Middletown approves private fireworks permit at Greycraig despite abutter and watershed concerns; contractor says products meet setback rules

The Town of Middletown Town Council on June 15 voted to grant a special-event permit for a private fireworks display at 75 Greycraig Road despite councilors’ expressed concerns about nearby drinking-water infrastructure and a bird sanctuary.

Councilors asked whether abutters receive notice and whether the town’s permitting process requires police or fire presence; staff said the application requires use of a reputable pyrotechnics contractor and coordination with the fire department, and noted one abutter was sent a copy of the application. City staff acknowledged that broad abutter notice is not currently required and said amending the special-event permit ordinance to require notice could be considered for future events.

Anthony Collins, representing the contracted Pyro Technical Fireworks team, told councilors that federal regulations require certain setback distances from waterways and that his company doubles those distances at the site ‘‘to make sure we’re away from the waterway, so nothing should land.’’ He said the display uses no plastic shells and that fallout is limited to small amounts of sulfur and cardboard that will dissipate. He acknowledged that extreme winds could cause debris to land beyond planned areas but said the company follows established standards and coordinates with the fire department.

After discussion, the council voted to grant the permit. Several councilors requested staff consider ordinance changes to add abutter notice requirements for fireworks displays going forward.