OAKLAND, NJ — Residents have a chance to weigh in on the future of downtown Oakland, but there's a deadline to make their voices heard.
The Borough of Oakland is accepting public comments on its proposed Downtown Streetscape Improvement Plan through Tuesday, Dec. 1.
The borough announced that the proposal was presented during the Mayor and Council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 27.
Officials are inviting residents to review the concept and share their thoughts before the comment period closes.
The borough has made the Downtown Streetscape Concept Plan presentation available online for anyone interested in learning more about the proposal.
The proposed downtown streetscape improvements aim to give Oakland's downtown a more consistent appearance while improving pedestrian safety.
Plans call for patterned concrete sidewalks, brick accents along curbs, decorative streetlights, trees and landscaping.
Additional features would include benches, trash receptacles and bicycle racks, along with efforts to reduce sign clutter and clean up overhead utilities where practical.
The project would build on improvements at Bush Plaza Park, with a phased approach focusing on areas between the railroad and Terhune Street and Maple Avenue.
Near Oak Street, the proposal includes improvements connecting to the Safe Routes to School project at Ponds Church.
Other proposed changes include redesigning the entrance to a shopping plaza near Elm Street and adding an island near Chase Bank.
Along Raritan Road and Maple Avenue, the plan calls for sidewalk extensions, landscaping, bus station improvements and curb extensions intended to improve pedestrian safety and calm traffic.
The presentation also proposes landscaped traffic islands near Interstate 287, including landscaping intended to conceal highway walls and discourage graffiti.
Residents can also watch the Mayor and Council meeting presentation on the township's YouTube channel, which the borough identifies as running from the 29-minute mark to approximately one hour and 16 minutes into the recording.
The borough appropriated $300,000 for the project in 2026, with estimated construction costs of $375,000 each for the first two phases and $187,000 for the third, while potential funding sources include NJDOT municipal aid, beautification grants, federal transportation funds and congressionally directed spending.
Previous downtown improvements were supported by a Bergen County Open Space Grant for Bush Plaza Park and an NJDOT Municipal Aid Grant for Yawpo Avenue.
The proposal is still described as a concept plan, and the borough is seeking feedback rather than announcing a completed project.
Residents seeking more information or wishing to submit questions or feedback about the proposed downtown streetscape improvements can contact Deputy Borough Clerk Wendi Seelin at boroclerk@oakland-nj.gov by Dec. 1.
Have a correction or news tip? Email dani.sepe@patch.com.
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