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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update 8/10/2020

From Mayor Linda H. Schwager
Posted on: August 10, 2020 - 3:30pm
Coronavirus Update 8-10-2020

Power Outage Update:

As of Monday August 10, 2020, 1,900 Orange and Rockland customers remain without power. Orange and Rockland are aware of the smaller residential groupings without power, such as, Hemlock Street, Skyline Drive, and parts on the north side. If you experience any problems related to your power being out, or otherwise, do not hesitate to contact the Oakland Police Department at (201) 337-6171. For those still without power, the Oakland Public Library remains open for cooling off and charging mobile devices.

Metal Collection:

Metal collection has been changed to the SECOND THURSDAY of the month due to COVID-19 staffing issues with the Borough’s hauler. Every business and residence in Oakland should have received a postcard in the mail with the change and future dates. We thank you for your understanding.

Yard Waste Collection Update:

The Borough of Oakland recognizes that many residents have begun the extensive clean up from this past Tuesday’s tropical storm. We realize that there is a considerable amount of vegetative waste that has to be addressed before it becomes a safety concern.  Moving forward, the Borough’s hauler can only take a maximum of 6 bundles or 6 containers or 6 biodegradable bags per pick-up. Please note, brush shall be bundled and tied properly, so that each bundle may be picked up and handled by 1 person.  No bundle shall exceed 50 pounds in weight, 4 feet in length, or 2 feet in diameter.  Individual branches or limbs shall not exceed 4 inches in diameter. Realizing that all vegetative waste will not be collected in one or two pick-up cycles, these guidelines are in place moving forward to ensure that debris is collected in a fair manner throughout Oakland. Thank you for your cooperation and patience.

Ponds Food Pantry Open for Confidential Assistance:

As a reminder, Ponds Food Pantry is well-stocked (thanks to the generous donations of the community) and ready to assist anyone in need. Those seeking confidential assistance, please call Ponds Church or email food@pondsnj.org (Monday-Friday) with your grocery order and it will be filled within one to two days. For those unable to leave their home, groceries are available to be delivered to your home.

Landlord Emergency Grant Program for Small Rental Complexes:

Gov. Phil Murphy has announced creation of the Small Landlord Emergency Grant Program, to provide emergency grant funding to small property owners for COVID-19 related decreases in rent revenue for a four-month period between April and July of this year.

The program, to be administered by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, is funded through the federal CARES Act.

Grant amounts will be based on the total amount of missed rental payments and the number of COVID-impacted rental units that serve low- and moderate-income tenants.

Landlords who receive assistance will be required to pass along benefits to their tenants by forgiving back rent and late fees accumulated by COVID-19 impacted units.

Applications must be submitted between Aug. 19 and Aug. 26.

Qualified applicants must meet the following specifications:

  • Owners with properties that have at least 3 but no more than 10 total housing units;
  • Owners with properties that are not seasonal or vacation rentals;
  • Properties must have current fire inspection certificates as of March 9, 2020;
  • Owners of properties with at least one non-vacant rental unit impacted by COVID-19 between April and July 2020; and
  • Owners with properties that have low- to moderate-income rent levels or rent based on up to 80% of the median area income.

Grant funding will be allocated based on the number of COVID-impacted units, and the amount of missed rent. Applicants must be the Primary Property Owner of a residential rental property in New Jersey and be registered with DCA’s Bureau of Housing Inspection as of July 17. Applicants can check here to see if their property is registered.

For more information on the Small Landlord Emergency Grant Program, visit www.njhousing.gov/rentals/sleg

Upcoming Board, Committee, Commission Meetings:

Meeting Links and Passwords for upcoming Board, Committee, and Commission Meetings are posted here. 

  • Zoning Board of Adjustment 8/11 at 8:00 p.m.
  • Borough Council Meeting 8/12 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Sustainable Oakland Green Team 8/25 at 7:30 p.m.

Coronavirus Positive Tests in Oakland:

Today the Borough of Oakland was notified by the Bergen County Health Department that there are a total of 249 individuals in Oakland who tested positive for the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Bergen County has a total of 20,719 positive Coronavirus Cases, and the State of NJ has 185,031 positive cases.

If anyone has questions about COVID-19, you can call the 24-hour New Jersey Hotline at (800) 222-1222. You can also visit the State of NJ Coronavirus Website Here.

Important Resources:

  • The latest data on coronavirus infections in New Jersey are available on the New Jersey COVID-19 Dashboard. The dashboard has been updated to provide more information on scope of the virus and hospitalizations, including the number of patients hospitalized, discharged, in critical care, in intensive care, and on ventilators, along with data on statewide ventilator capacity, numbers of positive/negative tests, and more.
  • New Jersey’s COVID-19 Information Hub includes valuable resources and information for families, workers, and employers who have questions or needs arising from the current crisis.
  • Testing Sites: To locate a testing location, specifics on how to get a test, and the hours of operation, click here.
  • Information for businesses impacted by COVID-19.