Union Beach To Host Sept. 11 Lights After Display Canceled In NYC

UNION BEACH, NJ – As scores of residents in the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area voiced criticism over the cancellation of the annual Sept. 11 light display in New York City, officials from two Central Jersey towns decided to form their own tribute this year.

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum, which hosts the lights, told the New York Times on Thursday that its annual light beams would not be on display this year due to worries surrounding the health risks to approximately 40 electricians who work for over a week to assemble the lights.

However, one official from Union Beach – a town north of Hazlet nestled in Raritan Bay – announced that it would take over this year’s commemorative duties.

In a Aug. 14 Facebook post, Union Beach Councilman Al Lewandowski announced that the municipality will shine light beams from the waterfront from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Sept. 11 and 12. Specifics will be announced on Aug. 19 following a Borough Council meeting the day prior, according to the official.

"We have two four-beam skytrackers coming out. They put out 4,000 watts," Lewandowski told Patch Friday morning. "I'm a fireman and also sit on our town Council. After New York City backed out, I was thinking, 'Why not our skyline, our waterfront?'”

Lewandowski said he is working with fellow Union Beach Councilman Charles Cocuzza and Recreation Director Al Evans to get their lights up.

On Friday, Middletown mayor Tony Perry vowed a similar display. In an emergency letter to the president of the Sept. 11 Memorial and Museum, he wrote:

"I am writing to express my deep disappointment and outrage in your decision to cancel the 9/11 tribute lights," wrote Perry. "Middletown was the second hardest hit area after New York City, with 37 members of our community perishing in the attack of the World Trade Center ... I think it's a disgrace the (museum) has canceled the largest visible tribute to those who made the greatest sacrifice for our country."

"If you do not want to host the 9/11 tribute lights in New York City, I will proudly, and safely, host them in Middletown," said Perry.

However, the Big Apple may still see its own tribute next month.

As the New York Daily News reports, firefighters and police officers from New York City have recently teamed up to push the display to another location and, with the help of nonprofit Tunnel to Towers, efforts have been made to secure the lights and sign off on a new spot.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo also announced over the weekend that the state would provide resources for the tribute to continue, with former mayor Michael Bloomberg vowing to offset any additional costs.

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