Council votes 6–1 not to require traffic study for proposed arcade at 55 S. Third Street

Oxford Borough Council voted to waive a traffic impact study requirement for a proposed arcade at 55 S. Third Street, concluding that the project’s projected trip generation did not trigger the ordinance thresholds cited by the applicant.

Applicant Colleen Boroughs told Council she reviewed the borough ordinance and traffic data and estimated roughly 60 peak‑hour trips for the arcade—about 15 per hour—below the ordinance threshold that would mandate a full traffic impact study. Boroughs said a 2021 traffic count showed 9,326 vehicles per day on Third Street and asked Council to clarify whether Pennoni’s request for multiple intersection studies was necessary. “I’m asking for clarity on whether a full traffic study is required,” Boroughs said, noting the potential cost burden of multiple intersection analyses.

Business owner Scott Blum argued a study may be unnecessary because the building’s occupancy would not materially increase compared with prior mercantile use. Zoning and Codes Officer Terri Dugan cautioned that occupancy classification depends on use under the Uniform Construction Code and that exact occupancy will be determined once a complete application is filed.

After Council discussion—some members wanting a professional analysis and others concerned about imposing excessive cost on a small business—Ms. Amanda Birdwell moved and Mr. Mike Brandt seconded a motion to not require the traffic impact study. The motion passed in a roll‑call vote: Raul Juarez‑Lara, William Fitzpatrick, Melody Boston‑Griffin, Amanda Birdwell, Mike Brandt and Robert Ketcham voted yes; Kathryn Cloyd voted no.

Council noted that it could later attach conditions to a Conditional Use approval to address traffic concerns if needed; the waiver does not preclude staff or Council from requesting targeted analysis or conditions at future steps.