Chief Paul Francis would like to notify residents that several streets in the Town Center will be closed on Halloween night to facilitate a safe trick-or-treating experience.
Trick-or-Treating will take place on Sunday, Oct. 31, from 5-8 p.m.
To ensure that children and families will enjoy Halloween safely, Essex Police will close three streets in the area of the former Police and Fire stations to vehicular traffic. Those streets, listed below, will be closed from 5-8 p.m.
- Winthrop Street
- Maple Street
- Pickering Street
Martin Street, which runs from Main Street to Route 22, will remain open, but police will maintain a visible presence there.
Police and town leaders had decided they would not be able to close downtown streets for trick-or-treating this Halloween due to concerns about staffing levels and financing at the police department, but concerns expressed by parents and residents this year led Chief Francis to reconsider.
In response to those concerns, Chief Francis will join officers on the early night shift as they work on Oct. 31 to help facilitate the safety-focused road closures. The chief’s participation will allow the department to save taxpayer funds and maintain proper patrol coverage elsewhere in town while still overseeing road closures and trick-or-treating as well.
“Listening and responding to the concerns of community members are among my top responsibilities as police chief, and these road closures are something that many residents have identified as a priority,” Chief Francis said. “I hope everyone will come out and enjoy a fun and safe Halloween this year.”
Chief Francis would also like to invite community members to engage with the Police Department, Fire Department, Department of Public Works and other town officials next year to hold more detailed planning discussions in advance of any organized trick-or-treating events.
“Our community is strongest when we communicate and work together to respect each other’s views and concerns while problem solving,” Chief Francis said. “I look forward to collaborating with the community when it comes time to make plans for the future.”