If you are planning on visiting Demarest Farms to pick pumpkins October 22, 23, 29 and 30 and November 5 and 6, please be aware of new parking and traffic rules recently adopted by the Hillsdale Mayor and Council. According to the letter released by Mayor Doug Frank on October 19, Resolution 16227 was passed to ensure the safety of Hillsdale residents and farm visitors.
There will be free parking on the weekends at The Arena at 859 Route 17 South in Paramus with a complimentary shuttle bus to take visitors to the farm.
Below is the full text of the letter:
There will be free parking on the weekends at The Arena at 859 Route 17 South in Paramus with a complimentary shuttle bus to take visitors to the farm.
Below is the full text of the letter:
The Mayor and Council have taken the following actions to remedy an emergency public health and safety condition on the west side of Hillsdale during the balance of “pick your own” season at Demarest Farms. The safety of both our residents and the visitors to the farm is at risk and the town is taking appropriate action.
We have passed Resolution 16227 which directs our Chief of Police to take appropriate actions to close streets and declare no parking on an emergency basis. This will be done on all streets west of Pascack Road in Hillsdale.
This will be in place on Saturday and Sunday on the following dates. October 22nd and 23rd, October 29th and 30th and November 5th and 6th, between 7 AM and 6 PM.
On the far west neighborhoods, Royal Park Terrace and Melville Road will be totally closed at the intersection with Werimus Road and Overlook. All entry and egress to and from the neighborhoods will be through Craig Road at Werimus Road. Please comply with this plan, as it is the only way to deal with the volume of traffic expected.
Streets to the east of Werimus Road down to Pascack Road will also be closed to all but local traffic.
Residents will be required to show their driver’s license or suitable ID with their address to pass barricades at the entrance to these streets. The barricades will be manned by both local and county police officers.
If you have visitors or have someone dropping something or someone off at your home, please advise them of these changes. They will have to give your name and address and phone number to get access to the streets. They will not be able to park on the street.
Please expect traffic jams and some gridlock until the potential visitors to the farm learn of the limited parking that will be available. We will be working with Demarest Farm to mitigate the situation as best we can. We will be coordinating with our emergency services teams to insure that they will be able to respond in this area.
While we know this creates a lot of inconvenience for our residents and those who visit our town, it is obvious to the governing body that these actions are necessary to protect all.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation on this important safety issue.
Respectfully,
Doug Frank
Mayor
For other pumpkin-picking options, see our article on other local farms that offer pumpkin-picking, hayrides and other fall activities HERE.
