Police Costs, Staffing Halt Plans for First Fourth Parade

A special event application for a Fourth of July parade on July 2 was denied Tuesday by Borough Council due to police costs and staffing.

The First Fourth Committee, attempting to reincarnate the parade after last year’s lapse, didn’t submit the application by the required deadline -- 90 days in advance of the event. Police Chief Anthony Wojciechowski recommended that Council deny the application because he said due to the lack of notice, he wouldn’t be able to schedule the appropriate number of officers needed.

Police coverage for the parade would cost the borough $1,200. The First Fourth Committee’s application asked the borough to waive the cost of police coverage.

“It’s too close to the event for him to be able to gather the officers for it,” Council President Julia Woldorf said, adding staffing is especially tricky that time of year because of the holiday weekend and summer vacations.

Paul Salvatore of the First Fourth parade committee asked that the borough consider allowing them to hold the event a week later. But Mayor Dennis O’Brien pointed out that if the committee were going to adhere to the 90 day window, the parade would occur in August.

“Does Council wish to spend that money for this particular event?” Woldorf asked.

The answer was no. Council voted 3-2 to deny the application. Gerard O’Malley and Bob Walker supported the application.

“It’s nice to have an event in town celebrating the Fourth of July,” O’Malley said.

Woldorf said there could still be a Fourth of July celebration, it just wouldn’t be a parade. “I think there’s other ways to celebrate the Fourth of July that don’t require closing streets,” she said.

The Newtown Corporation is still planning its fireworks for July 2 at Newtown Middle School, said Frank Brassell, the organization's vice chair.