Council was very receptive last week to the idea of an Oxford Village resident hosting various events in a vacant industrial facility at 98 S. Glaspie St.
‘I think it’s a good idea to utilize that building,? said Councilman Tom Benner. ‘I’d like to see some activity in that quadrant of the village.?
Tom Smith, who lives on Conda Lane, proposed hosting things such as entertainment events, a farmer’s market, antique/collector/trade shows, music concerts, boy/girl scout conventions, 4-H Fair-type events, and a skateboard/rollerblade course.
‘My goal is to provide an environment for Oxford residents, as well as residents from surrounding communities, to enjoy music, cultural events and other entertainment applications,? he wrote in a letter to council.
Smith said he would like to host the events ‘in conjunction with the village? to generate income for the municipality and possibly himself in the process.
In March 2006, the village purchased the 3.42-acre former industrial site surrounded by Scripter Park along with the village’s water pumping and treatment facilities and Department of Public Works complex.
The site contains a vacant building ? estimated to be between 15,000 and 20,000 square feet ? part of which Smith wants to transform into a ‘special event complex.?
‘Quite frankly, I was astounded that the village hasn’t taken advantage of that building,? Smith said. ‘I’m willing to pursue this in earnest.?
He told council he’s prepared to ‘work closely with village officials? to ‘develop a safe, prosperous venue for entertainment and events.?
Smith has more than 10 years of background in entertainment event organization, promotion and execution. He currently works as a producer/editor for Oxford Community Television (Channel 19).
Officials responded positively to Smith’s idea.
‘I personally would like to see things like this go on at that building rather than salt storage (for the DPW),? said Councilman Chris Bishop. ‘I think it would be great to have community activities in there.?
Issues such as rental fees and insurance, along with health, fire and building inspections and what it would take to bring the building up to code, would all have to be looked into and worked out before any decisions are made.
Based on the discussion, the village President told Smith it seems the consensus of council is he’s ‘going in the right direction? and he can begin pursuing the issues involved.
Bishop noted ‘it would be nice? to invest any potential revenue the village earns from Smith’s proposal back into the facility itself.
The village planning commission was also supportive of Smith’s concept, according to Manager Joe Young.