Once again, Macy’s has decided that its annual 4th of July Fireworks spectacular will entertain viewers along the Hudson River facing New Jersey, rather than the West River toward the New York City borough of Brooklyn.
A public rally Monday from elected Kings County officials and neighborhood leaders from Brooklyn’s waterfront communities gathered a collective voice to show disdain over the NYC-based department store’s ongoing snub. In 2009, Macy’s relocated its Independence Day tradition to the Hudson to commemorate Henry Hudson’s exploration of the waterway 400 years ago—and has kept it there ever since.
State Sen. Daniel Squadron (D–Brooklyn Heights), declared, “The New York City firework show should be city-wide. Right now, New Jersey gets to enjoy the fireworks while Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx are left out of the party. That is simply unacceptable.”
As The Brooklyn Paper reports, “Brooklynites can’t fathom why a borough with a booming waterfront that could boast perfect views of rockets red glare from Red Hook to Greenpoint—not to mention acres of new parkland ideal for fireworks-gazing at Brooklyn Bridge Park—keeps seeing its July 4 dreams go up in smoke.”
Doreen Gallow, executive director of the DUMBO Neighborhood Alliance, added, “It is long overdue that the Fourth of July fireworks return home to the Brooklyn Bridge, an iconic setting that typifies the spirit of July 4 and represents the unity of NYC.”
Macy’s response is the same as last year: It says the current location isn’t set in stone. “Exclusively limiting the show to any particular area would greatly hinder the creative freedom that has made it the nation’s best and largest Independence Day display,” said spokesman Orlando Veras. “Macy’s Fireworks will continue to take place in and around all of New York City’s waterways, and will not be a permanent fixture in any one location.”
Boom… hiss…
