By Betsy Brewer Brantner
Contributing Writer

A proposed housing development was discussed at the Oxford Borough Council meeting earlier this month. The borough’s Housing Committee has met for several years to discuss affordable housing, and as a result of that work the Church Housing Corp. (CHC) brought a proposal to borough council.

Church Housing Corp. is celebrating four decades of providing housing and supportive services to seniors with modest means, families, individuals, and people with special needs. The group’s newest development, Pickney Hill Commons, recently opened in West Chester.

“We provide housing with financial peace of mind. Quality of life is an essential component of our mission,” said Kathryn Evans, the Church Housing Corp. executive director. “We believe all people should have the opportunity to live with dignity and distinction while gracefully maturing in their communities. Programs are developed to meet the interests and needs of our residents.  We also have social services which can coordinate daily support for each resident.  These supports enable our residents to live independently longer.”

The proposed development in Oxford, which would be called The Phoenix at Oxford, will be located at 651 Lincoln Street, not far from Wheeler Boulevard.

Evans was joined at the meeting by Church Housing Corp. director of development Tracy Patches and Kevin Dowd and Edmond Speitel Jr. from the Walters Group. That group will be building the affordable housing unit. Currently, they have 2000 developments under their belt in New Jersey.

Church Housing Corp. presented a rough concept of what the housing development might look like. There would be 48 family units. Each building has 24 units. The development also has a number of amenities including a gym, playground, picnic area, and basketball court. Washers and dryers are also located in each apartment and appliances are all energy efficient. In terms of the architecture, the Walters Group is respectful of the other buildings in the community and the final designs will reflect that.

The attorney for the group has reviewed Oxford’s new zoning regulations and will be seeking clarification on green space, setbacks and building materials. 

At this point, they are concerned about the impervious surface and want to make sure they provide enough space for recreation. They also discussed height restrictions. They will be looking for direction from borough officials moving forward.

Oxford Borough Council president Kathryn Cloyd was happy to see that they would have 24-hour support services for the residents. They also offer counseling, financial programs, information on how to save and more to help residents begin the housing process.

Oxford Borough’s solicitor Stacey Fuller said they would need to get a fully engineered sketch plan and she would be happy to sit down with representatives from Church Housing Corp. and the the Walters Group for discussions about the project and the borough’s regulations. The plans would also likely need to be reviewed by both the Zoning Hearing Board and the Planning Commission.

It will be a lengthy process to get plans approved and the new housing constructed, but that process is now underway.

“It sounds like we are ready to move forward,” Cloyd said.