Oxford Residents Share Priorities for $3.9 Million ARPA funds

“All In For Oxford” is an alliance of citizens and neighborhood organizations in Oxford, who hosted two community forums in the past six months to inform our residents about ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding and the guidelines for spending these monies. Participants who attended offered ideas they considered necessary and community-building, to address the after-effects of adversity which occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In holding these forums, we hoped to reach our goal of informing residents, and giving them a voice in decision-making that will help the community form a plan for use of these funds.

At both forums, and after an informal survey of students’ input at Oxford High School, many thoughtful ideas of uses for the relief funds were suggested:

1. To set up a community center in a central location, the former Oxford Center School.

• adult education
• support for those still struggling with academics, due to interruptions in learning caused by the pandemic; better funding for after-school academic support
• summer and year round programs for youth
• creating safe space for adults and youth to socialize
  • teen center with an arcade or recreational space
• improve existing fields and gym
  
  • indoor basketball court
• update kitchen at former OCS
  • cooking classes and commercial production
• recreation center for youth/teens
  • skate park
  • town pool
  • splash park
  • bike/hiking paths
  • outdoor basketball and volleyball courts
• use the location (former OCS) as a hub for increased public transportation

2. To offer more community health and mental health supports / resources.

• Opioid crisis resources
• Provide space for support groups, counselor(s), Rx prescriber
• Provide space for storage of PPE, including supplies of children’s masks
• Provide space for possible relationships with non-profits (such as YMCA, Big Brothers / Big Sisters)

3. To offer opportunities for people to participate in the arts.

• use of the stage in the former OCS for theater and performing arts
  
  • art and music education/performances
• cultural events which contribute to community building and economic recovery
• better funding of after-school programs for the arts

4. To provide direct monetary assistance/support to residents most negatively impacted by COVID-19.

• Provide space for food pantry for those who are food insecure
• Support local farms which in turn will support food pantry with fresh produce.
• Create a small business “incubator,” offering space / supports for new local businesses
• Create a central access point for those in the community who want to learn about and access existing public resources

5. To update existing public buildings and infrastructure to code, to benefit public health.

• Modernize the HVAC system in former OCS and other public spaces
• Improve ventilation systems in schools. (N/b: new information. State funds have been allotted to support this effort, recently)
• Sewer line upgrades as deemed necessary for public use and health
• Installing and/or upgrading disability access in public buildings / areas

6. To further the preservation of existing farms, parks and open space.

• Schreiber’s Farm was at one point up for sale… will Oxford purchase this farm?
• Community gardens
• For upkeep at our existing parks and recreation fields
• Clean up of the Oxford Glen and the trails behind the Oxford Glen
• Refurbish Jackson Cove (there is large amount of space that is now unused)

Residents are invited to join the continued discussion of how Oxford should spend its allotted $3.9 million at a public hearing hosted by First Selectman George Temple, on Wednesday, February 9 at 6:00 pm in the Oxford High School Auditorium.