East Brunswick Mulls Futuristic, Tech-Based Alternative To Traditional Fireworks

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ – Fireworks are wonderful to behold. But the traditional pyrotechnics come with their own drawbacks – noise, pollution, environmental harm and the threat of injury.

What if one could eliminate all the negatives and yet put on a stunning aerial show? The East Brunswick Council is currently mulling over finding an alternative to traditional fireworks.

Leading the research and discussion on the topic is Councilman Kevin McEvoy who told Patch council members are looking at a more futuristic and high-tech alternative through drones and laser shows.

“The biggest problem is the primary boom, and the secondary boom, that traditional fireworks make. And this has a collateral effect on those who live nearby,” McEvoy said.

“Some of the effects are windows rattling, sometimes the entire house shaking, issues for post-traumatic stress disorder individuals, senior citizens, and the serious effect that fireworks have on pets.”

Many residents in the community have told officials they would like fireworks limited in the township.

East Brunswick already has an ordinance that limits fireworks in town. According to the ordinance no one can set off fireworks in the Township unless they have a permit from the Clerk. Permit applications must be filed within 30 and 90 days before the date of the fireworks display. There is also a penalty for those who violate the ordinance.

Fireworks displays are held at the Middlesex County Fairgrounds on Cranbury Road, and often residents have asked officials to ensure the fireworks are launched further back from Cranbury Road.

“My objective is to eliminate all of that, by way of lasers and drones,” McEvoy said.

“I am by no sense of the word an expert on laser and drone technology, but I know we are in the 21st-century and are looking into going in a different direction that will alleviate the problems that traditional fireworks cause.”

As it currently stands, nothing will change with regard to fireworks for the rest of the year, McEvoy said. The traditional pyrotechnics will continue.

If the township does manage to change things, it will indeed be the first in New Jersey to allow only high-tech and futuristic aerial light shows.

It’s important to note that drones and laser light shows also eliminate fire danger, the threat of which has increased in New Jersey.

Just last week, a forest fire burned 1,607 acres in Southern Ocean County. Also, New Jersey averages about 1,500 brush fires each year, consuming an average of 7,000 acres of forest, according to the forest fire service.

A shift from traditional fireworks can appeal to a lot of residents. The demand for drone and laser shows has increased in many parts of the country because of drought.

Although more expensive than traditional fireworks, drone and laser shows are safer, cleaner, and more customizable. They feature multiple designs and choreographed sequences set to patriotic music.

What Is A Drone Aerial Show?

A drone light show is performed by illuminated, synchronized and choreographed drones that arrange themselves in various formations in the sky. Any image can be recreated using a computer program. A growing number of communities in Colorado and California are switching to this high-tech option for July 4 celebrations.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com