Oradell hears year-long senior-services review, cites transportation and pedestrian safety needs

Jean Martin, who led Oradell’s senior outreach and age-friendly work, presented a year of survey results and program activity to the Mayor and Council on June 23. The report summarized local needs, cited that roughly 35% of the borough’s residents are age 65 and older, and noted the town received a $70,000 grant to support the effort.

Martin said transportation, pedestrian safety and social isolation topped residents’ concerns; survey results cited that 65% of respondents were satisfied with public transit and 64% felt safe getting around, while highlighted problem areas included speeding, unsafe crossings (notably on Kitchawan Road/Kinderkamack corridor), and limited ADA access at the train station. "Transportation is number one," Martin said, noting that many streets of concern are county roads and will require county coordination.

Council members and the senior-advisory chair recommended practical short-term steps: improved communication to reach homebound seniors, exploring a local part-time community nurse model used in nearby towns, consolidating senior and library calendars, and creating an age-friendly five-year action plan to submit to AARP for certification. Martin said the current grant work runs through July 15 and she will remain available to help the borough map next steps.

Council discussion also noted pending capital and grant work for the senior center: an $85,000 grant for a new kitchen was announced, and the borough is applying for additional floor and accessibility grants. Council members asked the clerk to post Martin’s full report on the borough website and to return to the council with a short action plan compiled from the survey results.

What to expect: staff will post the electronic report and the council will consider a modest action plan for pedestrian safety, communications, and outreach to isolated residents as part of the senior-services follow-up.