A recent zoning map amendment request for a 30.73-acre parcel of land on Old Taylor Road was approved by the Oxford Board of Aldermen; however, many community members who use the Whirlpool Trial opposed the rezoning.

The request sought to rezone approximately 26 acres from Traditional Neighborhood Business (TNB) and Neighborhood Residential (NR) to Suburban Multi-Family (SMF). An additional 0.07 acres was proposed to shift from Neighborhood Residential (NR) to Suburban Residential (SR).

JWM Development owns the property in question, and the rezoning would pave the way for a multi-family housing project in the area.

The proposal was heard before the Oxford Planning Commission in September and it failed with a 3-4 vote against the recommendation.

On Tuesday, it went before the Board of Aldermen for consideration where it passed unanimously after a public hearing was held.

Civil engineer for the project, John Granberry, said the Whirlpool Trail would not be touched.

“We cannot and will not touch the Whirlpool Trail,” he said.“The edge of the trail is 45 feet from our property line then you have the other 50 feet, that’s almost 100 feet of buffer that will not be touched.”

Other residents argued the development would further worsen traffic conditions on Old Taylor Road, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Developers said major road developments, such as the completion of Oxford Way and Chucky Mullins Drive, have improved accessibility to the area.

Additionally, the growing population of the University of Mississippi and the increased demand for student housing were cited as strong reasons to support the rezoning. According to the developer, the location is ideal for students and staff who need affordable, accessible housing close to the campus.

Some of the aldermen and Mayor Robyn Tannehill reminded those attending the meeting that Tuesday’s request was only for rezoning and things like buffers and protection for the trials will be discussed during the site plan process.

Alderman Mark Huelse emphasized that while many concerns, particularly those related to the buffer zone for the Whirlpool Trails, were valid, they would be addressed during the site plan approval process.

“A lot of the concerns are site plan concerns and not a zoning concern,” Huelse said.

Moving forward, the project will face further scrutiny during the site planning process, where issues like traffic, safety and environmental impacts will need to be addressed.