Holly Hills residents worry about unfinished sidewalk repairs for Halloween

ST. LOUIS – In the Holly Hills neighborhood of South St. Louis, long-awaited sidewalk repairs are causing concern for homeowners and trick-or-treaters alike.

With Halloween just days away, residents worry that the unfinished sidewalks could pose a safety risk for the thousands of visitors expected to roam the area in search of Halloween fun.

One of the most popular houses in the area, owned by Chelli Faletti, has built a reputation as a must-stop location for its impressive decorations and generous candy offerings. But this year, part of the sidewalk in front of Faletti’s home is under construction, leaving her concerned about the safety of her visitors.

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“They said they’d have it done by Halloween, but I’m starting to get worried,” Faletti shared, noting that the partially demolished sidewalk could force young trick-or-treaters into the street.

Although Holly Hills residents are thrilled to see long-overdue sidewalk repairs in progress, the timing of the demolition work has raised safety concerns across the neighborhood. Crews still need to install forms, pour concrete, and allow it to dry—a process that typically takes several days. Despite reassurances, some residents doubt the repairs will be finished in time for safe pedestrian use on Halloween night.

“We have a really festive atmosphere, but safety is our number one concern,” Faletti said. “If they can’t walk on the sidewalk and they have to go on the street, then that’s a problem.”

In a statement, the St. Louis Streets Department acknowledged the concerns and assured the community they are working to mitigate risks. “This is contract work, and we have instructed them to close up all open sidewalk locations before 1 p.m. on Thursday,” the department stated.

Over the years, Faletti’s home has become a well-loved Halloween destination, drawing thousands of trick-or-treaters from across St. Louis. What began as a modest setup with just seven trick-or-treaters has now grown into a bustling Halloween hub, bringing together people from near and far.

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“We have people come from all over St. Louis to our neighborhood, which is safe, fun, and festive,” Faletti said. “I love that it brings out not just our community but people from all over.”

For Holly Hills families and visitors, this serves as a reminder to stay aware of any potential hazards along neighborhood routes. Families are encouraged to bring flashlights and take extra precautions to ensure a safe Halloween experience.

The Streets Department has pledged to have Faletti’s sidewalk filled in by Wednesday morning, but it remains uncertain whether the area will be dry enough for safe use by Halloween night Thursday.

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