Oakland mayor delivers state of the town

OAKLAND — Mayor Kathy Stark addressed a standing-room-only crowd as she delivered her first State of the Town address in Oakland on March 19. She said she and Town Manager Dennis Foltz had been talking about the great things happening in Oakland, and she wanted to share them in a community forum.

Residents were treated to light hors d’oeuvres and conversation before the mayor introduced the commissioners and staff in attendance.

“We’re very proud of how far we’ve come, and we want to let everyone know where we’re headed,” Stark said.

The mayor gave an overview of how the town operates and discussed its current budget. 

She shared several accomplishments with housing in the town. Oakland has received two Community Development Block Grants, federal monies that help residents improve their living conditions. The town is also home to 13 West Orange Habitat for Humanity houses, and two more are under construction. Six veterans and their families also live in Oakland, having received mortgage-free, disability-friendly houses through Home at Last. 

The town has budgeted for the rebuild of the Little White House on Tubb Street. It will serve as an office for the Habitat director, a storage place for town property and a place to sell refreshments for people on the West Orange Trail.

Stark called the Oakland Nature Preserve “our finest legacy for generations to come” and provided information about its programs and partnership with Oakland Avenue Charter School. The town refinanced the bonds for the school, which will save about $2 million. The school’s charter has been extended by 15 years, as well.

At the Oakland Police Department, a full-time investigator has been hired, and there are more officers certified to patrol the West Orange Trail. In the past year, the department started its Oakland Partners program with shut-ins.

Sewer and economic development on State Road 50 has been a big topic in recent months.

“Growth is inevitable,” Stark said, and the town is in a unique position of having a great deal of vacant commercial land on S.R. 50. A moratorium had been issued for commercial construction on this main corridor, and the town recently lifted it, paving the way for businesses and restaurants to come to Oakland. 

The mayor said she would like to see a recreation facility with arts programs, and she wants the town to add a charter middle school.

“I have a pride and a love for this town that I’ve called home for 24 years,” Stark said.

Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at [email protected].