(This letter was sent to Senator Jack Martins and to this paper for publication.)
Yesterday evening, hundreds of residents of the Herricks and New Hyde Park area along with folks outside the area lined up at Park Circle in anticipation of the annual July 4th fireworks display.
Much to our dismay, all we saw were droves of Nassau County’s Finest cruising around and through the park making sure the festivities didn’t go off. When we asked why the heavy police presence and why the fireworks show would not be permitted, we were told that because one person wrote a letter complaining about the fireworks display last year there would be no further shows permitted.
Needless to say there were hundreds of disappointed and angry people last night. Things did get heated up when crowds of people started voicing their protests with chants of “Let them start! Let them start!” at which point squad cars with lights blazing entered into the park to disperse the crowds.
Three weeks ago I made a call to 911 to complain about fireworks after midnight in the Park Circle. Some teenagers were setting off fireworks after midnight for a period of 15 minutes which prevented me from sleeping. NCPD came by after 20 minutes and did find a large pile of dispersed fireworks. When I told them that I was woken up by the fireworks the officers’ response was basically it’s near the 4th of July and I was the only one who called and what they really were concerned about was having to knock on some parents door to tell them their kid was injured by fireworks. What a double standard!
I’ve been living in front of Park Circle for 10 years and for 10 years we, like all our neighbors, look forward to the annual fireworks display on July 4th. It’s one of the things which makes living in front of Park Circle special.
Can you please tell us why yesterday’s July 4th fireworks show was cancelled and why this yearly tradition will not be allowed to continue? Additionally what was the nature of the letter which lead the county to take the side of one individual’s concern over the majority of our community. Equally important, why were we not informed of this in advance? A lot of people make plans around this annual event. We want answers please!
David Louie
