New Jersey Halloween display draws crowds and complaints

A homeowner’s Halloween attraction in Bloomfield, New Jersey, is drawing thousands of visitors along with complaints about noise and crowds, ABC7 Los Angeles reported. Its creator, James Joanow, also said someone left nails in his driveway, causing a flat tire.

The home display has attracted visitors for more than 20 years during the two weeks before Halloween. This year’s complaints center on noise and people walking around, according to Joanow’s account of what police told him.

According to ABC7 Los Angeles, Joanow builds the attraction with help from friends and volunteers. Animated decorations and themed sets extend along the side of the house and into the back of the property.

Joanow said preparations begin in late July, with decorating continuing through Halloween night. The display draws thousands of people during its seasonal run.

Joanow said two police officers visited and told him they had received 12 anonymous complaints about crowds and noise. He said the attraction opens at 6:30 p.m. and closes at 10 p.m., an ending time he said is permitted by the ordinance.

Separately, Joanow said nails left in his driveway punctured a tire on his car. The supplied account did not establish who put them there or why, or connect the incident to anyone who complained.

The attraction is scheduled to stay open through Halloween night. Joanow said dismantling typically begins around 11 p.m., with work continuing into the early morning.