It’s not often we see a ballot proposal that’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.
But after reviewing all the facts, it appears approving “Proposal A” will benefit the Village of Oxford, the downtown business district, residents, motorists and Oxford Bank.
The proposed land swap between the village and Oxford Bank Corporation will bolster public safety by eliminating the existing Edison Alley, which currently divides the bank’s property.
Edison Alley has been the site of 30 vehicular accidents over the last three years, according to village officials, most of which were caused by motorists attempting to cross the alley from one half of the bank’s property to the other.
Moving the alley to the east will allow a proper roadway (complete with defined lanes and a sidewalk, things the existing alley lacks now) to be constructed between Stanton and Broadway streets, thus making it safer for vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
This new roadway would increase the village’s annual share of revenue generated by state gasoline and weight taxes to help maintain its aging street system.
Oxford Bank will benefit from the swap as it will give the respected local financial insitution a larger contiguous piece of property with increased usability and flexibility for future development or expansion.
Bank President Jeff Davidson indicated the corporation supports the trade.
Given what a valuable asset Oxford Bank is to the downtown area and the bank’s generous support of community-oriented causes, it would behoove voters to return some of that support at the polls.
The land swap would also allow the village to construct a right-turn lane on Broadway to help manage traffic flow more effectively.
According to village officials, this third lane would make the Broadway/M-24 intersection a better candidate for possible placement of a traffic signal there in the future.
Another traffic signal downtown is something village officials, residents and business owners have wanted and needed for years.
There’s absolutely no legitimate or logical reason to vote ‘no’ on this proposed land swap.
It’s a benefit to all those concerned and definitely deserves voters’ support.
We strongly urge Oxford Village voters to vote YES on Proposal A on Monday, March 8.