Letter to Macy’s Regarding Annual Fireworks Display in New York City

Terry J. Lundgren
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Macy’s Inc.
7 West Seventh Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202

Dear Mr. Lundgren,

First, I would like to applaud Macy’s recent labor agreement with workers in the New York Metropolitan area. Macy’s has a well-earned reputation as a good corporate citizen of New York, and the contract recently agreed upon makes clear that the company remains committed to sharing its prosperity among all employees in the Macy’s family.

I write today regarding Macy’s annual fireworks display in New York City. For the third consecutive year, the Macy’s Fourth of July fireworks will light up the sky over the Hudson River. As an official representing all of New York City’s neighborhoods, and a Brooklyn resident, I am disappointed that once again only those viewing the fireworks from the West Side of Manhattan or New Jersey will be treated to a front row seat.

In public statements, Macy’s has affirmed that the move to the Hudson River is not permanent—but after three years of glimpsing the fireworks over Manhattan’s skyline, many of us in the outer boroughs wonder if they will ever return to the East River. I urge Macy’s to consider alternating between the Hudson River and East River on an annual basis, beginning next year with a return to the East River. Such a compromise would allow those in Brooklyn and Queens to partake in the festivities, as they have for many years.

I appreciate Macy’s rights as a private entity that puts on a free display for the public’s enjoyment. Certainly, there is no tradition we enjoy celebrating more in Brooklyn and Queens than gathering on our rooftops and waterfront to take in Macy’s spectacular displays every July 4th. I ask that you help millions of outer borough residents continue that tradition.

Sincerely,

Bill de Blasio
Public Advocate for the City of New York

CC:
Robin Hall, Executive Producer, Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks
George Fertitta, CEO, NYC & Company
Stephen Goldsmith, Deputy Mayor of New York City