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Oxford City Council hosted a public hearing at Bynum Community Center on Tuesday, June 25, to gather community input on proposed infrastructure improvements.

Lance Armbruster of CDG Engineering explained that the proposed construction has come from concerns raised by Bynum residents about drainage problems.

“Some of these drainage problems have impacted individual residents’ properties and have even, at times, made vehicular travel difficult,” Armbruster said. “The drainage study has confirmed a lot of the things that have been mentioned to us, and the flooding potential outside of those areas was significant. The city is seeking to find a solution to these problems.”

He said the improvements primarily consist of replacing culverts, replacing a large drainage pipe, and improving the ditch.

Residents were given access to both maps and engineers and allowed to ask questions.

The proposed 2025 project will be funded by a $4.25 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Agency and a $1 million matching grant from the city.

During its work session, council member Steven Waits joined with other council members in praising the work of Oxford businessman Thomas Shelton in organizing the recent fishing rodeo and all those who volunteered their goods and services.

“It was incredible,” Waits said. “Every field was covered, and they handed out 200 free fishing rods to kids that did not have them or had no means to purchase them. They estimated 500-600 kids were there. The Gideons handed out 500 Bibles. White’s Wildlife cooked around 800 hamburgers and hot dogs and handed out 1,000 snow cones. Antioch Baptist had volunteers at the bounce houses. I talked to several there, and it was a really good event.”

Waits said Shelton is looking to have another one, preferably next April, when the temperatures would be cooler.

“We need to put that on our agenda for next April to work with Thomas again,” Waits said.