The city of Oberlin is working to finalize an initiative called the Draft Comprehensive Plan which address issues including the environment, economy, infrastructure, education and recreation.
The most recent stage of the plan, included a draft for future land use.
There were three areas of focus designated for specific attention in the plan.
The first of these areas is called South of Hamilton and largely includes land between Hamilton Street and U.S. Route 20.
“The intent in this location is to create a balance between residential and commercial opportunities,” according to the plan. “Specifically with commercial, the use and designs which don’t lend itself to a mixed use type development or a downtown setting, should locate in the area.”
The plan specifically highlights the developments where Walmart and ALDI are located as areas for where new businesses could go.
The plan also proposes the addition of pathways or trails to the conservation space on the west side of the area, but also along state Route 58 and Route 20, which would give pedestrians a separate walkway from Hamilton to the Walmart.
The plan also identifies downtown Oberlin as an area of focus, with increasing walkability as one of the objectives.
“Focus should be paid on maintaining and increasing the overall walkability and connections to the area,” the plan reads.
It also proposes creating a “district parking” model in downtown.
This would make current parking lots currently owned by different organizations to be more accessible to the public.
The plan also proposes improving the intersection of College and Main streets.
The third area of focus for the Draft Comprehensive Plan is called the 58 Corridor, which encompasses Vine Street, Hamilton Street, South Main Street and Route 58.
The plan highlights the role the North Coast Inland Trail, which intersects through South Main Street, in the walkability and connectivity of the area.
The draft suggests that there could be an increase in a variety of spaces, like homes, businesses and small parks in the area, because it is accessible by several types of transportation.
“The central point between the two trails establishes a central node where higher density and development could be appropriate,” the draft reads.
The draft of the plan was headed by the Draft Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee made up of 18 Oberlin community members.
Consulting firm KM Date Community Planning assisted with the project.
The city of Oberlin asked residents to provide feedback on these potential plans from a period up until Dec. 31.
That feedback will be evaluated before the next step in the Draft Comprehensive Plan.
For more information on the Draft Comprehensive Plan, visit https://oberlincomprehensiveplan.com/getinvolved.
