I just finished reading the latest edition of The Oxford Leader. The continued discussion about making our town more attractive to foot traffic and shoppers with a new streetscape has me very frustrated.
I am 60 years old and grew up here. I frequently walk downtown. I am not afraid to walk downtown. The traffic noise can be loud, but we have lived with the gravel trains for more than my 60 years.
I remember a time when there was a reason to stroll and shop downtown. We had several clothing stores, gift shops, hardware, general merchandise stores, fabric and yarn shops.
There are only a few retail stores on main street now, and none of them are the kind of store you stroll through to browse. How often do you need to buy a frame, flowers or new cell phone? The vast majority of Oxford residents don’t require horse saddles or related items.
I am really glad we still have a local pharmacy, but again, it’s not the kind of store you browse through unless you’re waiting for a prescription.
Personally, I’m thrilled by the number of eating establishments we have now. A big improvement over 15 to 20 years ago, but most of them have back entrances, which the majority of their customers use.
In my opinion, a new streetscape will not bring people to town and would be a huge waste of money. The reason there are no shoppers downtown is not because they are afraid for their lives, there is just nothing to draw them there.
Linda Felske
Oxford