Politics & Government

TELL US: Should the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets be Allowed to Open Early on Black Friday?

Tonight the Wrentham Planning Board will hold a public forum to discuss if the permits granted to the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets to open early on Black Friday should be revoked.

After many local shoppers enjoy their Thanksgiving dinner, there is a chance they may run out the door and head to the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets for their annual Midnight Madness sale.

The annual event kicks off Black Friday with a special 12:01 a.m. opening that allows shoppers to get a head start on their holiday shopping. The special event however, may be coming to an end after a disagreement between the town and the mall.

Earlier this month, the Wrentham Planning Board and the Wrentham Police Department asked the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets to install 10 cameras to help with security. Wrentham police officials have said in the past that they have concerns that the mall's tendency to attract a large crowd can also attract gang members, criminals, and even make the area a soft target for terrorists. While there have not been any major issues during Midnight Madness, authorities would rather not take a chance of one happening in the future.

Find out what's happening in Wrenthamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

While the mall agreed to install the cameras, they requested that the town pay for and maintain them and asked for their early opening permit to be amended so they do not have to ask for permission every year. The demand was rejected by the board and has brought the issue to a deadlock.

Tonight may be the end of Midnight Madness unless the town and mall can come up with an agreement. At 7:15 p.m., the Wrentham Planning Board will hold a public forum to discuss whether the permits granted to the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets to allow for the early opening should be revoked. The meeting is set to take place at the Wrentham Public Safety Building at 89 South Street instead of their usual location inside Wrentham Town Hall.

Find out what's happening in Wrenthamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

How do you feel about the issue? Do you think that Midnight Madness should go on without the cameras? Is the town right in having concerns about security? Leave us a comment and tell us what you think.


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