Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Fireworks Ordinance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Resident urges Middletown to tighten fireworks rules, citing distressed animals and late-night blasts
Summary
At public forum resident Barry McGough asked the council to limit types and hours for consumer fireworks, citing horse and dog distress and urging time limits (e.g., end by 9:30–10 p.m.) or municipal opt-outs where permissible.
During the public forum Barry McGough (speaker 7) of Middletown urged the council to treat late-night, high-explosive fireworks as a serious local problem. McGough, who lives near equestrian facilities, described horses and dogs frightened by recent explosive fireworks near Green End Avenue and 3rd Beach Road and said neighbors are already experiencing disturbances ahead of summer.
He asked the council to consider several changes: limit permitted ground fireworks to those legally sold in the state, impose a reasonable curfew (examples offered: end by 9:30 or 10 p.m.), and consider local ordinances more restrictive than state allowance, noting other municipalities had enacted opt-outs that allow fireworks only on July 4 and New Year's Eve.
McGough said enforcement is difficult because police require specific addresses to respond to noisy fireworks complaints. He urged the council to update local rules to protect animal welfare and residents' sleep and to consider licensing or time limits that reflect community standards.
