What should Oxford look like 10, 20, or even 30 years from now? That question is at the heart of the Town of Oxford’s Master Plan process—and residents are asked to help provide the answer.

The town encourages residents, business owners, property owners, and anyone who has a connection to Oxford to participate in the Master Plan survey. The survey provides an opportunity for the community to share its thoughts about the future of the town, particularly how Oxford should approach land use and development.

A Master Plan is more than a planning document. It establishes a long-term vision for the community and provides a framework to help guide future decisions about growth, development, infrastructure, housing, open space, transportation, and other issues that affect the character and quality of life in Oxford.

One of the most important components of developing a successful Master Plan is understanding what residents value about their community—and what they would like to see change.

Oxford has experienced significant growth and change over the years, and additional changes are likely in the future. Decisions about where and how development occurs can have lasting impacts on neighborhoods, businesses, natural resources, municipal services, and the overall character of the community.

The Master Plan survey gives residents a chance to weigh in on these issues. Do you think Oxford has the right balance of residential, commercial, and industrial development? Are there areas where additional development would make sense? Are there places where development should be limited or carefully managed? What characteristics of Oxford are important to preserve as the community grows?

These are the types of questions that community members can help address through the Master Plan process.

Importantly, residents do not need to be experts in planning, zoning, or development to participate. The survey is designed to gather the opinions and experiences of the people who live, work, own property, operate businesses, and spend time in Oxford every day.

Every response helps provide a clearer picture of the community’s priorities. While the survey is only one part of the Master Plan process, broad participation will help ensure that the plan reflects the community rather than the views of only a small group of residents.

The Master Plan will ultimately serve as a roadmap for Oxford’s future. It can help the town identify priorities, establish policies, and make informed decisions about how land is used and how future development should occur.

Your participation matters. Whether you have lived in Oxford for decades or recently made the community your home, you have a perspective that can contribute to the conversation.

Take a few minutes to complete the Master Plan survey and help shape the future of Oxford.

Oxford’s future is a community decision. Make sure your voice is part of it.

Paper copies are available in the town hall, library, and senior center and completed surveys can be returned to any of those locations. To take the survey, go here: https://cmrpc.typeform.com/oxfordmp 

The survey is open through September. The Master Plan Committee’s next meeting is September 14 at 6 p.m. at the Oxford Town Hall.