Tullytown approves fireworks - with a caveat

LOCATION: Tullytown

BY: JAMES MCGINNIS (The Intelligencer)

DATE: March 05, 2010 02:49 AM

 

DETAILS: Tullytown's safety personnel could ultimately decide whether organizers of the St. Mike's carnival also should be allowed to host a fireworks show.

The borough council voted 6-1 Tuesday night to allow the fireworks exhibition - but only on the condition that police Chief Pat Priore approves the application.

That could pose a problem. The chief said he lacks the authority to approve permits under the borough's large events ordinance. And only the fire marshal can approve a fireworks application, Priore said.

The chief also pointed to a section of the ordinance that states that applications will be denied "in the sole opinion of borough council."

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Church organizers were directed to meet with the police and hammer out a plan to control the crowds and prevent traffic jams.

Michael DiIorio, pastor at St. Michael the Archangel on Levittown Parkway, said he's cautiously optimistic about the fireworks. "I took the vote for what it was," he said. "It was a positive first step."

But, he added, the church won't hire a fireworks team unless it receives final approval.

"We will work as closely as possible with the chief," DiIorio said.

James McGinnis can be reached at 215-949-3248 or jmcginnis@phillyBurbs.com.