By Douglas Hook | dhook@masslive.com
A Springfield city councilor has proposed stricter penalties for those caught with fireworks in the city.
Ward 6 City Councilor Victor G. Davila proposed an ordinance change calling for the Springfield Fire Department to issue a $300 fine and allow the Springfield Police Department to issue a criminal complaint or make an arrest if a person is found in possession of fireworks.
“Fireworks pose a real safety threat to our neighborhoods and are a public nuisance. This ordinance change aims to hold those accountable for their reckless use of fireworks,” said Davila. “People work hard. They deserve a quiet and peaceful night of sleep. These knuckleheads are ruining our quality of life and it’s not acceptable.”
Springfield Police Department has received numerous fireworks complaints throughout the city. In the past two weeks, Forest Park - the neighborhood Davila represents - made 426 fireworks complaints.
“I have received countless communications from neighbors across our city like never before. These acts are dangerous and illegal, not to mention inconsiderate, especially to families with young children and individuals experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder including our veterans,” said At-Large City Councilor Jesse Lederman. “We are acting to send a clear message to those who would subject our neighborhoods to such harassment, cut it out.”
It is already illegal in Massachusetts for private citizens to use, possess, sell or purchase them legally elsewhere and then transport them into the state. The law prohibits any article designed to produce a visible or audible effect.
Under the current law, those that are found in possession of fireworks will receive a fine up to $100. However, if a person is found selling fireworks, they could face not only a fine up to $1,000, but also possible imprisonment.
“This isn’t about a few days around the 4th of July. It’s every night, in every neighborhood. It has gotten out of hand. Those setting off fireworks need to feel a larger financial pinch for this disruptive activity,” said Ward 2 City Councilor Mike Fenton.
The proposed ordinance amendment has been co-sponsor by City Councilors Mike Fenton, Adam Gomez, Jesse Lederman, Melvin Edwards, and City Council President Justin Hurst. It will be heard at the next regular city council meeting on July 22 at 6:30 p.m. remotely via Zoom.