Kenosha panel approves amendment to allow fireworks at Italian festival despite questions about nearby lighthouse owner

The Kenosha Public Works Committee voted to approve an amendment allowing fireworks at the Kenosha Italian Fest planned for September 2025 on privately owned property, committee chairperson Jack Rose announced after a voice vote.

The amendment, requested by the Italian American Society, seeks to add a fireworks display to the event’s permit. The change drew public comment and questions from committee members about the display’s proximity to a nearby lighthouse and whether the property owner had been consulted.

The request came before the committee during a special meeting called Aug. 18. Eric Hallgar, of 3818 Fifth Avenue and a member of the Italian American Club and its board, spoke in favor of the amendment and confirmed the society was seeking to add fireworks to the application. “To add fireworks to the application,” Hallgar said.

Committee members pressed organizers to confirm safety arrangements. Vice Chair Dominic Grof and other members asked whether the society had consulted the owner of the nearby lighthouse and how close the fireworks would be to the structure. Marnie Pitts, identified in the meeting as the society’s president, said the group had recently discussed moving the launch point but had not yet had a chance to speak directly with the lighthouse owner. “We recently had conversations, like, within the last few days about moving the point of . . . letting off to that location. So I haven’t had a chance yet to talk to anybody,” Pitts said.

Committee members emphasized standard safety practices for fireworks and the need for the society to coordinate with the property owner and with the licensed pyrotechnics operator. One member noted that the city’s typical Fourth of July displays use marked-off safety zones and said a similar approach would be expected for a privately run show.

After a brief exchange and public comment, a committee member moved to approve the amendment; a second was made. The chair called for a voice vote. Several members verbally responded “aye,” and Rose recorded the motion as passed. The minutes show six members were present for roll call; the committee approved the amendment by voice vote, with the chair voting in the affirmative.

The committee did not specify written conditions in the meeting record beyond members’ requests that the society confirm the lighthouse owner’s consent and ensure the display adheres to the pyrotechnician’s recommended safety practices. No permit conditions, specific distances, insurance requirements or documented communications with the lighthouse owner were recorded during the meeting.

Committee members adjourned the special meeting after the vote.