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Oakland commissioners preview telecom ordinance and 'Touch Street' overlay to spur commercial growth
Summary
Commissioners discussed a draft telecom ordinance to permit cell towers on town-owned land and a 'Touch Street' overlay to create a mixed-use corridor along SR‑50, aiming to improve coverage, attract developers and diversify the town's tax base amid state-level changes.
At its March 24 meeting, the Town of Oakland Commission discussed several planning tools intended to improve cell service, boost municipal revenue and attract commercial investment along State Road 50.
Commissioners described a draft telecom ordinance that would allow the town to permit construction of cell towers on designated town-owned property — with leases to carrier operators — and said staff would issue an RFP to solicit an operator. The proposal would site towers on vacant town land behind the police department and is intended to improve reception across the town while producing lease and carrier revenue for the municipality.
Separately, staff and commissioners described a proposed "Touch Street" overlay for a corridor off SR‑50 that would allow mixed uses including retail, restaurants, office and residential development with a defined streetscape plan. The overlay is presented as a tool to encourage thoughtful private investment that preserves the town’s character while expanding commercial tax revenue; commission discussion noted staff and the town engineer are reviewing the ordinance text and land-development code to remove contradictions and establish design standards.
Commissioners said the town planner and staff are vetting multiple prospective developments along SR‑50 (reported during the meeting as nine potential projects in various stages from conceptual to approved). Several commissioners emphasized careful review of applicants to avoid low-value uses such as gas stations or car washes and to ensure new projects serve residents.
Why it matters: Oaklands relies heavily on residential property tax revenue, and commissioners said a diversified commercial tax base could ease pressure on homeowners — a priority as state legislation affecting municipal finance proceeds. The town plans further ordinance drafting, an RFP for a carrier operator and additional planning review at future meetings.
The commission did not adopt any ordinances at the meeting; staff were directed to continue drafting the telecom ordinance, finalize the overlay language, and prepare RFP materials.
