Oxford News

Oxford Twp. said thanks for a job well done to members of their comprehensive plan committee at a special reception prior to the trustees' regular monthly meeting Monday, Jan. 12.

Committee members and chairman Jim Rubenstein were invited to a reception Monday and each was presented with a certificate of appreciation and a token gift from the trustees. The trustees expressed great appreciation for their hard work over more than a year, culminating in approval of the plan by the trustees last May and the Butler County Planning Commission later in the year.

"There were bumps along the way," 2009 trustee chairman Gary Salmon said Monday. "We got it passed and did something good for the future of Oxford Twp."

Vice chairman Jim McDonough said he appreciated the work of everyone involved and added, "It came out well."

Trustee Larry Frimerman paid tribute to the members of the committee as well as the Butler County Department of Development, which helped a great deal in the process. Frimerman said the township got off inexpensively because of the work of the committee, with help from the county and the expertise of committee chairman Jim Rubenstein, so that having the document completed did not cost $100,000 as it might have in other efforts.

"Each of you picked up a fairly heavy load," Frimerman said."You came from disparate places and came up with a consensus plan within a year that will drive development in Oxford Twp. ... You did it."

He said the plan will help the township retain its rural character.

The trustees have proclaimed Feb. 9, the date of their next meeting, as Oxford Township Comprehensive Plan Committee Day in honor of the members who produced the plan.

Rubenstein, who was presented with a replica train station clock in appreciation for his work chairing the committee, praised the public for their participation. He said people turned out in greater numbers than he expected and supported the work being done, rather than opposing it.

He also reminded those present that "the process is never over" and needs to be updated regularly, adding that a five-year update process is built into the plan.

Contact this reporter at (513) 523-4139 or bratterman@coxohio.com.