After four years of darkness, local politicians are sending an explosive message to Macy's: Bring the fireworks back to the East River.
The department store's decision to move its famed Fourth of July fireworks display to the Hudson River in 2009 was met with rage from residents of Brooklyn and Queens, who since 1976 had enjoyed the luxury of watching the show from their own parks and rooftops.
Now, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio—along with Sen. Daniel Squadron and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz—are fighting back with an online petition, urging Macy's to reinstall the fireworks in what many consider their rightful home.
"The 4.7 million residents from Brooklyn and Queens shouldn't be left in the dark," the petition reads. "I urge you to bring the fireworks back to the East River so everyone can enjoy the show."
According to an article in the New York Daily News, the fireworks were initially moved to the Hudson River to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's voyage.
Macy's spokesman Orlando Veras told the Daily News that the location of the fireworks is not necessarily fixed.
"It will take place in and around all of New York City's waterways," Veras said. "It just so happens this year it's on the Hudson."
Want the fireworks back on the East River? Sign the petition here.
