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Council hears first reading to buy 4.9 acres for Oxford Area Trails phase 5; residents raise privacy, signage and surveillance concerns
Summary
The Oxford City Council received a first reading of an ordinance to purchase 4.9 acres from EVR Investments LLC for $295,000 to support Phase 5 of the Oxford Area Trails multimodal project, with residents raising concerns about privacy, signage and surveillance.
The Oxford City Council received a first reading of an ordinance authorizing purchase of 4.9 acres from EVR Investments LLC for the Oxford Area Trails multimodal transportation project, phase 5. Staff said the purchase price is $295,000 for two parcels: a path alignment parcel and a 2.3‑acre parcel along State Route 73 referred to in staff remarks as the “Triangle.”
During the staff presentation, officials said the agreement with EVR Investments includes planting a vegetative barrier along the south side of the new trail to discourage unauthorized access to the adjacent farm field and posting signs that read “now entering private property.” Staff indicated the existing vegetative barrier along the trail’s north side will remain and that the city does not plan to place private‑property signs on the north side, although individual homeowners may post at their property lines.
Resident Anne Feuer, whose property abuts the project, spoke in public comment and welcomed the inclusion of surveillance cameras, saying residents had previously requested cameras and had been denied. Feuer emphasized the importance of clearly marking private property along the trail and asked about the city’s experience with the phase‑4 segment along Brookville Road adjacent to private properties.
Council members asked technical questions about future connectivity and ownership of the Triangle parcel. Staff answered that the city would own the Triangle parcel outright, so no easement would be required for future road connectivity; council discussion noted interest in a future decision on disposition of the 2.3 acres (sale or other uses) and asked staff to preserve flexibility.
The presentation was a first reading; council did not adopt the ordinance at the meeting. No final vote or appropriation was recorded. Staff recommended approval and public comment focused on privacy protections, signage and the request for cameras. Any proposal to sell the Triangle or to add surveillance equipment would require later council action.
