As a way to gain input from neighborhood residents whose streets are usually closed off in Woodstock Village for Halloween, Police Chief Robbie Blish will be at an informal listening and planning meeting this afternoon on Maple Street.
This same Maple Street, Golf Avenue and High Street neighborhood was recently flooded by the Kedron Brook and it’s in question whether “Halloween” in this neighborhood should continue or somehow be “re-formatted” as a result of the flood and other long-standing issues.
Rep. Alison Clarkson and Leanne Chynoweth are coordinating the get-together with Chief Blish at the Chynoweth residence on Maple Street at 4:30pm today. A flyer was placed in residential homes on Golf Avenue and Maple Street announcing the meeting.
Woodstock Early Bird spoke with Leanne and asked if residents of High Street would also be welcome. They are welcome! High Street is traditionally closed off for Halloween and — like Maple and Golf — attract hundreds of people on Halloween night.
The get-together is meant to be for neighborhood residents ONLY and is not a formal public meeting, but simply a way for police and local officials to get a sense from the small community about how they would like to proceed with Halloween going forward.
In addition to the question of having the neighborhood “host” so soon after the flood is the long-standing question of how the town wishes to pay for or donate and distribute candy in an equitable way if the neighborhood continues to be used for the festivities.
Some have also suggested that other neighborhoods in Woodstock Village be asked to “host” a safe, candy-generous venue for the kids. Others have suggested a Halloween “party” at a location such as the Masonic Temple. In any case, these are questions that will be discussed in the neighborhood today and will be considered by Village Trustees in the next week or so.
Julia Carlisle
Woodstock Early Bird 