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Resident urges limits on private fireworks after personal injury
Summary
A Franklin resident told the council that fireworks reawakened childhood trauma and urged the city to consider redirecting the fireworks budget to veterans’ groups or keep a single municipal display while curbing private displays; he asked the council to consider training and safety steps.
Matthew Abadi, who identified himself as a Franklin resident, urged the council to re-examine how the city manages fireworks, saying the July 3–12 period left him "lying awake hearing the sky filled with celebratory explosions" and that he still bears injuries from a childhood concussive blast.
Abadi told the council two alternatives for consideration: divide the annual fireworks budget among local veterans' organizations, or retain a single city fireworks display but partner with veteran-owned businesses for volunteer cleanup and support. "Fireworks put stress on several city departments," he said, calling out police, fire and EMT workloads. He also asked why there is not a federal training requirement for fireworks handling.
Council members acknowledged limits on municipal authority and encouraged Mr. Abadi to continue engagement. The mayor said the council hears concerns from veterans and appreciates the personal testimony. No formal ordinance or motion followed the comment; the council moved on to the evening's agenda items.
