For the second year in a row, Hudson County’s waterfront cities will be treated to a front-row seat when Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks show returns to the Hudson River next Sunday, July 4.
But Weehawken and Hoboken’s mayors have expressed a concern about the large crowds they expect to fill their waterfronts that evening.
Weehawken sent out a letter to residents last week apprising them of street closings, security measures, and various prohibitions (see below).
The Macy’s display will begin at approximately 9:20 p.m.
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Certain activities banned in Weehawken
Hoboken and Weehawken have apprised residents of various restrictions on the night of July 4, particularly public alcohol consumption.
In Weehawken, the town has addressed certain issues in a letter that was mailed out to residents:
• Public consumption of alcoholic beverages will not be permitted.
• No fireworks, including sparklers.
• Barbeques on balconies or terraces are not permitted.
• Use of rooftops for viewing of fireworks or any activity is prohibited and will be strictly enforced. Landlords and/or property owners are responsible for keeping rooftops clear of people.
For other specifics, look for the letter or contact Town Hall.
Streets closed countywide
The county and various cities have announced that streets will be closed to parking and driving at certain times over the weekend.
Boulevard East in Weehawken, West New York, Guttenberg and North Bergen will be closed to traffic by 7 p.m. on July 4.
Port Imperial Boulevard and River Road in Weehawken, West New York, Guttenberg and North Bergen will be closed to all but emergency vehicles from Baldwin Avenue to the Bergen County border at approximately the same time as Boulevard East.
Weehawken ferry, train, street changes
The town of Weehawken also has said in its letter to residents that a multitude of streets will be closed around 4 p.m. on July 4, with only pedestrians and emergency vehicles permitted on those streets. They include many of the streets leading to Boulevard East.
The town also noted that:
• The NY Waterway Ferry will cease regular operations at 7 p.m. on July 4 and reopen after the fireworks are completed. However, it will offer a special 4th of July Fireworks Cruise boarding at 6 p.m. and departing at 7 p.m. at various locations in New York City and North Jersey. Tickets are $75 per person, $65 for children under 12, and $70 for seniors. For more information, check www.nywaterway.com.
• N.J. Transit light rail operations will bypass Weehawken at any time if crowd conditions on the waterfront become a safety concern.
Neighboring towns’ activities
Although no events will be occurring exclusively within West New York’s borders, Mayor Sal Vega announced last week that the town provides “a great place to watch the fireworks” on July 4.
Water stations will be set up with supplies of drinkable water along popular viewing spots along the cliffs and the waterfront, but vendors will not be allowed in.
Police presence, EMT’s, and portable bathroom facilities will also be set up throughout the area for the crowds.
Hoboken street fair July 4
Hoboken will present a small 4th of July Festival along Frank Sinatra Drive between First Street and approximately where Sinatra would intersect Seventh Street, from noon until 10 p.m.
The festival will feature artists, crafters, photographers, food vendors, rides, games, live music and more. For additional information, contact the Cultural Affairs office at 201-420-2207.
Union City fair July 1
Union City will hold a street fair celebrating the Fourth of July, on Thursday, July 1.
From 6 to10 p.m., performers will entertain on three stages located on New York Avenue from 22nd to 30th streets.
The featured performers include local acts Cubano Songs, Union Hill, Therese Jeneco and Her Little Big Band, and Tap Ole Dancers.
There is no fireworks display for safety reasons, but there will be a boxing demo, pony rides, hot dogs, clown painting, an art exhibit and a classic car exhibit.
Worst waterfront views
The Jersey City Police Department recently issued a message through their “Nixle Alert” system cautioning people against coming to Jersey City to view the fireworks: “Unfortunately, we do not expect the downtown and waterfront areas of Jersey City to have ideal viewing of the celebration. They may offer only VERY LIMITED AND OBSTRUCTED VIEWS of the fireworks.”
The police said they put out the message based on officers patrolling the Jersey City waterfront area last July 4, and seeing visitors come to places like Owen Grundy Pier on Exchange Place, only to be disappointed to not to see the fireworks.
Jersey City, which usually holds its own Fourth of July fireworks event in Liberty State Park, canceled it for this year due to financial issues.
Ricardo Kaulessar can be reached at rkaulessar@hudsonreporter.com.