32-unit Habitat for Humanity proposal on Chestnut gets Planning Commission approval
Oxford has put grant funding toward an affordable housing project on Chestnut Street. Now, that project is one step closer to construction following the Planning Commission's approval of site plans at a January meeting.
A 32-unit townhome development on Chestnut Street is one step closer to construction following Oxford Planning Commission approval.
During a Jan. 14 Planning Commission meeting, commission members unanimously voted to recommend City Council approval of both the planned development and subdivision proposals necessary for the project to move forward. Oxford previously purchased 3.5 acres of property at 601, 603 and 607 Chestnut Street to contribute to affordable housing plans in the city, and the proposed development is being led by Greater Cincinnati Habitat for Humanity.
The new development comes with unique timeline pressures. Habitat for Humanity ordinarily works with first-time homebuyers who help to construct their own homes, but this project has funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) wrapped up in it. All ARPA funds must be spent by Dec. 31, 2026.
The city also accepted $990,000 in grant funding from the Ohio Department of Development’s Welcome Home Ohio fund last August. That funding amounted to $30,000 per unit before the proposal ended up at 32 units, and any units that are unfinished by May 2026 will need to forfeit their funding back to the state.
Jim Clawson, a local developer, said during the Planning Commission meeting that he has “real problems” with the site as proposed. The land is currently three single-family lots, and Clawson said the jump to 32 town homes would be too dense. He also worried that environmental concerns like erosion could be made worse by the development, particularly since Bull Run Creek runs through the property.
The commission recommended the project for approval with numerous waivers and conditions. The application lists the project as a planned development or planned unit development (PUD). City code describes PUDs as requiring 20% of the overall land to be open space, and overall density shouldn’t exceed 110% of the land’s zoning requirements.
“From the initial approval of change of zoning with significant opposition from the public to the multiple waivers granted outside of the normal PUD, the city is setting a precedent to be expected when a private developer submits for approval on other developments,” Clawson said. “As a developer in this town, which I am, I can tell you that we had to fight for every waiver or variance we have ever received.”
Shana Rosenberg, vice-chair of the Planning Commission, said the project will fill a need in the Oxford community. The townhomes are intended for residents who make 80% or less of the median area income.
“I believe that we need more affordable housing in this town, and this location is incredible for people who can find that home ownership and also be right near our parks, right near our groceries, right near schools,” Rosenberg said. “… As far as what the community as a whole has said as far as our plan or strategic direction, this is a good project.”
Now that the Planning Commission has given its recommendation, City Council will need to vote on the project and the conditions surrounding it.
Habitat for Humanity will hold two information sessions for prospective first-time homebuyers interested in the development. The first will be Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 6-7 p.m., and the second will be Saturday, Jan. 25 from 10-11 a.m. Both will be held at the Oxford Presbyterian Church Seminary Building at 104 E. Church St.
