New York News in Brief, July 4

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Fireworks Destruction Extravaganza

Fireworks Still Illegal in the City

The NYPD bomb squad lit up 5,000 pounds of illegal fireworks on Friday and filmed it all. The video clip was posted on YouTube to remind New Yorkers that “all consumer fireworks are illegal, and individuals caught buying, selling, or using fireworks will be arrested,” according to a press release. Mayor Michael Bloomberg, NYPD Commissioner Raymond Kelly, and FDNY Commissioner Salvatore Cassano also issued a statement, reminding New Yorkers to stay away from fireworks this Independence Day. From sparklers to professional pyrotechnics, the police department confiscated over 5,000 pounds of illegal fireworks this year. In addition, 70 people were arrested and six vehicles were seized in connection to the transport of illegal fireworks. The Firework Enforcement Unit have made 20 arrests, seizing 300 cases of illegal fireworks worth more than $25,000 to date. “We’ve worked to aggressively crackdown on the use of illegal fireworks and the transporting of illegal fireworks into the city. Our efforts have dramatically reduced the number of injuries caused by fireworks each year, bringing injuries down to only one last year,” said Bloomberg in a press release. The mayor urged New Yorkers to attend the 9 p.m. Macy’s fireworks display, adding that it is “the greatest fireworks show in the world.” Residents can report illegal fireworks by calling 3-1-1.

9/11 Health Act Takes Effect

Mayor Michael Bloomberg, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, NYPD Commissioner Raymond Kelly, FDNY Commissioner Salvatore Cassano, and other prominent figures gathered at the Mount Sinai Medical Center on Friday to celebrate the effective start of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. The act provides $2.8 billion in federal funding for health care and victims’ compensation. It funds the WTC Centers of Excellence and provides health benefits for 9/11 victims through 2015. Following several unsuccessful attempts, the bill received approval from Congress on December 22, 2010. “As the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act goes into effect, we are paying back part of a debt that can never be fully repaid and making sure that first responders and those who lived and worked near the disaster site get the care they need and deserve,” said Sebelius in a press release.

Independence Day Street Closures

Much of Westside Highway is closed for the fireworks spectacular today and the cleanup that will follow late into the night. Drivers are advised to take public transportation and to avoid Northbound Westside Highway from 23rd Street to 57th Street and Southbound Westside Highway from 79th Street to 23rd Street.