After Sandy, Pleasantville Recharges

As electrical wires and down trees were cleared from the streets of Pleasantville, locals came out in droves Wednesday to take advantage of power, meals and wireless internet connections in the downtown area.

Many local businesses were open and packed all day long, from the Pleasantville Diner to Frank & Joe's Deli.

While the streets were mainly clear by this morning and the village lifted its emergency declaration, officials advised against trick-or-treating in the evening.

"We cannot assess the condition of private property upon which people will have to walk upon in order to Trick O Treat. Many residents have situations with limbs hanging, wires down, no power, piles of storm debris to navigate, etc.," Village Administrator Patricia Dwyer told Patch.

The Mount Pleasant Public Library opened its doors to large crowds Wednesday afternoon.

Library Director John Fearon said at one point, 91 people were accessing the WiFi in the building.

"Every outlet we had was being used," he added. "Libraries have really become the go-to place when people lose power."

Library staff even set up a tea and coffee cart for residents looking for a place to recharge to use all afternoon and evening—the library extended its hours to 8 p.m. and will be open again Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

"The stores and restaurants are packed," Village Trustee Jonathan Cunningham noted in an email to Patch. "...despite disappointing some with the necessary suspension of Halloween, the Village is recovering."

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