Topic overview
In brief
- Saw Mill Road in North Haledon, New Jersey, remains closed due to storm damage from late July.
- Mayor Randy George announced that repairs will begin soon, with completion expected by the end of August.
- Residents express concerns about frequent flooding and the need for infrastructure improvements.
Summary
In late July 2026, a significant storm caused extensive damage to Saw Mill Road in North Haledon, New Jersey, leading to its closure. The road buckled, resulting in visible cracks, bumps, and a large hole that exposed underground piping. Mayor Randy George reported that the storm overwhelmed the storm drain, causing flooding in the area. As a result, residents and delivery drivers have been forced to take detours. The mayor has hired a contractor to begin repairs, which are expected to be completed by the end of August. However, concerns about frequent flooding and aging infrastructure persist among residents.
Nicole Gorter, a long-time resident, expressed her worries about the increasing frequency of flooding in the area, noting that it has worsened over the years. Mayor George, who has served for 28 years, acknowledged that severe storms, referred to as "50-year storms," are occurring more often. This has raised questions among residents about the need to update the aging underground infrastructure to prevent future incidents. However, the mayor explained that such updates are complicated and costly, requiring collaboration with neighboring towns and significant funding.