Trustees defer decision on North Morris Halloween road closure; staff told to survey neighbors

Shorewood's Community and Business Relations subcommittee debated a trustee-originated proposal to close North Morris Boulevard between Capitol and Olive for a neighborhood trick-or-treat block event, ultimately voting to defer the matter pending further outreach to residents.

The agenda item originated from a trustee request to test a street closure on Halloween evening so children could trick-or-treat on a single, car-free block. Assistant Village Manager Anderson and public-safety representatives outlined operational concerns: large closures require physical barricades, extra staffing to secure alleys and driveways, and resources to prevent vehicle intrusion. One public-safety official noted that in the current national environment the village must consider how to secure a closure against vehicle threats, and that a multi-block closure would be more resource intensive than a typical block party.

Trustees and public commenters discussed optics, resident consent, and traffic diversion. Some trustees said a village-sponsored closure might prompt criticism; others argued a community-led block party permit with strong resident buy-in could be acceptable. Resident Sandy Pendleton and other trustees urged that the Morris–Capitol area is particularly hazardous for students crossing during trick-or-treating and that a closure would likely make the evening safer.

After discussion a trustee moved to defer consideration of the North Morris roadway closure for trick-or-treat and another trustee seconded. The motion passed by voice vote and was recorded as deferred for further work and neighborhood outreach.

Ending

The committee asked staff to gauge neighborhood sentiment, confirm what barricades and staffing would be needed, and return with recommendations; no village-sponsored closure was approved at this meeting.