Vote on Open Space, Fingerpicking Champion Performs This Week

*The Oakland Council will meet Wednesday night to address a packed agenda, including a vote to put an extension of the borough’s open space levy on the November ballot.

The levy, which amounts to a penny on each $100 of a property’s assessed value, has been approved by voters twice, for five year runs, in 2003 and 2008. With the fund expiring at the end of this year, the council opted to put the fund on the ballot for a ten year extension in November, and is expected to finalize the ordinance with a vote Wednesday night.

According to borough officials, the fund is already committed to funding two open space purchases already made by the municipality, and if the proposal is rejected by voters in November the burden of financing those two properties will fall on the borough’s regular operating budget.

Also on the agenda is a bond ordinance to fund capital improvements in the borough, a speedier upgrade to the recreation complex’s deteriorating lighting system.

*If you’re feeling a little folky, Crystal Lake will be hosting a concert on Friday night that’s right up your alley.

Mark Sganga, an internationally touring guitarist and the 2009 winner of the International Finger Style Guitar Championship, will be appearing on the beach Friday evening from 7:30-10:30.

Sgnaga, whose music is self-described as a fusion of international genres, is a singer-songwriter and Oaklander that’s regular played jazz clubs and festivals around Bergen County and New York, as well as touring through Europe and Asia.

Admission to the concert is 18 and over, and costs $10.