Mayor's Message August 2025
I am pleased to provide the following community updates from the Borough of Oakland.
We are proud to congratulate the Junior Police Academy Class of 2025! A total of 42 students successfully completed the program, which provided them with a unique opportunity to learn about the roles and responsibilities of Oakland’s Police, Fire, and EMS departments. Field trips included visits to the Edgewater Fire Department’s Marine Unit, Treescape Adventures, as well as live demonstrations by the US Air Marshalls, the Bergen County Bomb Squad and K-9 Unit. The week concluded with a special visit from the New Jersey State Police helicopter, which landed at the Oakland Recreation Complex. We commend all participants on their enthusiasm and commitment.
The Oakland Arts Committee will be hosting a free outdoor concert series in August at Great Oak Park with “Till We Can’t” performing on Saturday, August 2nd, from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM, “Cable TV Band” Saturday August 16th from 5-8:30PM, “Steve Leonard and Friends” on Saturday August 20th from 6-8:30PM and Mark Sganga & Friends on Saturday August 31st, 5-8:30PM. These promise to be fun and festive evenings for the community, and we hope to see many residents there.
In addition, the Oakland Outdoor Market has seen strong attendance on the Saturdays it has been open. Be sure to stop by and support local vendors on the upcoming market dates: Saturday, August 9 and Saturday, August 30 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
We’re excited to announce that the newly refurbished Danny Delia Playground officially reopened in July. This project included the installation of new playground equipment, benches with sunshades, and a new safety surface. The playground now offers a refreshed, modern space for children and families to enjoy.
We are pleased to report that the Patriots Way Bridge project is moving steadily toward completion. All concrete work and parapets have been completed, and construction vehicles and forms have been removed from the site. The bridge deck has been grooved, and gabion rock for the drainage system has been completed. General site cleanup has also been completed. Fencing and landscaping are in the process of being installed. The final stages of the project include installing guide rails, milling and paving, and striping the entire length of Patriot’s Way. We appreciate the community’s continued patience and look forward to opening the bridge once these final tasks are complete.
The 2025 Road Program was completed in July, improving several roadways throughout town. In addition, the plans for Yawpo Avenue have received approval from the New Jersey Department of Transportation for milling and paving. The Borough is currently bidding on the project and we expect to make a contract award this month.
The demolition of homes on Roosevelt Boulevard and Lenape Lane that are part of the Flood Buyout Program have received final approval and required permits to proceed. This project is also out to bid and a contract award is expected in August. Prior to demolition, residents in the area of Roosevelt Boulevard will notice activity from the Oakland Police and Fire Departments. These agencies will be using the vacant homes for training exercises. This is a valuable opportunity for both departments, and we want to assure the public that this activity is planned and no cause for concern.
A new McDonald’s is under construction on West Oakland Avenue, located behind Walgreens and CityMD. Earthwork is underway as the site is being prepared for the construction of the new building. This will be a welcomed addition to the local business community.
Thank you for your continued support as we work to enhance our infrastructure and community spaces throughout Oakland.