HauntFest Will Not Happen in Greenfield

Updated at 4:15 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22.

Despite an effort by the operator to reconcile concerns regarding a proposed haunted attraction, the City of Greenfield upheld its decision to deny a temporary use permit for the location.

Community Development Manager Chuck Erickson decided requested by Taj Jordan for the purpose of opening HauntFest in the Ultimate Electronics building starting Sept. 30 through the end of October.

HauntFest had been held at State Fair Park in West Allis the past seven years.

In a four-page letter that Jordan said he did not receive until Monday, Erickson gave his reasons for the denial, including a general uncertainty as to what the event entailed.

On Tuesday, with a letter and materials intended to alleviate Erickson’s concerns. At that meeting, Erickson agreed to review the materials and was open to reversing his decision if Jordan sufficiently addressed his concerns.

On Thursday, however, Erickson informed Jordan that he would not reverse the decision to deny the temporary use permit, effectively keeping the haunted attraction from opening in Greenfield.

Erickson said safety concerns regarding fire exits in relationship to a proposed maze-like feature within the haunt, potential spillover parking problems and security issues were all part of his final decision.

"It was just too much limited information coming in too late and we'd have to do our review as things were happening," Erickson said. "For a temporary use like this, it's just not going to work. 

"There are locations such as State Fair Park or an expo center than can handle bigger events, or potentially bigger events. A single lot on 76th Street isn't necessarily one of them."

Jordan declined to comment but did refer people to www.hauntfest.com for future updates about his haunt.