Controversy over Fourth of July fireworks
For the first time since 2000, Macy’s will host a fireworks display in the Hudson River on Saturday, July 4. But some Weehawken officials aren’t happy about it.
The 26-minute show will begin at 9 p.m. and launch from six barges from 24th to 50th streets. Viewers on both sides of the Hudson should be able to catch it.
According to the press release, the show is back “to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s voyage. The patriotic revelry will feature approximately 40,000 shells exploding in a kaleidoscope of color at a rate of more than 1,500 per minute.”
With thousands of spectators expected on Weehawken’s waterfront, town officials are expecting a steep increase in crowd-control expenses. They expect 25,000 people on Boulevard East and the waterfront, based on attendance numbers from 2000.
With extra police, fire and ambulance personnel, the township expects to spend $50,000 for the one-day event.
“We’re expecting a lot of people,” said Director of Public Safety Jeff Welz. “We’re going to have to shut down major roads, leaving residents with limited access to their own homes. It’s an expensive venture for the township and to the taxpayers.”
In addition to crowd control, Department of Public Works will have a massive clean up operation after the celebration.
“It’s a beautiful thing to watch,” said Mayor Turner. “I’m up on Boulevard East every year with my family. But it creates a tremendous burden on our town and right now it’s a burden we can’t afford. We’re going to do whatever it takes to protect the town and peoples property. Hopefully there won’t be as many people as were anticipating.”
The township will notify residents later on in the month about road closings and other procedures for the day.
Extra hours for voter registration
The Weehawken Township Clerk’s Office will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, the voter registration deadline for the upcoming state legislative and gubernatorial primary elections on June 2. For more information, call (201) 319-6022.
Laptop lessons for seniors
Free laptop lessons will be available to Hudson County residents over the age of 62 beginning June 2. With instructors from the Hudson County Community College, the 12-week course will be held at the Senior Nutrition Center, 201 Highwood Ave. in Weehawken, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Registration begins May 4. For more details call (201) 319-6060.
Town meetings
The next scheduled meeting of the Weehawken Parking Authority will be held on May 14 at 7 p.m. in the first floor chamber of the Weehawken Municipal Building, 400 Park Ave. For more information, please call (201) 319-6005.
The regular meeting of the Weehawken Board of Adjustments scheduled for May 12 has been cancelled by orders of the board. For more information please call (201) 319-6005.
Registration for adult tennis lessons
Weehawken Recreation’s adult tennis lessons are starting soon. Registration begins on Tuesday, May 12 through Thursday, May 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the recreation office. Class sizes are limited to eight players; Weehawken residents only. Two one and a half hour classes cost $120. For more information, please call (201) 319-6061.
Child advocates wanted
Hudson County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is seeking volunteers to help abused and neglected children find safe and permanent homes. Volunteers may make court appearances on behalf of the child, serve as fact finders for judges, and advocate the best interests of the child while he or she is in the foster care system.
An information session for those who are interested will be held on Tuesday, May 12 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Room 901 of the Hudson County Administration Building at 595 Newark Ave. in Jersey City. Use the rear entrance. For more information, call (201) 795-9855 or email mveenhof@hudsoncountycasa.org.