Since this site began in 2000, many things concerning Oxford have changed.
Unfortunately, Oxford is facing an invasion os the worst kind – condomania.
Oxford is in real danger of losing its locals from around the Square.
Gentrification is forcing us out. – 6-28-06
gentrification, noun.
the act or process of increasing the value of real estate in a neighborhood or other area by selling its houses to buyers of greater means than the present owners or tenants. – World Book Dictionary
_______________________________________________________
June 28, 2006 - Condos Appearing in the Blink of an Eye
As I begin this latest update, I am at a loss for words.
Another beautiful older home has disintegrated right before my eyes.
At the corner of N. 14th. and Jefferson, there was a lovely Craftsman style
grey brick home. It had a gracious front porch and lots of windows.
It was perfect in the micro-environment of the lot it was on – it seemed as if
it had grown up through the ground right along with the trees and plants that
anchored it so well. I always meant to do a portrait of it from the west side
where tall Althea trees grew next to a section of windows that I had guessed
was the dining room. It was the coziest looking space. Now that is all gone.
I looked at that house everytime I drove by, which was several times a day
every day for the past several years.
It was part of my neighborhood and thus a part of me.
One day there were people living there, the next day I noticed it was empty, but
it had been empty before. However, the next day
orange plastic fencing had suddenly sproated around some of the trees
and blue spray-paint marked the grass with locations of service lines.
At that point I knew something was up, but was totally shocked to drive by the next day and see
that the doors and windows were gone and there were gaping black holes.
This morning when I drove by,
the beautiful Craftsman was completely gone.
At least they saved the trees – how "good" of them.
Someone must have been as appalled as I because the mailbox was covered with
three stickers that echoed my sentiments exactly!
The bulldozing of homes - including late 19th. and early 20th. century ones,
and ones like the Craftsman style that no longer exists as of today,
"affordable" rentals for students and locals, and green space and wooded areas
around the Oxford Square is happening at an alarming rate.
When is enough, 'enough' ?
At the bottom of this page is the text which I began this site with in 2000.
At that time, Oxford was becoming known as a top retirement community.
Oxford seems to have touted this ideological card as a means for growth
and higher taxes for city purses, but what about the rest of us?
What about the locals who need affordable housing and have had it around the Square
up until very recently? What about the fact that you have been eroding our rights to
live where we enjoy living?
You evidently think the Square should become a rich elitist, exclusionary place.
You offer up condos as a "way" to feel a part of the Square, a part of Oxford's heritage,
a part of Southern heritage, a part of a gentry inspired lifestyle that is totally fake when
you get down to what Oxford has been. Oxford is not New York, San Francisco,
Chicago, New Orleans, nor is it England or our sister city of Oxford, England.
You cannot be what you are not.
You only turn into a poseur.
_______________________________________________________
September 10, 2004
Condomania Increasing
The collage I created below has turned prophetic.
One of the newest Postings to go up for condos to be built happened this past week
with a sign going up on the beautifully wooded property directly
across from the cemetary on N. 16th. Street!
Proposed are 16 condos for this narrow, beautiful, and peaceful street.
What is going on with people who want to bulldoze, scrape, pave and condo
every green space we have?
Oxford's very unique character is fading fast.
Oxford may end up being filled with condos for weekenders
and no locals to support businesses during the week.
VARIANCE Request – DATE: Sooner than you expect it. – CASE # 911
_______________________________________________________
August 2004
Condos Taking Over Our Town
For those of us who love living close-in and work hard to pay our high "low" rents...it's getting scary. Homes and beautiful land and trees around the square are quickly passing away as people who only listen to the talk of money run to tear down the high "low" rent housing where students, artists, musicians, and writers have struggled to live. Those of you who've lived here for years only have to drive around every couple of weeks to suddenly notice some new condo construction going up where once there was a much meeker manner of housing...one that in all probability fit the town and what it apparently use to be about. What will be the Greedy's next "Prime Property" meal?
_______________________________________________________
2000 – Welcome to Oxford, MS...
This is a great little place to live... sometimes, but then that's true of any town. This site offers a chance to see some of the great things about us, as well as some of the not-so-great.
Oxford, MS is included in The 100 Best Small Towns in America and is situated among the beautiful rolling hills in the northern part of the state. An easy-going atmosphere makes this little town of 10,000+ locals a wonderful place to live.
A dynamic part of Oxford is The Square. In April of each year the Double Decker Festival brings artists, craftspeople, musicians, food vendors, and visitors to The Square. Anytime of the year offers one an opportunity to stroll around to shop in a variety of stores, or just window shop, enjoy a good meal in any of the restaurants, or go hear live music at night. Christmas season on The Square provides a venue for live music outside during evening shopping hours and a night visit there will take you into another realm when you see all the Christmas lights outlining buildings and trees.
Culture in Oxford also means we are home to one of America's most famous authors, William Faulkner. A visit to his unique home and grounds is truly a step back in time.
Oxford has grown in a way, so far, that has preserved its tree-lined streets and its unique town square environment. Trees and green space are essential and important here. With so much to offer, Oxford is fast becoming a desirable retirement community as well as a community for young families, singles, artists, writers, musicians, poets, and people who care about the quality of life a small town can provide.
_______________________________________________________
Updated 6-29-06
© 2000-2006 Bluesky Studio
