10/14/2026
URGING GREENBURGH TOWN BOARD NOT TO DISCOURAGE HALLOWEEN STREET CLOSURES, NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCK PARTIES, NEIGHBORHOOD EVENTS Indemnification requirement will result in fewer community activities that residents love
Last night, the Greenburgh Town Board decided not to require neighborhood organizations that want to sponsor Halloween street closure events to pay for insurance. But the Board -over my objections- is requiring an indemnification agreement to be signed. I received the following e mail from a resident (I deleted his name) who shares my concerns. This is what he said:
"As Community leaders, would The Town Board members personally be willing to sign an indemnification in this scenario?
I'm glad to hear you are same-page and feel this is completely unreasonable, but it boggles my mind how they could put this proposal out let alone this timing. Would appreciate an explanation.
Even if they delay until after Halloween or offer to sponsor as a town event (which i appreciate the practical problem-solving), it seems they are proposing this isn't just for Halloween but all neighborhood street closure event. We have events (e.g., Greenville Wheels day, Cotswold block party) as do many other communities arranged by neighborhoods with blocked streets - all of those could get eliminated by this requirement."
This is the indemnification agreement the Town Board indicated they want sponsors of neighborhood street closures to sign.
"The undersigned agree that they maintain all responsibilities to ensure a safe and legal street closure and shall indemnify and hold harmless the Town, its officials, employees, and agents from any liability, including but not limited to, claims, damages, liabilities, losses and reasonable costs, resulting from the use of said Town street approved by the Town Board of the Town of Greenburgh, and hereby waive all rights of subrogation against the Town of Greenburgh, its officials, employees and agents, and hereby confirm that all barricades supplied by the Town shall remain in place throughout the entirety of the event."
I spoke with the Town Attorney this morning and asked if there are other options: Why can't the town absorb the extra insurance costs?
These block parties are important to the community. They help turn a town from a collection of houses into a connected, welcoming community. Street closures create an opportunity for neighbors to meet, talk, share their experiences and form relationships. They help people feel connected to the place they live.
Temporary closing streets to traffic gives children more room to trick or treat, play and participate in community activities. Parents feel more comfortable when pedestrians, rather than moving vehicles, are the focus of the event.
Block parties also connect longtime residents with newcomers, young families with older adults and people from different backgrounds.
They also create lasting memories that children and adults look forward to.
When people know their neighbors, they are more likely to look out for one another, offer help when needed and work together to address local concerns.
The Greenburgh Town Board is meeting tonight. Public comment begins shortly after 7:30 PM by zoom or in person. I hope that the Town Board will NOT DISCOURAGE Halloween street closings, neighborhood block parties and civic association street events that have made our community a great place to live.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor