Borough officials have made the decision to keep Washington Avenue open on Halloween due to safety issues.
Police have routinely closed the street to allow for a block-party atmosphere as trick or treaters make their way past the elaborate decorations of residents. Thousands visited the avenue in 2024, but some homeowners complained of incidents that included trespassing and public urination, and the sheer volume of visitors.
“After last year’s Halloween, the block-party aspect, a couple residents voiced some concerns about the overall attendance and some property crimes that were going on afterwards or during,” said Police Chief Jason Cutler.
Cutler, borough administrator Sharon McCullough and Commissioner of Public Safety Frank Troy met with some of the residents to discuss alternatives, and the decision was made to keep the avenue open on Halloween. The hope is that trick or treaters will be encouraged to spread out across the borough instead of largely congregating on one street.
“We think for overall safety it will be better that the road’s not closed, and we’re hoping that it doesn’t draw as much of a crowd this year as in years past,” Cutler noted.
Sidewalks on Washington Avenue will remain open to trick or treating, but parking will be restricted. Police will be present.
“We don’t regulate Halloween,” Cutler explained, “we just regulate road closures … People are going to have to trick or treat from the sidewalks like every other town or every other place in Haddonfield.”
