork. The engraver will finish his work and a public presentation will be announced. 

Krys Sipple, the executive director of the Oxford Area Historical Association (OAHA), updated council on the progress the organization has made in recent months. Sipple is working as the consultant for OAHA until 2027. She told council that OAHA continues to grow its budget, making the organization sustainable. They will purchase the building at 119 S. 5th St. They have worked with the owner and have two years to insure a payment of $700,000. They are paying rent for 5,000 a month. Fund-raising the $700,000 is a major part of what OAHA is doing. They will also be installing an elevator with help from the state.

Sipple explained, “We are accumulating many historic items from attics and barns. We have had two exhibits so far and plan many more.” 

OAHA is and will be working with Oxford Schools and Lincoln University as they move forward.

“We are story keepers,” Sipple said. “We want to bring people together. We are working with two professors from Lincoln University and we are hoping to start an internship with them.”

They are also working with the Oxford Regional Planning Committee and their historical sub-committee.  They have reached out to other municipalities and offered them space for their records. West Nottingham Township has has taken them up on that offer. The goal is to ensure that no history is lost.

“We are preserving stories and history and also plan to serve as a tourist bureau. We are working with the Chester County 250th Commission and the America 250 Commission,” Sipple said.

A bluegrass festival is planned in September, and will have their first national exhibit focused on women in Old Timey (Old Time) music, including Ola Belle Reed. The concert and exhibit will raise operating money and awareness.

“We are asking for 5,000 a year pledge from the Borough,” Simple said. “We will look for a staff person for 2027 and we will be working on grants.”

OAHA is open on Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon and it is also open one weekend day a month. 

Sgt. Chris Coverly provided the June police report to council. There were 290 police involvements for the month, which brings the total involvements to over 2,500 for the year. There were also six criminal arrests during the month, Coverly said.

It was also noted that 12 teens from the Waterway Church Youth Group power-washed and painted the Oxford Police building.

In other police news, the Civil Service Commission did post for a full-time eligibility list. Applications should be in by Sept. 6.

Coverly also said that Camp Cadet will be held at nearby Camp Saginaw. Two Oxford officers, Jamie Cruz and Shakira Greer, will be helping with the children. The camp is running from Aug. 11 to Aug. 16.

Garcia-Allen reported that paving work on Hodgson and Eighth Street is starting. The contractor work will stop at 5 p.m.

The Community of Love Lutheran Church construction work has begun and should be completed by the end of September. Studio Blush was also thanked for their cooperation.

The Market Street and 6th Street damage to the fire hydrant that was caused by a tractor trailer in March will be completed by PennDOT and should be done by the end of August. Penonni Engineers will be analyzing the turning radius there.

Borough council also approved the following motions:

• Acceptance of the 30-day extension, which will run through Sept. 30, 2024, for review of Enox Land LP’s preliminary land development plan of the Moran Farm property. 
• Approval of the Special Event Permit Application for the Oxford Chamber of Commerce Halloween Parade on Oct. 24, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., conditioned upon payment of $850 for this event, which is the 50 percent deposit for one-third of the cost to provide police services.
• Approval of the Special Event Permit Application for Oxford Mainstreet, Inc.Car Show on Sept. 9 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., also conditioned upon payment to cover the cost to provide police services.
• Approval of the Special Event Permit Application for KVIS & Coe Insurance Company for the Carnival of Life event on Sept. 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the KVIS & Coe  property at 123 E. Locust Street.
• Approval of a letter to townships in support of funding to the Oxford Library and Oxford Area Recreation Authority.
• Approval of a motion to participate in a grant application. Garcia-Allen told council that the grant for the chargers in the parking garage that the borough will be working with Lincoln University on will have a zero cost to the borough. Lincoln University will be the lead on the project and will work with the borough. 

The next Oxford Borough Council meeting will be held on Sept. 9 at 7 p.m.