By Betsy Brewer Brantner
Contributing Writer

Oxford Borough Council finally approved the land-development plan for the Moran Farm, which will add 91 homes to the Borough of Oxford. Another 39 homes will also be going in on the piece of the property that is in East Nottingham Township.

The plan has changed over the years from a 55-plus community to now 91 single-family homes. The cost of a home is expected to start at $500,000.

Residents from the borough and from nearby municipalities brought up some concerns about the development.

Resident Chauncey Boyd asked, “Will improvements to Wedgewood Road and Locust Street be made by the developer?”

Clarissa Sherrow, who lives outside of the borough, expressed concern about whether or not the Amish community could travel through that area. She also expressed concern about the increase of traffic through Oxford and the issue of speeding. Locust Street is a PennDOT road so those issues would go to that entity to be resolved.

Sherrow also reminded the public of the burden this development would put on the Union Fire Company of Oxford, which is largely staffed by volunteers.

“We don’t have the resources to take care of the people we have here,” she explained.

There was also discussion about the runoff from the development adding to the flooding that has occurred on Locust Street.

Borough solicitor Stacey Fuller informed council that she had sent a letter to the developer regarding any outstanding issues, and they satisfied all requirements.

In other business at the meeting, it was announced that the Borough of Oxford will be doing hydrant flushing from Oct. 12 through Oct. 31. The work is generally done between the hours of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., Sunday night thru Thursday. Flushing the entire borough water distribution system takes Public Works crews three full weeks.

During public comment, Boyd brought up two subjects. He informed council that he continues to be extremely concerned about truck traffic cutting the corner and going over his property.

“I am worried about them hitting the gas main. If they hit that, multiple houses will be affected,” he said.

He also was concerned about an issue that happened during the recent Oxford Mainstreet Inc. Car Show.

“I want to talk about a very important subject, the suppression of free speech,” he said. “I had a sign in my Corvette and was told to take the sign down by someone from OMI because they had received complaints. I filed a complaint with the Oxford Police Department.”

Sherrow informed the public and Borough Council that the Wreaths Across America event will be held on Saturday, Dec. 13 at noon. They will leave Union Fire Company at 10 a.m. to go to the Oxford Cemetery. They will lay wreaths on the graves of veterans. The event takes place rain or shine.

She also said there will be a free Veteran’s Breakfast on Saturday, Nov. 8 at the Oxford Senior Center at 12 E. Locust Street in Oxford from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. For more information, call Sherrow at 484-645-4513. Any veteran and one guest is invited.

Police Chief Sam Iacono told council that the new police officer who was hired full-time is up and running. He did say that one of their full-time officers was off due to an injury.

Police Sgt. Chris Coverly recently attended training on terrorism.

Although an issue did arise during the recent car show, Iacono said the police department worked well with the State Police and kids at the high school to stop a serious incident from occurring.

Iacono reminded everyone that the suspect in the recent bank robbery at Presence Bank has not been apprehended yet. The FBI is also involved.

Council also approved the hiring of Christine Bleiler as a part-time police officer.

Mayor Phil Harris said he has been working with Sgt. Coverly and the new director of the Mobile Health Crisis Unit which is stationed in Coatesville. 

Borough manager Pauline Garcia- Allen told council they are getting close to bringing the Niblock Alley grant request before them for final approval.

The following new items of business were approved by Oxford Borough Council at the meeting:

• Consideration of the final land development for the La Palma minor subdivision at 232 S. Fifth St.;
• Consideration of the final land development for the Oxford Cemetery Association at 220 N. Third Street, which is a minor subdivision;
• A letter of support for the Oxford Theater T-Mobile Hometown Program grant application to support temporary improvement to the fire site fencing in advance of construction of the theatre. Liz McGill, the theatre director, told council that they have established 501c3 status, and they are currently looking for volunteers;
• A hearing to adopt ordinance #977-2025 Amending Chapter 26, Water, Part I, Rules, Regulations, Rates and Charges.

Council member Bob Ketcham reminded everyone that there is an opening on the Oxford Area Sewer Authority for a representative from the borough. There is also an opening on the Oxford Area Recreation Authority for a representative from the borough. Anyone interested in filling these volunteer positions should contact the borough.