Squadron and De Blasio Mark Fifth Year WITH No July 4th Fireworks on East River, Call for Return to Brooklyn-Queens Waterfront

NEW YORK—State Senator Daniel Squadron and  Public Advocate Bill de Blasio today marked the fifth consecutive year in which the July 4th fireworks are being held on the Hudson River, and called for the return of the fireworks display to the Brooklyn-Queens waterfront – in view of the millions of residents who live in Brooklyn, Queens and on the East Side of Manhattan.

Talks earlier this year held out the possibility of adding a smaller fireworks display on the East River in addition to the Hudson River’s main event. At a press conference in Brooklyn Bridge Park today, de Blasio and Squadron urged the City to hold fireworks on the East River in 2014, where the 4.8 million residents in Brooklyn and Queens, and those on the East Side, can more easily view them.

“New York’s Fourth of July celebration should be a citywide celebration. Yet year after year, millions of New Yorkers in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan’s East Side are left out while we send visitors and business to New Jersey,” said Senator Daniel Squadron. “I’m grateful to Macy’s for its willingness to work with us. Now let’s bring the fireworks back to the East River – so more New Yorkers can join the party.”

“The outer-boroughs aren’t an afterthought. They should be the main event. We’re grateful to Macy’s for bringing the show to New York City every Fourth, but it’s time the City put the fireworks where the most New Yorkers can actually enjoy them. Let’s alternate between the Hudson and East Rivers, beginning with a return to the Brooklyn-Queens waterfront next year. As a Brooklynite, this is a tradition we want back on our doorstep!” said Public Advocate Bill de Blasio.

“This Fourth of July, New Yorkers will once again be deprived of the beloved East River firework display,” said Council Member Stephen Levin. “Not only has the move from the East River to the Hudson limited the number of New Yorkers who can enjoy the display, but it is also sending business out of the state as well. I join Public Advocate Bill de Blasio and Senator Daniel Squadron in calling for the return of fireworks to the East River.”

The last time Macy’s held its fireworks on the East River was 2008. The display was moved to the Hudson River in 2009 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s voyage, and has since remained on the West Side and New Jersey waterfront.

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