'Nightmare on Bailey Ave.' Event Outlook is Gloomy

Bloomingdale's "Nightmare on Bailey Avenue" once again has not received approval from the Bloomingdale Council after the council majority voted to table discussion on the topic Tuesday, leaving not enough time for organizers to plan for the Halloween-themed event.

Councilwoman Linda Shortman motioned to table discussion on the item for the borough council's next work session meeting on Oct. 9 because she said she felt it was more appropriate for that type of meeting. But Councilman Ray Yazdi, a primary organizer of the event, said more than a month of planning and construction time is needed and if a decision was not made Tuesday, "Nightmare on Bailey Avenue" would not happen for the second year in a row.

"By tabling it, you're denying it instead," Yazdi told Shortman.

"Nightmare on Bailey Avenue" has been hosted almost annually in the Bailey Avenue neighborhood by residents who request that the street be blocked off while Bloomingdale children are invited to trick-or-treat, go through haunted houses created by the neighbors and participate in Halloween games. Residents dress up in spooky costumes and many invite children and their parents into their homes for food in celebration of the event.

"Everybody has a good time," resident Jennifer Altfield said. "It's neighbor meeting with neighbor."

Cancelation of the event last year is one of the reasons Yazdi decided to run for election. Speaking as a member of the public and not a council member Tuesday, he told Shortman that he pays nearly $1,200 out of his own pocket to help sponsor the event, purchasing materials and costumes. Additionally, he said, organizers purchase materials to build structures used in the event, such as 4x4 wood beams at $20 a piece, a $400 tarp and five rolls of plastic at $90 each.

"You don't understand what goes on," Yazdi told Shortman.

Additionally, Mayor Jonathan Dunleavy told Shortman that volunteers from throughout the borough give up their time to create an enjoyable experience.

"It's hours and hours to develop this event for our kids," he said.

The borough has reimbursed organizers for the event in the past, but Republican council members canceled the event last year after stating that they felt it was more of a "neighborhood party" than townwide event. On Monday, the Bloomingdale Recreation Commission approved the event but it still had to come before the council for the road to be blocked off.

Yazdi also said the organizers of the event were hoping to open it up to other populations this year, including to seniors by starting the event earlier in the day and by inviting the schools to participate.

Altfield said the event is one of few left that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. She said it is a healthy experience for all and Councilman John D'Amato said it draws more than 1,000 participants. Altfield urged Shortman to rescind her motion to table the discussion.

"These kids need it. We, as adults, enjoy it," she said.

But Shortman said she would still likely vote against the item because she felt that since the event is held on several private properties instead of on borough property and in one neighborhood, she did not feel it was truly a "town event."

"I think it must be a wonderful neighborhood party. I don't think it should be funded by the town. I think people on their own should fund it as a neighborhood event. I don't think the liability of what could happen should be taken on by the town," she said.

Dunleavy said it would not be possible to host the event on borough property because the structures sit on Bailey Avenue residents' lawns for nearly a month while being built. He said the Bailey Avenue area was more appropriate.

"It is the most conducive neighborhood for the event," he said.

When a vote was taken on tabling the discussion, the council majority voted in favor, with D'Amato voting against tabling the talk and Yazdi recusing himself from the vote. Resident John Darcey, a member of the borough's Recreation Commission, said he was disappointed in the council's actions and said the majority was "taking things away from what makes Bloomingdale a great place to live."

"I hope that you're able to realize and understand that this is something good for Bloomingdale," he said.