Red Bank Looks To Regulate Use of Unauthorized Fireworks

RED BANK, NJ — The borough council is looking to regulate the use of unauthorized fireworks in town.

At its workshop meeting Wednesday, Mayor Pasquale "Pat" Menna introduced the idea based off of resident complaints and discussion with the mayors of Asbury Park and Long Branch.

"The question is whether we should move forward with regulation of unauthorized fireworks use by private individuals, expect when permitted by the municipality," Menna posed to the borough council.

The proposed measure, which is expected to be officially introduced at the borough council's next meeting on July 21, would mirror what is currently outlawed under state law. State law prohibits fireworks that are rocket propelled and can be seen above trees, or any that burst or detonate. It would also give fire code officials the ability to seize unauthorized fireworks at the owner's expense.

"Our residents want some form of relief at two o'clock in the afternoon or four o'clock in the morning," Menna said. "And more importantly, a lot of these people don't clean up after themselves ... they leave the debris on the streets, they leave it on their neighbors lawns and rear yards and its a problem. I think we ought to address it."

The proposed measure would not prohibit the borough from bringing in a professionally-trained organization in doing a fireworks show, Council Michael Ballard noted, only the use of private fireworks that can be hazardous to quality of life for Red Bank residents.

"Fireworks are fantastic, they are a nice sight, but they’re dangerous," Ballard said. "They harm people, they harm vehicles, they harm property. It's nice to view them but with the mess they leave and the potential damage they can do within our borough, I think we need to bring it line."

Violations of the proposed ordinance would only incur civil penalties through a warning then a possible summons or fine, officials said.

"We're not trying to make criminals out of dads or uncles who want to put on a fireworks display, but we do want to keep our residents safe and their property safe," Ballard said.