It appears that Oxford could finally get something it’s been lacking for a number of years ? lodging for visitors.
Brooksie Pollack is looking to transform her quaint village home at 9 Hudson St. into a guest house for foreign visitors associated with the Oxford school district.
But in order to do that, she needs special land use approval from the village.
A public hearing before the village planning commission is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1. It will take place inside the council chambers at 22 W. Burdick St.
‘I’m feeling pretty good about it,? Pollack said. ‘I hope it passes.?
The public notice issued by the village labeled the proposed establishment as a bed and breakfast, but it’s really only going to provide the former.
‘I’m not going to serve breakfast,? Pollack said. ‘I’m going to call it the Oxford Guest House.?
The house would not be open to the general public. It would only be available to the visiting parents of foreign exchange students attending Oxford Schools and any other individuals associated with the district’s international program.
‘It fills a need in the community,? she said. ‘When parents come to visit, many times there’s no place for them to stay.?
‘People who are involved in the international program, they think it’s a great idea,? Pollack added. ‘They think there’s definitely a need for it. They’re all for it.?
Pollack indicated she would be paid by the guests, not the school district.
‘It would be just like if they were going to stay at a hotel,? she explained. ‘They would just pay me. It’s going to be my business.?
Pollack said she’ll probably reach out to the Lake Orion school district because they have foreign exchange students, too.
Two rooms will be available for visitor use at the proposed Oxford Guest House.
‘I have this big house and I’m not using all of it,? said Pollack, who purchased the home from longtime village residents Perry and Merolynn Hathaway in May 2012.
The house was built in 1900.
‘It was a fixer-upper when I bought it,? she said. ‘I’ve got it looking pretty cute now.?
Pollack hopes to have the Guest House up and running in December.
One of the biggest advantages of the house, in Pollack’s opinion, is the fact that it’s located right across the street from downtown Oxford.
Visitors would be able to enjoy a variety of dining, shopping and entertainment opportunities without having to drive.
‘From my house, they could walk to 10 different restaurants within two blocks,? she said.
Pollack indicated that when she retires from General Motors, she may consider turning her historic house into a bed and breakfast that’s open to everyone.