Harvey Development Authority approves extended parking hours for July 18 fireworks

The Harvey Development Authority voted unanimously on June 15 to allow parking operators in lots A and C to keep operations open until 10:00 p.m. on July 18 for the town’s 250th fireworks celebration.

The request, made via email by operator Joseph Riley, sought permission to extend parking hours beyond the RFP limit of 8:00 p.m. to accommodate the evening events and expected crowds. Bartley Kelly told the board Riley had requested the extension so attendees could park for the celebration. The chair moved to permit extended hours and the motion was seconded; a roll-call vote recorded all members in favor.

Board members discussed fairness between lots and potential revenue impacts. One member recommended applying the extension to both lots A and C "just as a matter of policy" so no operator is advantaged over another. The board also clarified that lot B will remain reserved for carnival workers, vendors and volunteers and will not be public parking during the carnival.

A member of the public, Cindy Borges of Manhattan Avenue, raised concerns about restroom access and public-health conditions if parking were extended late into the night, asking, "They have no bathrooms. Like, where are the people going to go to use the bathrooms this night?" Board members responded that the carnival and the 250th celebration will provide porta-potties and agreed to notify operators of the decision.

The board directed staff to notify both parking operators of the extended hours and to remind them of contract requirements, including signage indicating residents with stickers park free. The extension applies only for the July 18 fireworks event; no policy change beyond that single approval was adopted at the meeting.