As anyone who drives down Rt 202 knows, there’s been some big changes in the landscape. Through the helpful assistance of borough hall, The Oakland Journal has learned that initial plans include a Walgreen’s, a bank and possibly a Starbuck’s being the anchor stores. The site will also include space for professional offices, and the developer has agreed to landscape the property with numerous trees and plants. Extending this new landscaping further into downtown Oakland is being discussed, and will hopefully be a stepping stone in the revitalization of downtown Oakland.
The town’s desire to create a feeling of connectedness among residents when they meet on the sidewalk or gather in the public squares is a difficult job. The challenge facing a town like Oakland is that the distance between the different strip malls does not now, and probably will not ever, lend itself to the pedestrian shoppers we associate with traditional downtown areas. This obstacle will require new and creative thinking.
Impromptu interviews conducted by The Oakland Journal have led to some suggestions that might be considered. The idea of creating separate community spaces in the various strip mall areas could provide both an element of beautification and practical use. One suggestion made to this reporter was the establishment of a gazebo type structure in The Copper Tree Mall parking lot. A structure in this style could be built for a minimal cost, and planters could easily create an inviting environment. On a practical level, concerts sponsored by the town or by civic organizations could be held there in a prominent, highly visible location.
Projects like this one highlight the important work done by the Oakland Shade Tree Commission. As the photo accompanying this story shows, clear cutting of all the trees was done in order to proceed with construction. The Commission has been very involved with defining the parameters for the required landscaping which will follow completion of the construction. This will be an ongoing effort by The Commission to assure that the landscaping is implemented accordingly, and that it is maintained in years to come.
The Oakland Journal invites the community to comment on this important subject. Using the comment functionality of this website, we will post your views in a timely fashion.
A gazebo is a spectacular idea and a fitting remembrance of the Copper Beech tree that was prominent in the lot years ago. The mall owners should purchase and install the gazebo and the town might be able to sponsor a “Music in the Gazebo” Summer Series as I have seen done with great success in other towns in our county. The Public Events Committee could be instrumental in making this happen in conjunction with the Oakland Chamber of Commerce.
Leo McGuire
Bergen Sheriff and Past-Councilman
Honestly, it’s about time we get a real drug store (whatever happened to CVS?) and hopefully some decent coffee in this town. I think it’s a fantastic plan. Go Oakland!
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Carla, thanks for reading The Oakland Journal. Before the CVS in CopperTree closed, we had spoken with employees there who said the company’s plan was to eventually get space in the new development in Oakland. The workers would be dispersed to other stores till completion of the project. Perhaps it will be a CVS rather than the Walgreen’s we reported.-The Editors
Starbucks, Walgreen’s, bank… I also heard they are planning on putting a pizza shop there too… How many coffee houses, drug stores and banks does this town need?
What we need that is Cracker Barrel with a big sign on 287 – motorists will flock to dine there and town will get a good stream of revenue.
If anyone is interested in the what the downtown can and should look like they can log onto the Oakland municipal web site and see all of the plans for the Central Business District (CBD) complete with color renderings.
The copper Beech at the mall that was damaged by the storm has been replaced albeit with a much smaller specimen. Have patience as beeches are slow growing.
While I love Cracker Barrel, I am not sure I would want one in my town – this would only bring people off the highway who are travelling- this is not revenue for the town- just Cracker Barrel – they are not going to stop & shop in our town which is what we need. – not more traffic. I am hoping that they can entice Panera’s back or something like this & we can have outdoor tables so people can walk and stop. It would be nice to have the feel of Ridgewood. The gazebo idea is fantastic – it would be nice to have concerts there.
The downtown plan looks great – I hope it can become a reality.
I kind of agree with Carla. I like the Walgreens, but we do need that CVS back too. The closest CVS now is either on Skyline or by the new dam. The nearest Walgreens is in Wycoff. So, we do need both. Plus it adds competition with Oakland Drugs too so we get the best price. But id do not think we need ANOTHER BANK! Maybe a Jamba Juice.
Also, maybe the Cafe L’Amore can move to the Copper Tree. There is more parking and more room there than by the bagel place. That area in the morning and at night is a nightmare!
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Ryan is our most recent Contributor…See his live report from VMS under Hyper-Hyper Local News
-The Editors