STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — What started with one animatronic skeleton and a few DIY tombstones has grown into a borough-wide movement connecting hundreds of families through the magic—and mayhem—of Halloween.
Staten Island Haunted Houses (SIHH) is a grassroots organization founded in 2022. Today, it spans dozens of elaborately decorated homes, a digital media presence across multiple platforms and a core team of passionate volunteers.
They share one mission: make Halloween accessible, fun, and unforgettable for every family on Staten Island and beyond.
“We wanted to take something we already loved and find a way to bring more people into it,” said Michael LaPayower of Huguenot, a co-founder and the group’s unofficial “Creative Operations Ghoul.” “Halloween should be easy to find, free to enjoy, and fun for everyone.”
A spooky beginning
The story begins in July 2022, when LaPayower purchased his first animatronic Halloween decoration. Like many new decorators, he had one major concern: keeping his investment safe from the rain.
That led him to reach out to longtime Halloween enthusiast Tim Imbemba of Annadale, whose 2021 display had made waves on social media.
“Tim generously shared his tips,” LaPayower recalled. “That first message turned into a real friendship.”
Soon after, LaPayower connected Tim with another local decorator, John Dimiceli, and the trio began sharing ideas, showcasing their work, and even visiting each other’s homes for feedback.
What started as a text thread quickly grew into a vibrant online community. By Halloween 2022, they were already directing local visitors to each other’s homes.
But there was one problem.
“We were part of another Halloween group at the time, but it was private and stuck on Facebook,” LaPayower said. “Families outside the group couldn’t find displays easily.
“I suggested expanding it with my advertising background, but that wasn’t the direction they wanted to go—so we branched off.”
That fall, the group held its first in-person meeting at Imbemba’s immersive haunt, Twisted Trails, and Staten Island Haunted Houses was officially born.
Mapping the macabre
From the start, SIHH focused on accessibility and community.
They created a website, www.sihauntedhouses.com, where families can find a custom Google Map of every verified Halloween display.
Lawn signs with QR codes make it easy to pull up the map on the go, and their presence spans Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
Each house is vetted through in-person visits or video calls, and only added with the homeowner’s permission.
“We don’t rank displays,” LaPayower emphasized. “We don’t want anyone to feel like their hard work isn’t good enough. Instead, our map is organized by driving routes so families can make the most of their night.”
In 2023, SIHH grew from 15 to 40 displays. In 2024, they expanded to 65—including homes in Brooklyn and New Jersey.
They introduced an online photo gallery, supported pediatric cancer awareness campaigns and partnered with local businesses for cross-promotion. This year, the group is on track to top those numbers again.
“We’ve been building a centralized system for entertainment, creativity, and family fun for the past two years,” said LaPayower. “Now, going into our third, we’ve grown from 15 displays to more than 65—and there’s still more room to grow.”
Meet the creators behind the magic
At the heart of SIHH is a 15-person core team that decorates, organizes and funds much of the effort themselves. They don’t charge for advertising or listings, and they don’t accept payment to rank or feature homes.
Among the leaders: John Bogan and his 6-year-old son, John Jr., serve as the digital media team, filming displays while also running John’s Haunt, one of the group’s standout exhibits.
Joseph Cafarelli, affectionately known as the “Master of Maps,” maintains the group’s driving route layout. In his 70s, he still builds and operates his Frankenstein Laboratory each season.
John Dimiceli wears many hats: community engagement lead, Facebook admin, sign distributor and co-moderator of the Staten Island Christmas Houses group. His own display, Huguenot Nightmare Factory, draws big crowds every year.
Tim Imbemba, the original inspiration behind SIHH, runs Twisted Trails, a full-scale haunted experience that the group calls “the best on the Island.”
The immersive haunt officially opened this year on Sept. 27.
“Tim sets the bar high,” said LaPayower. “He inspires us all to keep pushing.”
Patsy Lemole, who helps lead marketing efforts with Dimiceli, runs The Darlington Scare, another must-visit location on the map.
LaPayower’s own home has previously been featured in the Advance/SILive.com, but he is quick to shift the spotlight.
“There are so many others in our group who love to be mentioned, and I’m going to have to advocate for them,” LaPayower noted. “There’s more content for stories here—this community is full of talent.”
Decorating with heart—and hustle
For many team members, this isn’t just a seasonal hobby—it’s a year-round labor of love balanced with everyday responsibilities.
“I work on the decorations when my daughter goes to bed at night and on weekends to paint. Plus, my daughter helps me,” said LaPayower. “A lot of people in our group also have full-time jobs and decorate with their families or on weekends as well.”
LaPayower also noted the rising influence of younger members. “Kids and teens are becoming more interested in decorating in our group,” he said. “It’s amazing to see the next generation getting involved and taking creative ownership.”
Some members have even turned their passion into professional opportunity. “Two members of our group also started to sell professional Halloween props at the biggest trade show for Halloween attractions this past year and will sell newer props again next April in St. Louis,” LaPayower said. “It’s very cool seeing ‘Made in Staten Island’ on a Halloween prop.”
The group also spotlights up-and-coming decorators, supports charity efforts, and highlights youth involvement. Many teens are now designing their own haunts or promoting displays through social media videos.
A community-fueled cauldron
SIHH doesn’t just focus on frights—it’s rooted in heart. One of the group’s featured stories is Hunter’s Horror House, created by a mother whose son is battling pediatric cancer. The group also supports the Santacroce Family Fundraiser, which raises scholarship funds in honor of a local father lost to COVID-19.
“Our group has supported multiple child cancer causes last year for awareness,” said LaPayower. “It’s something that brings the community together in a meaningful way.”
Displays often become rallying points for neighborhood joy, and SIHH members are quick to point out that this movement isn’t about competition—it’s about connection.
That community-first ethos extends to collaborations with local comedians like the Scarlotta Twins and Tony Dabas, who filmed Halloween skits at member homes last year. The videos captured the humor, creativity, and spirit of the season—with some strong language, but even stronger community vibes.
Staten Island: A Halloween destination
With regional visitors now crossing the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge to follow the SIHH map, Staten Island is quickly gaining a reputation as a Halloween destination.
“Every display has something unique,” said LaPayower. “We’re proud to give families a reason to come together, laugh, and maybe get a little scared along the way.”
LaPayower has even offered to personally guide media and local families on a custom Halloween tour—introducing homeowners and showcasing the artistry behind the scenes.
And while the displays may only last through October, the sense of community is built to last.
“This isn’t just about Halloween,” he said. “It’s about families, neighborhoods, and sharing something joyful together. Staten Island Haunted Houses is just getting started.”