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No July 4 fireworks in Bethel Park

By Cara Host 2 min read
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The skies over Bethel Park will be relatively dark on Independence Day, as the municipality will not host a fireworks display this year.

For at least the past 20 years, Bethel Park has launched its Fourth of July fireworks from an area near the South Hills Village parking garage. A new apartment building is now at that site.

Municipal officials said they attempted to find an alternative venue, but all the prospective sites had issues will traffic, safety or other concerns.

“We’re trying to get the word out, but I know there will be people who will show up and wonder why there aren’t any fireworks,” Councilman Mark O’Brien said at the workshop meeting June 27.

The fireworks show was nearly canceled last year, but Port Authority of Allegheny County allowed the use of its garage roof to have one last fireworks display near the mall .

Also at the workshop meeting, council discussed purchasing $8,778 worth of teleconferencing equipment to give council members an option to participate in meetings when they are unable to attend in person. The new equipment will allow members to call into the meeting and participate in any discussion, listen to constituents and vote on motions.

“People like us to do a job, and this will help us do that job,” Councilman Jim Hannan said.

Absent council members would not count toward a quorum. At least five members need to attend the meeting in person; otherwise, the meeting would be canceled.

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