Pumpkins and potlucks and candy! Oh my! What could your block do with a little more room to celebrate this Halloween? With a free PBOT Block Party Permit, you and your neighbors can close your residential street to cars and open it up for community fun. A street without car traffic becomes a place for kids to trick-or-treat, neighbors to gather and everyone to enjoy Halloween together.
Before you start planning your Halloween celebration, make sure your street is eligible for a Block Party. Block parties are intended for small, neighborhood-scale gatherings on Local Service Traffic streets. You can check your street using PBOT’s Transportation Plan street classification map. If your street isn’t eligible, don’t be scared off. Ask around and perhaps a neighbor on a nearby qualifying street may be interested in joining forces to host the party on their block.
Talk with your neighbors early to figure out what everyone would like to bring to the party, how to make the celebration fun for everyone and make sure to apply for your permit at least 15 days in advance. Dividing up responsibilities is a good way to share the work and give everyone a chance to feel like they are involved. Maybe one neighbor applies for the permit, another brings the giant skeletons and someone else helps manage your street closure. PBOT does not provide traffic control devices so once you receive your permit, plan with your neighbors to get what you need to safely close your street.
Keep in mind that not everyone on the block may be ready to boogie and that’s ok. Communication is key. Be sure to keep every neighbor in the loop about party activities, and when the street will be closed and reopened. Work with anyone who may need accommodations during the event.
Visit bit.ly/4yq3jEH to find out if your street is eligible for closure, the permit application and tips for a safe street closure.