Public Forum on Use of $3.9 million ARPA Funds in Oxford

OXFORD – A growing group of Oxford residents, from a wide range of backgrounds, wants to make sure the voices of all residents are heard regarding the allocation and distribution of the $3.9 million allocated to the town through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The purpose of the funds is to mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and address economic disparities.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build our community together,” said Marcia Franko, a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Church and one of the leaders of the effort to ensure transparency and public discussion in deciding how to spend these funds. “Our effort includes Republicans, Democrats and Unaffiliates, young and old, women and men, people connected with churches and people who aren’t religious at all.”

The group has discussed possibilities including improvement of housing opportunities, building a community and youth center, developing programs to address the opioid epidemic, and upgrading disability access in schools. “But our most important goal,” Franko said, “is to bring more of our neighbors into the conversation, learn what they want, and get them involved."

Oxford residents are encouraged to attend a public meeting on Thursday, September 30 at 7pm at St. Thomas the Apostle Church Hall, 733 Oxford Road. Masks are encouraged. There will be opportunities to become involved, including letter and social media campaigns.

For more information, contact Lynn Aiksnoras at 203-592-1774 or romans8_28@sbcglobal.net.