Big crowds in Sleepy Hollow prompt new plans to handle traffic during Halloween season
A new plan of action is in the works in Sleepy Hollow to keep up with a massive spike in tourism. A recent street fair there drew in so many people, it caused significant travel disruptions.
More Stories
A new plan of action is in the works in Sleepy Hollow to keep up with a massive spike in tourism. A recent street fair there drew in so many people, it caused significant travel disruptions.
The new motto is "don't lose your head in Sleepy Hollow traffic, take the train." That's according to the Sleepy Hollow Mayor who says they are working to keep traffic flowing during a very busy month of tourism.
October is historically busy for the village, but this year they are seeing an uptick in interest.
"It's unprecedented in terms of the numbers, we're estimating more than double last year," says Lucia Ballas-Traynor, who is the executive director of the Sleepy Hollow Tarrytown Chamber of Commerce.
That was proven true during a street fair last Saturday.
"More of a safety concern so hopefully the traffic flow with some additional planning will improve but otherwise, it's fun so many people can enjoy the spooky season," says Tarrytown resident Amy Hill.
Village leaders don't have an exact number but they think anywhere between 20,000 and 30,000 people came out. That was a lot more than what they were planning for.
"We called in everyone we could get, we brought in our police consultant and they went to work and tried to manage what quickly turned into a regional traffic event," says Sleepy Hollow Mayor Martin Rutyna.
Mayor Rutyna credits the massive turn out to more publicity of the event, good weather and 'Halloween fanatics' wanting to visit during the month of October.
Going forward, Rutyna says they have a plan of action ready.
"You're going to see instructions on closed streets and updates via social media, message boards on the highways saying park in other villages, take the train up," says Rutyna.
Rutyna is encouraging people to take the train for future events this October.
"We don't want to say no to people, we want to say there is a sustainable way to come out," Rutyna explains.
