Oxford leaders believe parking will drive the revitalization of their downtown business district, and the next six months will be critical to shifting those plans into gear.

The borough is searching for the final $2 million needed for a proposed $6 million parking garage, transportation center, and new borough hall, according to a Chester County Press report by Steven Hoffman.

“It’s obvious that we need that facility,” said Oxford Borough Manager Brian Hoover. “All the parking studies point to the fact that if you want anything to occur, you need to address the parking issue in the downtown.

“We have an opportunity to drive activity in the downtown district. That brings jobs to town. This will be the economic engine for southern Chester County.”

Oxford has already secured more than $1 million in grants and has applied for $2.5 million more. Also, there’s a $1 million gift for the new 2,700-square-foot borough hall.

“We are extremely close,” Hoover said. “If we don’t have that funding secured in six months, I’d say we’ve probably stumbled somewhere along the way. I think this project becomes real in six months.”

The 377-space parking garage would alleviate congestion in downtown Oxford, where 20 new businesses have moved in over the last two years, and more are coming soon.

Read more about the parking garage proposal in the Chester County Press here.