Oxford resident Lyn Martin Schloemer used to love shopping uptown in support of local merchants.
Legally, Schloemer is registered as disabled, which means she could access a spot reserved for handicapped individuals. Still, when she drives uptown she finds these spots taken by a car with no tag. “I just have to drive back home due to my walking disability,” she said.
Parking access in Oxford has been a topic of debate for local residents. Considering their complaints and experiences, city officials are working to accommodate parking measures to meet the needs of everyone living in the town.
Oxford initiatives over the past few years have included the addition of mobile pay apps, smart meters, and upgrades to parking infrastructure, which Police Chief John Jones said he hopes will provide more flexibility and convenience for drivers.
“The Municipal Parking Garage is undergoing renovations, and we hope it will improve parking options when it opens later this month,” he added.
Parking is managed by the Division of Police, according to Oxford’s Assistant City Manager, Jessica Greene. “We have meter parking to provide for turnover,” she said. “Without meters, cars park all day, blocking access to local businesses.”
Church and Walnut Street are one block from High Street and have lower meter rates than spaces closer to uptown.
With the increase in residents living on the upper floors uptown, parking meter times have been extended until 8 p.m. to adjust to dinner times, according to Greene. “We feel that we have adequate parking for almost all a city needs within a two to three-block walk of our business district,” she said.
But residents disagree. Residents said the parking rules affect their involvement with city events. “No longer can community members attend Miami concerts, concerts, lectures, theater events, etc., because of lack of parking,” said resident Nora Bowers. “Attendance at these events is greatly affected.”
Another resident, Bill Davis, said when they were young “there wasn’t an issue because students weren’t allowed to bring cars, everyone had bikes or walked.”
Despite improvements in transportation options like bike trails, Oxford residents said they feel parking limitations are unfair and are calling for reforms to better accommodate those who rely on vehicles.
“We don’t go uptown much because of it,” said resident Dee Laatsch Fisher. “We go to neighboring communities to support their local businesses.”
Police Chief Jones said parking enforcement is a regular challenge, especially during peak times like the start of the school year or major events. “With the influx of visitors, parents, and others on these large weekends, we are often challenged with too many cars and not enough spaces.”
