Power Returning Slowly to Oakland

Many streets in Oakland have been cleared and power is slowly returning to the borough, but it could be days before electricity is returned fully to all residents, according to Mayor Linda Schwager. 

"Power is being restored to the center of town," the mayor and council told the press in a written statement Thursday.   

Other sections of the borough remain without power, but officials didn't specify just how many residents were in the dark. 

"While we have received many requests for information on when specific areas will have their electricity restored, we currently have no reliable information to provide," according to the press release. "We are trying to find out when power will come back and will pass it along as soon as we hear anything. Be prepared that power may be out for at least several more days."

The Oakland Public Library has power and would continue to be open for residents looking to get warm, charge electronics, or read a book; and churches were making their facilities available to those seeking refuge.

The Senior Center, however, has no power and would be closed as a result.

The lack of power there has forced borough officials to relocate polling that was scheduled to occur there on Election Day. 

Voting for districts three and four have been moved to the Valley Middle School Gym, according to borough officials. 

The borough went on to relay the following information:

Shelters

If you need shelter, be advised that the County is now using the Bergen County Police and Fire Academy on Campgaw Road in Mahwah and there is space.  We are prepared to open our shelter in Oakland if there is enough of a need.  You can still call 201-337-8111, ext. 201 to provide your contact information.  If you cannot reach anyone at that number then call 201-337-6171. 

Removal of Tree Debris

The Borough has removed all of the trees blocking roadways that it can at this point.  The remaining trees have taken down power lines and Rockland Electric must first cut off power to these lines before the remaining trees can be cut up and taken away.  We are working with Rockland Electric to have them accomplish these tasks as quickly as possible but they have not been able to provide us with an estimate of when they will be at specific locations.

Regarding tree debris removal on your private property, please remember to put out limbs and branches in barrels or bundles and it will be removed as part of the yard waste collection program, which is Monday or Tuesday depending on which side of town you live on. Yes, there will be pickup next week.  It is the responsibility of the property owner to make their own arrangements to remove any trees not owned by the Borough that fell on their property. 

Garbage Pick Up

There will be garbage collection tomorrow and next Monday.

Communications

The Borough website and e-mails system have been intermittent since the storm.  If you need to contact officials at Borough Hall or the DPW, please call rather than send e-mail. The Police, Library and Fire Department e-mail systems are working. For online resources you can go to oaklandfd.org, oaklandnjflood.com, theoaklandjournal.com, oakland.patch.com and northjersey.com.