One of these years, Hudson County’s Fourth of July waterfront secret is going to get out, and we’ll be elbowing crowds from Staten Island and Bergen County for views of the annual Macy’s fireworks display on our home turf.
Hopefully, 2011 isn’t that year.
For the third year in a row the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks show will be launched from barges set in the Hudson River, giving those of us who live west of the river prime viewing of the largest Independence Day fireworks display in the nation. The fireworks are expected to begin at approximately 9:20 p.m.
The Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Show will be launched from barges set in the Hudson River.
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If the past two years are any indication of what’s likely to happen this Independence Day, hoards of people will head to the Jersey City, Hoboken, and Weehawken waterfronts to enjoy the show. It may be possible to catch a glimpse from West New York, just north of Weehawken, as well.
In preparation for the crowds, Hoboken and Weehawken have closed several streets and all four municipalities will have an added police presence to keep crowds in check.
Since Union City, Bayonne, and Secaucus held their municipal Fourth of July celebrations last week, Independence Day visitors will likely include residents from these towns, in addition to local residents.
Where to go
The best viewing in Hoboken will be from the numerous waterfront parks on Sinatra Drive from about First Street to 12th Street, or from the 14th Street pier. (Two blocks from 12th to 14th on Sinatra are currently closed due to a 2010 street collapse that hasn’t been repaired.) According to the city, Sinatra will be closed to vehicular traffic but will be accessible to pedestrians.
In Weehawken, the Boulevard has it when comes to great viewing sites. Spectators who plan to see the fireworks display in Weehawken should head to the cliffs along Boulevard East between 50th Street and Highwood.
Jersey City offers fewer prime viewing locations along its waterfront than Hoboken and Weehawken, but strategic early birds can still find good places to see the show. The best viewing spots are along the waterfront close to the Hoboken city line in the Pavonia-Newport area. Experienced spectators can attest that spots near the Exchange Place and Paulus Hook waterfront areas yield only obstructed views of the Macy’s Fireworks display.
the restrictions
Hoboken and Weehawken have apprised residents and visitors of various restrictions that will apply on the Fourth of July.
Hoboken has issued a “zero tolerance” policy for Independence Day, similar to the ones issued each year for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This means there will be heavy fines given to people who violate various city restrictions that day. Restrictions include the following:
• Spectators will need to pass through checkpoints to access the Hoboken waterfront.
• No parties or gatherings on rooftops for viewing fireworks unless the property has been properly zoned and approved for rooftop access.
• Gathering on fire escapes is strictly prohibited.
• Balconies, porches, or any other structures for viewing will be strictly enforced within the confines of the codes for such structures.
• No alcohol will be permitted on any walkways or parks along the waterfront, although coolers with non-alcoholic refreshments will be permitted.
Similar restrictions have been issued in Weehawken, including:
• Public consumption of alcoholic beverages will not be permitted.
• No fireworks, including sparklers, will be tolerated.
• Barbeques on balconies and 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.
Street, park closures – Hoboken
To accommodate the expected crowds, and for security reasons, several streets throughout Hudson County will be closed on the fourth.
In Hoboken, Sinatra Drive between First Street and 15th Street will be closed from 8 a.m. until midnight, as will River Street between Hudson Place and Fourth Street. (There will be limited access on Hudson Street between First Street and Third Street for residents and parking customers.)
Since Hudson will be closed, Vezzetti Way (along Observer Highway), between Washington Street and Willow Avenue, will be a designated taxi area and there will be no public parking after 8 a.m., according to Hoboken City Hall.
In addition to these street closures, Pier C Park will also be closed due to safety concerns.
On July 4, there will be no parking permitted from 8 a.m. until midnight on the following streets: Fourth Street between River and Clinton on the south side of the street; Willow Avenue between Fourth Street and 11th Street on the west side of the street; Hudson Place near the PATH Station; Newark Street between Hudson Street and Sinatra Drive; Clinton Street between Seventh Street and Eighth Street; and Hudson Street between Observer Highway and 14th Street on the west side of the street.
There will be no parking on Sinatra Drive from First Street to 15th Street beginning at 8 a.m. on Sunday, July 3.
Visitors looking for parking will be directed to municipal garages B and D on Second Street and Hudson Street, respectively.
Street, park closures – Weehawken
Several streets in Weehawken will also be closed on the fourth for security reasons.
In a letter posted to the municipal website last week, Mayor Richard Turner noted that Boulevard East between North Marginal Highway and the Bergen County line will be closed to vehicles that day and will likely close sometime around 4 p.m. Pedestrians will be permitted to walk on the Boulevard, however.
In addition, several streets leading into Boulevard East – including Highwood Terrace, Hamilton Avenue, Hudson Place, Duer Place, Bonn Place, Clifton Terrace, Fulton Street, Cooper Place, 47th Street, 48th Street, 49th Street, and 51st Street – will also close to vehicular traffic at around 4 p.m. on the Fourth of July.
Other Weehawken streets that will close sometime Monday afternoon include: Gregory Avenue, Washington Street, Highpoint Avenue, Oak Street, Shippen Street, Dodd Street, Jane Street, Angelique Street, and Hackensack Plank Road at 19th Street, and Ridgley Place.
Lincoln Harbor Park will be open for Independence Day. However, the park will be open only to Weehawken residents and proof of residency will be required.
Hamilton Plaza, Weehawken Stadium, and the city’s new waterfront park will be closed all day.
Go public, if possible
With all the street closures and parking restrictions that will be in effect for the fourth, local municipalities are encouraging people to use mass transit, if possible.
Hoboken officials pointed out last week that visitors who drive into the city should expect gridlock and delays of two-to-four hours getting out of town after the fireworks end.
Most public transportation systems are expected to increase service on the Fourth of July to accommodate the large crowds.
For scheduling information regarding the PATH system, visit www.panynj.gov/path.
For scheduling information for NJ Transit buses and the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, visit www.njtransit.com.
Travelers should be warned that transit systems may bypass specific bus and train stops if crowd conditions become a safety concern or if buses and rail cars become full.
E-mail E. Assata Wright at awright@hudsonreporter.com.