Fortunately, professional fireworks displays are plentiful this time of year and provide a safe and breathtaking alternative to illegal fireworks. This year the Riverbay Fund presents Fireworks on Monday July 3, 2017 to be viewed from Greenway 3 located between Buildings 10 and 25 opposite the little league fields located on Co-op City Boulevard. The fireworks begin at 9:00 P.M. Bring a chair and join your neighbors for a fun filled evening.

Residents that live in the area and usually park on Co-op City Boulevard from Bellamy Loop to Peartree Avenue please be advised that there will be no parking on Monday July 3, 2017 from 8:00 AM until 12:00 Midnight. Vehicles are subject to being summonsed and towed at the owner's expense. In addition, Co-op City Boulevard from Bellamy Loop to Peartree Avenue will be closed to all vehicular traffic from 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM. These restrictions are in place to insure safety and prevent property damage.

There are numerous fireworks displays throughout the Tri-State area all summer long. These fireworks displays are an excellent alternative to using illegal fireworks.

Macy's promises that New York City's big Independence Day fireworks, rightfully back on the East River for a few years now, are going to be more explosive than ever this year, promises Macy's. For their 41st Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks, the company says they're going even bigger with their "pyrotechnic spectacle," delivering the "largest display in more than a decade, igniting the skyline with more than 60,000 shells launched from five barges positioned in midtown on the East River."

The show draws an estimated 3 million spectators a year, from rooftops and the river shorelines, and other nearby viewing points, and is already the largest in the nation. A press release did not explain why they are going even bigger for 2017, but it did explain that there will be new effects, including "ghost peonies" and "orange bees".

The 41st edition of the festivities will showcase a 25-minute display featuring never-before-seen shells and effects. Pyro Spectaculars by Souza is once again at the helm of the pyrotechnics that will feature multiple new shells including color changing chrysanthemums, purple crackling ghost peonies, orange bees, and pulsing happy faces in 23 electrifying colors including fuchsia, lemon and aqua.

As the basis for the Fireworks choreography, the score will feature performances from the West Point Band, which has lent its instrumental talents to create ANTHEM, the show's inspiring all-American musical tribute. Featuring new arrangements of Independence Day favorites like "Yankee Doodle," "You're A Grand Old Flag," and "America the Beautiful," the show will ignite patriotism in the hearts of millions.

On Tuesday July 4, 2017 at 9:00 P.M. Macy's presents fireworks from barges on the East River from 24th-41st street with prime viewing locations along the East River from elevated portions of the FDR Drive which will be closed to vehicular traffic on this date. You can access the elevated portions of the FDR Drive from Houston Street, 23rd Street, 34th Street, 42nd Street, Broad Street ground level, Old Slip upper level, Pearl Street and Frankfort Street. Fireworks are shot 1,000 feet into the sky also creating excellent viewing areas from locations in Brooklyn, Queens, New Jersey and Staten Island.

While it is nice to see the fireworks live, in front your television provides the optimum viewing location with none of the hassle. Whatever you do, do not drive into New York City on July 4th.

New York State is one of five states in which all fireworks are illegal for use by the general public. The other four states are Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Rhode Island. The number of states completely banning illegal fireworks increases every year as injuries increase. Rhode Island was the last state which added itself to this list because of an indoor fireworks display which resulted in the death of 100 people.

New York City put in effect a Zero Tolerance policy regarding the sale or use of illegal fireworks within the limits of New York City. Here in Co-op City the Zero Tolerance laws are enforced by both the New York City Police Department as well as the Co-op City Department of Public Safety. Co-op City residents are also subject to receiving a Community Complaint if they are arrested by any police agency within the geographical confines of Co-op City.

Emergency Rooms in the United States see an average of over 9,000 persons per year injured by illegal fireworks. A majority of fireworks related injuries occur in the time period just before and just after the 4th of July. Injuries to children under the age of 15 represent more than one third of the injuries. Males sustain 75 percent of fireworks related injuries. The most common body part injured by fireworks is the hands followed by the eyes. Injuries include burns, contusions, lacerations, amputations and blindness.

Fireworks often thought to be safe are one of the leading causes of injuries. Seemingly harmless sparklers, with their over 1,000 degree white hot burning wire are the leading cause of injuries to children under five years of age. Injuries to hands, eyes or feet are the most common. Sparklers have also been known to ignite children's clothing. Bottle rockets and firecrackers are responsible for a majority of fireworks injuries because they are commonly used. Every type of consumer firework has been associated with serious injury or death. Quality standards are non-existent on most consumer fireworks which are generally mass produced and imported from China.

Leave fireworks displays to the professionals and enjoy a safe and Happy Fourth of July. Nobody wants to spend their holiday weekend seeking the help of an eye doctor or a hand specialist. Enjoy the "OOHS" and "AAHS" of a professional fireworks display and know that you will be safe.

Residents are reminded that barbequing is not permitted on any of the public areas of Co-op City. Strict guidelines set forth by the New York City Fire Department do not permit barbecuing in within 10 feet of any residential building. The exception to this is electric barbecue grills for grilling on terraces and patios. Propane tanks are strictly prohibited by the New York City Fire Department in any multiple family dwellings. Residents are also reminded that Bike Riding is not permitted near buildings, in shopping malls or anywhere else signs prohibiting bicycle riding are posted.

The Public Safety Department would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy Fourth of July. Remember to stay safe this summer, especially near pools, beaches and other bodies of water. Throughout the summer, we will be featuring articles that focus on the rules that affect the quality of life in the community. Always remember, if you see something, say something. Call 911 and the Department of Public Safety at (718)671-3050 or online at www.ccpd.us. Callers may remain anonymous when giving information. The Co-op City Department of Public Safety would like to thank all persons who have called in suspicious activity. It is by your actions that the crime rate remains low and a high quality of life is maintained.