Residents praise new Oakland Shores pavement; commission discusses broader road schedule and ongoing public works projects

Residents and commissioners discussed recent paving in the Oakland Shores neighborhood and broader public works projects at the meeting, with several residents praising the new surface and urging the town to communicate a clear schedule for future road phases.

"I thought they were, superior to what the product was before. Very solid," said resident John Hammerstein during public comment, describing drive-by observations and a Facebook video he posted. Commissioners and public works staff responded that the town had reserved materials for follow-up work and that contractors would return when authorized. A public works representative said East Bay may need full paving because of cut‑through traffic from Oakville Park and that the town has material reserved that could be used for Harrington and Vic.

Commissioners and residents discussed financing. Staff said a paving schedule exists and once the next budget is approved, crews can proceed through prioritized streets; one commissioner urged staff to communicate that schedule to residents. "I would just ask too that, whatever, decisions or progress or somehow communicate to the neighborhood because everybody's still up in arms," one resident said.

Staff also introduced a new assistant public works director, identified in the meeting as John L., who had completed his third week on the job. Public works provided project updates: the Catherine Cross Road section between Oakland Avenue and the charter school is open to traffic and contractor work will continue; the Pulte drainage project is installing a 48‑inch pipe and has encountered deep utility work; and landscaping and signage for the roundabout are nearing completion.

Why it matters: pavement quality and scheduling directly affect neighborhoods and property access. Residents said they want clearer communication about priorities and timelines; staff said funding and budget cycles determine what can be paved when.

No formal action or votes were taken on paving policy at the meeting; commissioners directed staff to pursue communication with the neighborhood and to include paving priorities in the upcoming budget schedule.