The Jersey City Council voted down a resolution that would have permitted Liberty National Golf Club, in partnership with the Veterans Golfers Association, to have a fireworks display on May 4th at last night’s meeting.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
“It’s a beautiful golf course. But the event celebrating our 250th anniversary of independence should be open to the public if they want to do a firework show,” Ward C Councilman Tom Zuppa said.
Ward D Councilman Jake Ephros was curious about fireworks disturbing animals at Liberty State Park (LSP) and wanted to know anyone had looked into that.
“It’s not part of the permit process,” Acting Business Administrator Peter Horton answered.
“No on 10.20,” Ephros responded.
Ward E Councilwoman Eleana Little said “I recognize the joys of watching fireworks” before bringing up environmental concerns, noting that other municipalities have made the switch to light or drone shows instead.
She also noted that the morning after the 4th of July last year, the chemicals from the fireworks diminished the air quality for a short while.
“Jersey City already has some of the highest rates of asthma in the state. I think we need to look towards identifying other ways of celebrating patriotic occasions that don’t involve making our air dangerous for sensitive populations to breathe,” she stated before voting no.
Ward F Councilman Frank “Educational” Gilmore voted no without explaining why, while Councilwoman at-Large Mamta Singh said owning a rescue dog has shown her the detriment that fireworks can have.
“I have a rescue dog and I … see him going through torture every single time there is a firework [show], and I know what animals go through, and I have been a big advocate of animals’ rights. I will vote no,” she explained.
Councilman at-Large Michael Griffin said he agreed the fireworks are problematic, but still wanted to know if the fireworks are being shot from the Hudson River or in the park.
“ … The private property by the park … I believe they’re having it on the golf course,” Horton answered.
As a result, Griffin said he’d be voting no.
The resolution was defeated 3-6, with Zuppa, Ephros, Little, Gilmore, Singh, and Griffin voting no.
Council President Denise Ridley, Ward B Councilman Joel Brooks, and Councilman at-Large Rolando Lavarro voted yes.
